Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Ford Racing introduces new Boss 351 engine block


Anyone looking to pump out 600 or more horsepower from their small block Ford have a new foundation from which to build on. Ford Racing is rolling out a new Boss 351 block, which will be capable of supporting displacements ranging from 351 to 460 cubic inches.

The new Boss is based on the architecture of the ever popular 351 Windsor but sports the 2.75 inch main bearings of the Cleveland. The block was designed with strength in mind, using 4-bolt main caps, screw-in freeze plugs, splayed main bolts, siamese bores with engineered coolant cross-drilling, front cross-over lifter oiling, and diesel-grade iron with 41,000 psi tensile strength.

The 351 Boss is designed for both street and strip, as it features a street capable cooling design. Suggested retail price is $1,999.

PRESS RELEASE:

FORD RACING INTRODUCES NEW PERFORMANCE 351 BLOCK

Ford introduces all-new Boss 351 high-performance engine block for Ford enthusiast cars, including hot rods, street rods, race cars, and vintage Mustangs
Race ready and affordably priced, starting at $1999

DEARBORN, Mich., June 12, 2009 – Ford Racing follows the Boss 302 block released in 2006, with the new Boss 351 featuring performance and packaging that will accommodate displacements from 351 to over 460 cubic inches.

"Whether they're racing in a sealed-engine class, building an all-out drag racing engine, or looking for a street performer, the Boss 351 block meets the needs of all Ford 351 enthusiasts, at a price comparable with a performance-prepped stock block," Wolfe added.

The Boss 351 block is based on Windsor 351 architecture with a Cleveland sized 2.75" main bearing journal. Available in two deck heights, 9.2-inch and 9.5-inch, the Boss 351 is designed for performance with 4-bolt main caps, and screw-in freeze plugs. Technological improvements such as splayed main bolts, siamese bores with engineered coolant cross-drilling, front cross-over lifter oiling, and diesel-grade iron with 41,000 psi tensile strength separate the new Boss 351 from both stock and aftermarket blocks.

Max stroke is up to 4.25" depending on crankshaft manufacturer with max bore size topping out at 4.125" with coolant cross drilling. A non cross-drilled block with increased bore capacity will be available by 3rd quarter.

The new Boss 351 is built from all new tooling and incorporates technical developments compiled by Ford Racing engineers and racers. This new block is expected to see wide use in circle-track racing, from NASCAR Late Models to Dirt Modifieds and Late Models.

"Enthusiasts are making big power, 600, even 700 hp, the Boss 351 meets their demand for a reliable, high power foundation." says Wolfe. "Race-specific blocks offer the strength required, but cool poorly for street use and are very expensive for the average enthusiast. The new Boss 351 block features greater strength than most race blocks, a street-capable cooling design, and affordable pricing due to high-volume production. High-volume production also leads to the improved quality and durability you would expect from any Ford block."

Affordably priced to get enthusiasts' hearts pumping, suggested retail price for the Boss 351 block is $1,999. A Boss 351-based crate engine with 427cid is expected to be available by the fourth quarter of 2009. For more information on these engines and other Ford Racing Performance Parts, visit: www.fordracingparts.com.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger reportedly heading to NASCAR in 2010

Admittedly, I'm just not much of a NASCAR fan. Maybe it's because they drive around endlessly in circles. More likely, it's because I don't find Impalas and Camrys all that interesting racing around a track.

So finally, someone seems to be waking up in the stock car world and smelling the proverbial coffee. In an attempt to boost the series' viewers and souvenir sales, Fox Sports is reporting that Ford and Chrysler plan to introduce Mustang- and Challenger -bodied racers into the Nationwide series next year.

The new deigns are due to be submitted for approval on June 26th, and reportedly the new stock cars are going to look a whole lot more like real cars than the ones we see today. Unfortunately, GM is opting to stick with the Impala instead of going with the Camaro. Bummer.

Along with the success of the recently reintroduced Cobra Jet Mustang, might we see a return to the old adage "race on Sunday, sell on Monday?"

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Superior Glass Works Sport Wagon


Back at the 1954 Motorama in New York, Chevrolet displayed a Corvette-based wagon called the Nomad. The public loved the styling of the sport wagon, so naturally Chevy rushed to produce the car. Problem is, they didn't base it on the Corvette.

Superior Glass Works is pitching in to help all those folks who felt snubbed by the Nomad. For $125,000, they will build you a 1954 Corvette Nomad in appropriate fiberglass and stick it on a C5 chassis.

You get your choice of engine, interior, and wiring at an additional cost. A $50,000deposit will be required. Brad Peterson, owner of Superior Glass Works, says that no preorders were taken and none have yet been sold. If you want to check out the car in person, it will be at Back to the 50s in St. Paul, Minn. June 19-21 or at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, August 6-9.

June 2, 2009, Molalla, Oregon - Superior Glass Works today proudly introduces the Limited Edition Superior 54 Sport Wagon. Styled in tribute to the 1954 General Motors' Motorama Corvette Nomad, The Superior 54 is enhanced with 21st century performance. Available only as a Complete Rolling Package, each will be delivered with the body and chassis fully assembled - ready for paint, interior, engine, wiring and other personal touches to create the Restomod, Custom, or Pro-Touring vehicle desired.

Manufactured in Oregon with the highest-quality, hand-laid composite and reinforced with a stout steel sub-structure, the body includes a complete set of custom-crafted window glass and chrome trim. The body's stunning looks are complemented with modern conveniences such as power windows, power door locks and air conditioning.

"The Superior 54 Sport Wagon is a very special car," said Brad Peterson, owner of Superior Glass Works. "There has always been a mystique surrounding the Motorama cars and we are excited to offer our Superior 54 to a select few looking to drive their own piece of history."

The Superior 54 Sport Wagon chassis is equipped with modern, high-performance, C5 Corvette suspension.

Features include:
The custom frame designed and built in partnership with Art Morrison Enterprises, Inc., including Morrison's front cross member, steering arms, sway bar, and power rack and pinion steering.

The independent front and rear suspensions use 1997-2004 C5 Corvette components.

The front suspension includes stock Corvette control arms, spindles, and brakes, plus high-performance coil over shocks in place of the stock leaf spring.

The rear suspension utilizes a custom narrowed stock cradle, with the half-shafts and leaf spring narrowed accordingly.

The choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transaxle.

Superior Glass Works is completely tooled up and ready to build the Limited Edition Superior 54 Sport Wagon. A $50,000 deposit secures a spot on the waiting list for one of the 25 Complete Rolling Packages to be sold. The initial total package price is $125,000. Call 888-244-9259 or visit www.Superior54.com for more information.

Superior Glass Works has served street rodders, drag racers, customizers and restorers for more than 30 years. We've earned our reputation by producing the highest quality fiberglass bodies and parts, and complete, custom chassis. We are the leading manufacturer of fiberglass parts for 1931 - 1955 Chevrolet cars and trucks. The company also offers 14 street rod bodies, 11 drag race bodies, in fiberglass and carbon fiber, along with a full-service chassis shop. Superior Glass Works is a long-term member of industry organizations: Specialty Equipment Market Association/Hot Rod Industry Alliance, National Street Rod Association and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. Visit www.superiorglassworks.com for more information.