Alston Racing’s New 2012 Camaro Pro Link Drag Race Chassis Now Available

A newly developed Alston Pro Link 2012 Camaro Sportsman drag race chassis is now available from Alston Racing. Designed to use all the race-proven Alston Racing suspension components, interior kits and Fast Glass windows, the new Camaro drag race chassis features a 112-inch wheelbase and is available with several options that allow racers to spec a chassis for their particular needs or preferences.

The new Alston Racing Pro Link 2012 Camaro chassis will make its public debut at the 5^th Annual Race & Performance Expo, Feb. 25 & 26 in St. Charles, IL.

The standard chassis is fabricated out of mild steel, with 4130 chrome moly available as an upgrade. The rear suspension is Alston’s race proven Pro Link four-link and can ordered with Alston’s Pro-9 fabricated rear axle housing. The standard front suspension is a Strange Engineering strut design, but the new chassis can also be fitted with Alston’s double A-arm configuration as well.

The new Alston Racing Camaro Sportsman chassis is designed specifically for the VFN 2010+ Camaro body. The standard chassis is suitable for 7.50 – 8.50 certification, is also available in chrome moly to meet the 25-1E certification.

One aspect of their chassis that Alston has become known for is their relatively large and “roomy” driver’s compartment. “Even with the funny car cage option, this chassis provides a very roomy driver’s cockpit,” explains Mike Ruth, Alston Racing Product Manager. “As a matter of fact, the chassis we have in our shop right now has been ordered to fit a driver that is six-foot, six-inches tall and weighs more than 300 pounds.”

“We’ve designed this new chassis to be as one-stop as possible,” adds Ruth. “Using all our proven Alston Racing suspension components, interior kits and even our Fast Glass windows, you can essentially build this chassis right out of our catalog.”

For more information, give the Sales Team at Alston Racing a call at 847/395-3500.

Alston Racing Introduces New Power Drag Racing Wiring Kit

Alston Racing introduces a new, pre-configured wiring kit that makes powering up a chassis-based race car a snap. The Alston Electronics Power Drag Racing Kit is a simple, modular wiring system designed for all classes of drag racing. It provides the builder with all of the components necessary to power the electrical systems in the drag car. The new Electronics Power Drag Racing Kit is available for order now and has an MSRP of $1,299.

Using OEM multiplexing technology, the new Alston Electronics Power Drag Racing Kit provides a rugged, proven electrical system that slashes the number of wires on the chassis, greatly reducing the time required to wire the car. The kit also includes functions that have been unavailable in traditional wiring harnesses and offers power diagnostics to help identify and fix electrical problems quickly.

Built for Hardcore Race Duty
The system is designed for harsh-duty and off-highway applications. The Electronics Power Drag Racing kit uses the exact same components as systems used in first-responder vehicles, utility trucks and military vehicles. The entire system has been tested to survive vibration, mechanical shock, temperature extremes and harsh chemical exposure.

Utilizing an exclusive multiplexed switch panel, the Alston Electronics Drag Racing Kit simplifies the entire switch wiring process to two simple conductors, dramatically reducing the size and weight of the electrical harness in the vehicle. Additionally, the multiplexed architecture means that you put the outlets where you need them in the car, further reducing the size and weight of the power harness.

The Alston Electronics Drag Racing Kit becomes a great foundation for your electrical system. Depending on your car and your application, additional outlets can be added to control other electrical functions, including nitrous oxide systems. Best of all, additional modules are completely plug-and-play and can be added to the car when you need them.

For more information on this and other Alston Racing products or to get your free Alston Racing catalog, call us at 847/394-3500. Like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AlstonRacing

Alston Racing to Host New 2-Day Dave Morgan Chassis Tuning Seminar

Alston Racing announced that they will be hosting a race car chassis seminar by renowned chassis tuner, Dave Morgan, March 3 & 4, in Lake Zurich, IL.

Morgan’s previous one-day seminars had a reputation for being over-packed with information, so much so that some racers felt it was too much to cover and process in a single day. As a result, Morgan has developed a new two-day seminar series for racers who want to receive more in-depth information at a better pace and one that allows for more discussion and interaction.

“I’ve always felt that I left a lot out of my lecture,” said Morgan. “Yet there was really nothing I could do. It happened so many times… by the time we got done on Saturday, I could see that the attendees were maybe a little…or a lot overloaded before we even got to the final subject, rear suspensions.”

Morgan believes the new, two-day format will provide everyone with a better learning experience,” said Morgan. “We can cover many more details about the subjects I normally cover, while adding new material and allowing more time for discussion of examples and the challenges everyone faces in setting up their chassis.”

