Besides being a mixed bag of excitement over new parts and trepidation over aching feet, the Specialty Equipment Market Association show has become a major part of the Big Three automakers' marketing plans. All the manufacturers have large booths spotlighting their newest products and filled with project vehicles, showing how friendly they are to the customizing crowd. It is customary for one of the primary auto manufacturers to back the show, but in an unprecedented move this year, the Big Three-Ford, General Motors, and Daimler-Chrysler-were all sponsors in an effort to promote American muscle.
As such, the musclecars from each of those companies adorned the cover of the must-have show guide, a who's who of the aftermarket industry. What really stuck us was that the Camaro concept and Challenger concept joined GT 500 reality on the guide's cover. That shows you what a huge lead Ford has in this segment. The S197 Mustang is already in its third model year, and has two specialty iterations available: the Shelby GT 500 and Shelby GT. That lead came through loud and clear on the show floor where S197 Mustangs were among the most popular show cars. There seemed to be a growing contingent of restomod vintage Mustangs populating the show as well. In all, the Mustang is still where it's at.
Let's hope Ford keeps this positive momentum going while the other manufacturers are still trying to get to market, as aftermarket parts development follows the popular crowd.
Air Flow ResearchLast year, Air Flow Research [(661) 257-8124; www.airflowresearch.com]offered the Comp Package on the company's 165cc Ford small-block cylinder head. This year, the same extra CNC detailing for the popular 185cc version is available. The $400 upgrade gives these already exciting heads more urge. Also look for ligher, more flow-friendly 8mm valves in AFR Ford heads. Slightly more expensive, the 8mm valves have proven a big help in AFR's Chevy versions and promise good things for the Ford castings as well.
PennzoilNot satisfied to leave its Platinum synthetic oil alone, Pennzoil (www.pennzoil-platinum.com) has revised its formula to include adaptive molecules designed to better resist heat, shear, and pressure. While this technology is said to better protect your engine from damage, it also maintains a more consistent viscosity, which is critical to systems such as the Three-Valve modular's hydraulically actuated Variable Cam Timing.