SC: In your particular area of interest what do you think the next big advancement in the musclecar hobby might be?
Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed and Engineering:
I think the next big advancement in the musclecar hobby will be the selection of parts available from the aftermarket. Everyone is taking notice of how hot this is. The drivetrains will continue to get stronger, smoother, and more reliable from OEM influence. The chassis components will continue to have higher performance levels but also give good ride quality like everyone is used to in today's new cars and trucks. A lot of people who go out and buy a restored musclecar forget how bad they compare to today's cars.
Gary Penn, Hardcore Racing:
For Hardcore Racing, the continued development of components that allow big power from the late-model engine families, like GM's Gen III, Chrysler's Hemi, and Ford's Mod motors. A great example is the new Warhawk LS1 block that Hardcore Racing co-developed with World Products, which will allow us to push Procharged LS1s to over 2,000 hp.
Alan Johnson, Johnson's Hot Rod Shop:
I see more complete new chassis and modified replacement sheetmetal, such as wheelwells, trans tunnels, and floor pans being built for musclecars, instead of bolting better components to the existing chassis and living with what the limitations of stock wheelwells and floor pans provide. In the past, it has been taboo to cut on these cars, but you have to if you want to package everything the right way. You can set the engine and trans where it needs to be to get ground clearance for the oil pan and exhaust. You can fit almost whatever wheel and tire you want, and it opens the door for different types of suspension setups that will work much better than stock. The drawbacks to this is that it's harder for the average guy to do at home and get professional results, it's much more expensive, and requires a considerable amount of planning and skill to do properly.
Chris Alston, Chassisworks:
There will be no big advancements. The parts will just continue to evolve. Some people will claim big advancements, but you currently can buy anything you want for your musclecar. The parts will continue to get more sophis-ticated and be available for more makes and models. But remember, the aftermarket is a mature industry. Big advancements are long gone in my opinion, but there is still some room for product improvement.
John Hotchkis, Hotchkis Performance:
The next big advancement in musclecar suspension will continue to be evolutionary. While there are many significant suspension advancements slated for the new streetcar market, such as active ride systems and electronically controlled sway bars, I believe musclecar suspension will stay more closely related to original equipment. Advancements will take place in improved suspension geometry, more creative fabricating, and the use of lighter-weight materials. These advancements will go hand-in-hand with the evolution of powertrain, wheel/tire, and brake technology. I believe enthusiasts will continue to want well-designed and thoroughly tested bolt-on suspension products that truly improve all aspects of driving. We developed our TVS--Total Vehicle System suspension packages for just this car owner.
Bill Mitchell, World Products:
Small-block Chevys and Fords all had a great run (kind of like the '32 Fords), but realize that it is 2006. Car companies have not used those engines in over a decade. Our industry needs to be looking at LS-type Chevys, Modular Fords, and new-style Hemis. These are not engines of the future; they are engines of the present and the last decade. I'm sure we will get another decade or two out of those small-block Chevys and Fords, and there will always be a place for big-block Chevys, and of course the retro market is there for the old Hemi, but get real. These things are from the '50s and '60s. Building a musclecar without a modern engine is like building a '32 Ford with a flathead. We are moving into a new era with these engines. Our industry really has not made the move yet. I can assure you that World Products is making the move to engines of the present and the future.
Glen Grozich, Billet Specialties:
I think the serpentine front engine accessory drive kits, such as the Tru-Trac are definitely a step in the right direction. The neat thing about them is the ease of installation linked to the fact that it is all in the box, so there is no guessing if company x's alternator will work with company y's pulleys, and a "z" water pump. We set up the customer with everything they need and use quality American-made products and fasteners from quality companies, along with our own precision-machined brackets and pulleys. Right now, and for quite some time in the future, we will constantly be adding new kits for different engines.
Gary Heidt, Heidt's Hot Rod Shop:
I think that along with the resurgence of new bodies, new chassis and subframes will be necessary. These chassis will, of course, have new components, but they will be of designs that will use new technology, as far as materials and suspension geometry, to truly benefit from the performance cars available today. Enhanced handling characteristics, along with the ability to handle lots of horsepower will be the norm. Of course, tire technology will greatly improve the way cars handle and hook up.
Denny Terzich, ProRides:
With this new supply of sheetmetal/bodies, you will see more builders coming out with production-type street machines instead of today's few. Currently, you are seeing limited-edition cars being built, and this will take the whole idea to new heights and to the masses.
Sal Solarzano, Total Cost Involved:
Along with the front and rear bolt-on performance suspension packages complete chassis are also wanted. Today's hot rodder wants it all and has the money to buy it--as long as what he wants is available.
George Ullrich, Speed-O-Motive:
We are seeing more interest in turbocharged engines. Using fuel injection improves drivability and reliability coupled to a purpose-built engine for any type of blown application is resulting in daily-driven, pump-gas engines with huge horsepower potential.
Jeanette Ladina, Flaming River:
A continuation of the trend of increasing emphasis upon quality workmanship. Some call it the "street-rod influence," and it is an influence that is gaining momentum. Many of the cars being built by professionals and talented amateurs are reflecting more attention to integrating form and function. Brutal can be intertwined with esthetic appearance to create a "velvet glove covering and iron fist." However, the direction of the market will continue to be toward the next available generation of vehicles that remain affordable. The Camaros and Chevelles of the '70s are gaining popularity, since they remain relatively plentiful. There are the reproduction cars that are entering the marketplace, but it seems these may be generally out of the reach of the grassroots enthusiast, which is the heart of the marketplace. One concern is what happens when we reach the point where the next available generation of affordable cars is the Cavalier? What will happen at that point?
Brent Vandervort, Fat Man Fabrications:
The next breakthrough is hard to guess. So much hardware is already in place from so many sources. I think we will see a plateau of technical sophistication being reached. Maybe the real breakthrough will be the customers waking up. We still hear too many say their original chassis still works just fine. But we know that just isn't true, especially when upgraded drivetrains and tires place demands on that 50-year-old chassis that the original designers never dreamed of. With the '67 Camaro being designed around '65, with the small engines, skinny tires, and roads/traffic of that day, why would they worry about suspensions capable of an era that did not yet exist? They knew how to do it right, but saw no need for the added expense. That and the fact that today's technology, by definition, did not yet exist. I sincerely hope tomorrow's hot rods will be more than pretty paint, nice wheels, and a loud engine; that is high school parking lot stuff. I continue to be amazed at how guys will spend big money on cosmetics, and then see no need to upgrade their shocks past the $25 parts store gas shock. The books have done the testing and written the articles, so the info is there. Let's urge them to take it to the next level by using the upgrades that already exist.
Craig Morrison, Art Morrison Enterprises:
Wiring packages to facilitate an easier fuel injection install, replacement body panels, complete aftermarket and high-performance suspension systems will definitely push the musclecar hobby along. Easy-to-understand titling laws, exclusion from emission laws and clear, fair inspection laws will also help enthusiasts build the car of their dreams and will eliminate that certain "fear" element that their hard-earned dollars will all go to waste because of outdated or confusing laws.
Phillip Gerber, The Roadster Shop:
With all areas already covered like horsepower, fuel injection, big brakes, custom interiors, and flashy paint and graphics, the only things missing are chassis and suspension mods.
Bret Voelkel, Air Ride Technologies:
Computer-adjustable shocks and air suspension systems. The same technology that created the EFI market 10 years ago will be employed in suspension systems.