Morgan notes that the design of this seminar is not one where he simply added additional information to the end of the previous lesson plan. “As a whole, the new two-day seminar is much more comprehensive throughout. For example, in the past, there was never enough time to discuss subjects such burnouts, aerodynamics, front suspensions or hardware. What I really like about this plan is that we can save most of Sunday to discuss suspensions so people get a chance to rest before listening to their favorite subject,” added Morgan.

As they have in the past, Alston Racing will serve as the host for the Dave Morgan seminar in the Chicago market. This years event will be hosted by Alston Racing Products in new Lake Zurich, IL location.

“These seminars have been very popular with Midwestern drag racers,” said Mike Ruth, Product Manager for Alston Racing. “As in previous years, we are pleased to hosting Dave and providing the venue for his outstanding seminars and letting him share his knowledge with the racers attending. Dave is a very smart guy and not afraid to answer questions. I think it’s important for people to hear what he as to say because he can help them improve their car’s performance and at the end of the day, save them money by being more effective at setting up their cars when they do get them out to the track.”

Visit www.davemorganseminars.com for more information about Morgan’s new seminar plan, read testimonials, take a self-test and register for the March 3-4 event in Wauconda or contact Morgan directly at staaytuned@aol.com or via phone at 567/242-9779.

Additional Speaker to Attend

For the Alston Racing hosted Morgan Seminar, attendees will also hear from John McCrory, Race Car Product Manager from Aurora Bearing. McCrory will be a part of the seminar and give a presentation on race car bearing selection. “This will be a ‘everything you ever wanted to know about bearings, but were afraid to ask’ part of the overall seminar,” said Ruth. “He will also hold a question & answer session for the attendees. John is very well known in the racing world and will no doubt bring additional value to the overall seminar.”

 

New Product: Universal High Horsepower IRS

The Heidts Automotive Group announces the availability of a new Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) system designed for high-horsepower, “universal” applications that may not be covered by the existing Pro-G products. This new product is based off the proven and award-winning Pro-G IRS design and extends Heidts’ leadership with regards to their existing range of fully-engineered front and rear suspension systems and components.

 

“We’re really excited about the Universal High Horsepower IRS,” says Mike Hawley, Heidts Sales Manager. “We are constantly amazed by the mechanical creativity of our dealers and their customers and we can’t wait to see all the types of vehicles that will be built around this new Universal IRS system.”

NEW: Universal, High Horsepower IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)

Responding to the requests of our dealers and customers, the Heidts Engineering Team developed a high horsepower, universal application of the award-winning Pro-G IRS design and geometry.

The new Universal HHP IRS features a fully-welded and boxed, cut-to-fit upper cross member, heavy-duty upper and lower control arms, fully welded uprights, heavy duty constant velocity joints and axle shafts as well as Heidts’ own cast center section that can be loaded with a wide range of gear ratios and posi-traction differentials. The HHP IRS also makes use of standard 10.5-inch inboard mounted disc brakes with four-piston Wilwood calipers. Based upon the intended vehicle application, the Heidts Sales Team will help the dealer or customer select the proper spring rates for the coil-over shock assemblies. To aid in custom installations, the HHP IRS is available in both 56- and 58-inch wheel track versions.

The Heidts Universal High Horsepower IRS (HHP IRS) package includes:

* 9-inch aluminum rear gear/differential housing
* 3rd member, iron, posi-traction
* Heavy Duty CV Joint & Half Shafts
* Tubular Upper & Lower Control Arms
* Steel Outer Uprights
* Fully welded and boxed Top Cross member
* Frame Mounting Brackets
* Front Pinion Support
* Forward Struts (requires sub-frame connectors)
* 10.5-inch Wilwood Rotors
* Black, four-piston Wilwood brake calipers
* Billet single adjustable coil-overs with chrome plated springs

Options include:
* Available in 56- or 58-inch wheel track widths
* Choice of gear ratios
* Choice of rear spring rates
* Parking brake kit and cable kit

Hawley notes that the new Universal High Horsepower IRS is available for order now and typically ships within 48 hours. “Here’s your chance to be one of the first to install and build a cool hot rod truck or high horsepower muscle rod around our award-winning Pro-G style IRS,” says Hawley.

For more information on this or other industry-leading Heidts products, contact your local Heidts dealer or call the Heidts Sales Team directly at 888/841-8188.

Heidts Introduces Superide II Front Suspension for ’57-’64 Ford Pickups

Heidts Automotive Group announced the availability of their industry-leading Superide II IFS front suspension system for 1957 to 1964 Ford pickup trucks. This new product essentially extends Heidts’ Superide II design to cover an even wider range of vehicles, with applications for Ford trucks now spanning 1948 to 1964 model years. Heidts also has a Superide II IFS application for 1953 to 1959 Chevrolet trucks.

