Black Tie
Typically, a hydraulic lifter is limited to a certain rpm by the incorrect position of the lifter's internal piston, as the lifter "pumps up." This issue wasn't as prevalent in the past, but with the new aggressive cam profiles, higher spring pressures, and the ever-growing need for more rpm, the older generation of hydraulic lifters just won't cut it. Comp Cams knows this and has released the new Short Travel Race Hydraulic Roller Lifters, using a patent-pending design to maximize performance at higher engine speeds. Not only have they improved internally, but the exterior also features a REM-finish and is black-oxide coated to reduce surface friction, oil temperature, and wear. You can get these lifters for almost any GM application, including the LS1/LS2/LSX and Warhawk.
Comp Cams, Dept. GMHTP, 3406 Democrat Rd, Memphis, TN 38118; 800/999-0853; www.compcams.com
Cheap Thrills
Let's face it; times are tough for a lot of enthusiasts right now. Justifying new mods is harder and harder, but some deals are almost too good to pass up. Now, for less than $800, Nitrous Outlet will ship you a complete Brand X nitrous system, which includes an LSx/LTx single nozzle nitrous system, a single stage window switch, a purge kit, a nitrous pressure gauge, and a bottle heater. To keep your investment safe, Nitrous Outlet also includes a fuel pressure safety switch and an NHRA-legal blow-down tube. The entire package is capable of producing up to 200 horsepower, which makes it one of the best bang-for-the-buck mods you could possibly do.
Nitrous Outlet, Dept. GMHTP, 5387 N. Hwy 6, Suite 101, Waco, TX 76712; 866/648-7637; www.nitrousoutlet.com
Flashpaq Turbo
The 2.0L turbo motor found in the Cobalt SS, Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline, and HHR SS is a secret favorite of ours. Luckily, the folks over at Superchips also see the potential of these engines and have just released their newest handheld tuner, the Flashpaq. With gains up to 60.8 hp and 79.8 lb-ft of torque (on a manual HHR SS), this is one mod you must consider doing. Not only do you pick up power, but Superchips also tells us that the tune provides enhanced throttle response, optimized shift points, and noticeable driveability improvements. Like all other Flashpaq models, it also features the ability to read and check codes, display real-time vehicle sensor outputs, data log, 0-60 and quarter-mile times, and adjust the speed and rev limiter.
Superchips, Dept. GMHTP, 1790 E. Airport Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773; 407/585-7000; www.superchips.com
Low-Profile Noise Maker
If you have ever looked under a late-model GM, you know that space is a pretty serious issue. Now, thanks to QTP, you can enjoy the fun of an electronic cutout, without giving up much-needed ground clearance. The new, oval design fits anything from a 2.25-inch pipe all the way up to 3-inchers and features a CNC'd aluminum body and stainless steel butterfly. Of course, like the traditional units, these cutouts come complete with a high-torque DC gear-driven motor for reliable operation and come wired with weathertight connectors for an easy install. You can use the regular illuminated switch, or opt for the digital controller, which allows you to preset different opening percentages.
Quick Time Performance, Dept. GMHTP, 23 Birch St, Bldg. A, Midland Park, NJ 07432; 201/444-0998; www.quicktimeperformance.com
GTA Style
Whether you are restoring an '86-92 GTA or just love the classic styling of the GTA wheels, Original Equipment Reproduction (OER) has got you covered. Its newest reproduction wheel is a 16x8 GTA wheel, which features a one-piece cast design and is available in both a 0-mm offset and a 16-mm offset. Since OER is officially licensed by GM, you can expect an OEM level of quality and a full, 1-year warranty (from OER). These wheels will fit any '67-92 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am and ship in either black or gold. You can buy one for $199.95 or all four for $699.99.
Original Equipment Reproductions, Dept. GMHTP; 800/955-1511; www.oerparts.com
Unlock Your 2010
Leaving nothing alone, the mad scientists at HP Tuners have already unlocked the 2010 Camaro computer and the amount of control is staggering. Along with the usual tuning controls found in HP Tuners, the new software also contains over 450 new parameters for the 6L80E transmission, full control of the Displacement-on-Demand, and the variable cam phasing found on the L99 engine. Of course, for the LS3/6060 crowd, you still get all of the hardware and software controls you are used to with HP Tuners, including Real Time Tuning (RTT), the ability to use 1-bar, 2-bar, and 3-bar speed density tuning, and enhanced data logging. If you own a 2010 Camaro and plan on doing some upgrades, look into finding a qualified tuner using this software or check with HP Tuners to get your own copy.
HP Tuners, Dept. GMHTP, 725 Hastings Ln, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; www.hptuners.com