“Hot rod trucks have always been an important part of the Heidts product offerings,” says Mike Hawley, Heidts Sales Manager. “This new application for the Superide II IFS now covers the early ‘wide cab” model Ford pickups that are gaining popularity with our dealers, builders and customers.”

NEW: Superide II IFS (Independent Front Suspension) for 1957 to 1964 Ford trucks

Using our the famous Mustang II-style dropped front spindle, the innovative Heidts Superide II design uses a front steer mounted rack & pinion unit and employes a steering geometry very similar to the Mustang II, which has proven to work very well on classic trucks.

The heavy-duty upper and lower control arms use threaded adjuster for precise wheel alignment. Regardless of how large a road bump the suspension is subjected to, the threaded adjuster will never slip or loose alignment. The geometry of the suspension provides a low, smooth and highly steerable ride with no bump-steer and a moderate level of anti-dive already incorporated into the design.

A large, robust single-piece main cross member makes the suspension system installation a breeze and eases engine installation. Combined with a full compliment of mounting hardware and thoroughly detailed instructions, the installation will be as smooth as the ride you’ll get with the Heidts Superide II suspension system.

According to Hawley, the ’57 to ’64 Ford pickup Superide II IFS is available for order now and that most orders ship within 48 hours. “There are some awesome hot rod truck builders out there and we are looking forward to working with them on building some cool Ford trucks around the Superide II fronts,” says Hawley.

For more information on this or other industry-leading Heidts products,  contact your local Heidts dealer or call the Heidts Sales team at 800/841-8188.

Heidts Pro-G Front Supsension Survives High Speed Impact

If you drive your favorite hot rod or muscle car out on the street, well… sooner or later, stuff happens! Unfortunately, accidents are part of driving, but the strength of the components you have on or under your car can be the difference between severe damage or minor damage.

David Harvey and Harvey’s Classics are a Heidts dealer in Athens, AL and they had just finished building a high-dollar customized ’68 Camaro for a valued customer. Out on a test drive with the customer, David explains what happened next.

“We were going about 60 mph when we came around a curve and noticed a severe pavement dip at the approach to the bridge. Sean (the car’s owner and driver) only had to time to hit the brakes for a moment, but he knew to let off before we actually hit it to let the front end come back up. I would guess we were probably still going 45 to 50 mph,” said Harvey. “It was one hell of an impact!”

Getting out of the car to inspect the damage, both David and Sean were pleasantly surprised. “I was really surprised that it didn’t even change our door-to-fender gaps on either side. When we got it back to the shop, we put in on the lift expecting to see some significant damage, after all, the force of that impact had to go somewhere…we FELT it. Boy, were we surprised again!”

“The Pro-G cross member took the FULL force of the impact and wasn’t even dented…anywhere! All we did was clean it up real good and repaint the cross member. The only damage we found was that the force of the impact split two of the rubber bushings on the bolts from the steering rack to the cross member… that was it!”

However, as you can see by this next photo, the LS7 engine’s oil pan was not as fortunate.

Be sure to check out Harvey’s Classic website as they have many photos of their recent project, including this high-horsepower ’68 Camaro that serves as the owner’s daily driver.

StangAholics Installs First Pro-G Front and Rear IRS in a Mustang

Located in Porterville, CA, StangAholics became the first Heidts dealer to install the new Heidts Pro-G front and rear suspension systems under their own 1966 Mustang shop car.

“We first built the car with the Heidts Superide II and four-link rear suspension under it,” says Ron Peter. “We were very impressed with the setup and the ride, it was a fun car to drive. After two years, we had more than 1,000 miles of ‘demonstration’ miles on the car and had even taken it to Willow Springs Raceway for a track day.”

About the time they were considering selling the bright yellow Mustang, Heidts contacted the father and son team to see if they were interested in upgrading their shop car to the recently introduced Heidts Pro-G components for the Mustang.

“How could we say no to that?” says Ron. It was also at this time that Jim Smart, a free-lance writer for Modified Mustangs & Fords was brought in to document the Pro-G installation step-by-step. Look for articles on the Pro-G installation in upcoming issues of the magazine.

According to Ron and his son Ryan, the installation was very straight forward. ” I have to hand it to the folks at Heidts – the instructions are very thorough and easy-to-understand, it comes with everything we needed to install it and best of all, the new Pro-G components completely transformed the car. I can’t wait to get it out on the track!” says Ron. “Even just driving it on the street… all Ryan and I could say was, ‘WOW’!

Both Ron and Ryan say they now have NO intentions of selling the car. “It’s just too much fun to drive,” says Ron. “I don’t want to get out of it!”

“Even if I was just going to buy a Mustang, fix it up and never put it on the track, I’d STILL put a Pro-G under it,” says Ryan. “It just has such a nice, solid ride with great steering feel and of course the handling is outstanding. The Pro-G completely transformed the car.”

Specs: StangAholics 1966 Mustang GT350 “clone”

Engine: 302 4V, 375 HP on pump gas

Carb: Edelbrock 650

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Clutch: CenterForce Stage II

Rear Axle ratio: 3.50:1 traction lock

Safety Equipment: 4-pt roll bar, ProCar Sportsman seats & harnesses

Custom exhaust: Newberry Performance Muffler

Customer Build Spotlight: 2 Brothers Custom Trucks

All of us at Heidts love hearing about cool custom builds from our dealers and customers. And, it’s even BETTER when they share in-process images with us and keep us apprised of their progress, especially when the vehicle makes its debut at the world-famous Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

2 Brothers Custom Trucks

For our first customer build spotlight, we’re posting up some pictures of a Heidt-equipped truck built by one of our dealers, 2 Brothers Custom Trucks, Springfield, IL and was on display at the 2011 SEMA Show. Parked just down the ramp from the always popular Ford display, this ultra-cool 1960  sky-blue Ford F-100 was turning heads and stopping traffic all week!

2 Brothers Custom Trucks: 1960 Ford F-100 at the 2011 SEMA Show

Of course this truck makes very good use of a Heidts Superide II IFS front and a customized Heidts four-link rear suspension, easily visible through the clear floor of the truck’s bed. Enjoy the photos and check out 2 Brothers Custom Trucks’ web site for even more photos of this and some of their other custom builds.

This is how you show off your truck's Heidts rear suspension - a clear bed floor!

Good view of the driver's side of the Heidts Superide II front suspension

And yes, it has plenty of power under the hood. How 'bout a twin turbocharged and intercooled 338-cid Y-block Ford? Yeah...that'll do the trick!

Dig those custom, monster wheels!

Seemed like there were ALWAYS people oogling the 2 Brothers Custom Trucks' F-100 at SEMA

Here's a "during" shot from 2 Brothers... looks like the Heidts suspension is already in place!

We want to hear about YOUR Heidts build!

Are YOU building a cool project vehicle around an industry-leading Heidts suspension system? If so, we want to know about it! Drop us an email at sales@heidts.com, reply to this blog post or stop by our Facebook page by following this link.

ISIS Power Documents Heidts Suspension Installation

Our friends at ISIS Power have a cool in-house project vehicle: a 1955 Ford F-100 panel truck. Of course, they are installing their state-of-the-art Intelligent Multiplex System in the truck. But what fun is an old truck with an old suspension?

Jay Harris, president of ISIS Power, contacted Heidts and the wheels were set in motion. Best of all, Harris and his high-tech team, who do a great job with their own how-to videos, decided to document in detail the steps to installing a Heidts Superide II IFS (Independent Front Suspension) under the front of the truck, followed by a Heidts four-link rear suspension out back.

Check out the first two videos below.

Getting Ready: Boxing the Frame Rails

Installing the Heidts front cross member

This Could Be the World’s Fastest Heidts-Equipped Vehicle

Everyone wants to make the “world’s best” claims… world’s most powerful, world’s strongest, world’s oldest, but when it comes to world of high performance vehicles, speed is where it’s at!

World’s Fastest Heidts-Equipped Vehicle

Speedtek Performance, a Heidts dealer in Haltom City, Texas is all about speed and building high performance vehicles for their customers. And like any good performance business, they also believe in having a “shop car” that is a rolling testament to their profession. What they built could in fact be the fastest Heidts-equipped vehicle on the planet.

Keith Sullivan’s 1969 Camaro was built not only as a high-powered street car, thanks to the six-speed manual transmission, supercharged 408 cid LS engine, this street-driven car is also a monster when it comes to standing mile top speed competitions such as the Texas Mile.

Equipped with a Heidts Pro-G bolt-on suspension system up front, while the rear axle is located by a proven Heidts bolt-in four-link suspension, Sullivan’s Camaro ran an astounding 195 miles per hour in the standing mile competition at the spring 2011 Texas Mile event.

With Heidts components helping to put the power down and steering this awesome Camaro, the guys at Speedtek know how to get down the track, down the street and everything in between. Check out the Super Chevy magazine article on Sullivan’s Camaro here.

Think you can build a faster Heidts-equipped vehicle? If you do, we want to hear about it!

Bonus Video Footage! (ボーナスビデオ映像)

Want to see (and hear) a Japanese perspective on the Texas Mile event? Check out this entertaining video from some hard-core Japanese car enthusiasts. Hint: skip forward to the 6:30 mark if you want to see, hear and go for an in-car ride in the Speedtek Performance Camaro while it makes its 195 MPH pass.