Turbo Updates - Turbo & High-Tech Performance

6.89 @ 204.50 mph
Before you blast us with e-mails, we know this car is an Olds, and not a Buick. But the infamous red GN's engine is alive and well under the hood. This update serves as very credible evidence concerning the importance of aerodynamics. The old Buick was a brick when it came to airflow and as the speeds got higher, poor aerodynamics had an increasing impact on performance. Aerodynamics became the driving forced behind Kenny moving to this Pro Street Olds Cutlass. He had just completed a freshening of his 275-inch Buick V6 when he sold the red rocket to an enthusiast in the Midwest. About that time he heard about the Cutlass and struck a deal. The Buick torques a Liberty five-speed transmission instead of the Owens transmission in the old car. The Turbo 6 powerplant only required a new set of headers-a change due to clearance issues, and not performance issues.

The numbers don't lie. With the same engine- tuning parameters as before, right off the trailer, the sleek Cutlass body paid dividends after a shakedown at Bakersfield's Famoso Raceway, where the Olds powered down the track in 6.97 seconds. Soon thereafter in Bristol, Tennessee, the car blasted a 6.89, tripping the lights at a blistering 204 mph. To put the aerodynamic issue into proper perspective, Kenny told us the old car would run 155 mph at the 1/8-mile and 180 at the traps, but the new car got to half-track at 162 and hit the traps at 204. As the car's speed increased, the comparative reduction of drag allowed it to accelerate better at the top end. While a 7-mph jump at the 1/8 is impressive in itself, the whopping 24-mph improvement at the finish line is a real jaw-dropper. The Cutlass is only 180 lbs lighter than the red Buick and ran the above numbers with the same slicks as the red Buick.

Kenny is currently considering switching to a 290-inch V8, but even if he sticks with Buick power, the car has only taken its first baby steps of development. Kenny Duttweiler is the only guy we know who takes 6.89-second baby steps.

[ AEM Special Edition Ford Focus ]
Advanced Engine Management (AEM) introduces its AEM Special Edition Focus, a turn-key "tuned" Focus. "The vehicle is available only through Ford dealerships, which means that consumers will be able to finance their AEM Focus instead of having to purchase the parts separately," said Greg Neuwirth, AEM's spokesman. "Additionally, consumers will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their performance kit is properly installed by a certified mechanic. Of course, AEM backs its performance package for the full life of a vehicle's warranty."

The AEM performance package consists of a two-part enhancement to the vehicle. Power enhancement includes an AEM intake system, Tru-Power alternator pulley and a stainless-steel cat-back exhaust system. AEM testing shows about a 10-percent increase in horsepower and an 11-percent jump in torque. To enhance the suspension, the AEM Focus flexes Eibach sport springs and larger sway bars. Big 17-inch rolling stock and low-profile performance rubber are also part of the package. AEM highly recommends the inclusion of a Wings West body kit to further elevate the status of the sporty compact. The body tuning components can also be ordered through participating Ford dealerships and include AEM Special Edition badging. For more information, contact Advanced Engine Management, 2205 126th St., Hawthorne, CA 90250,(310) 484-2322, www.aempower.com.

FAL Pre-Formed Lexan Window Kits
FAL introduces an innovative product for high-performance enthusiasts-affordable, pre-formed Lexan window insert kits. Lexan is a lightweight alternative to glass used in most import drag racers and high-performance street machines. The problem is using Lexan is expensive and difficult. FAL has circumvented these shortcomings by purchasing in bulk to lower costs and developing a procedure to form the Lexan to the contour of the original window. Traditionally, sheets of Lexan were cut out to match the window, but since they were flat pieces, installation could often be difficult. The sheets were secured by screws that were drilled to metal framework behind the window. A weatherproof seal was rare.

FAL is producing kits that consist of factory shaped left and right rear quarter glass and rear deck window. The kits provide a weight savings of 20 to 50 pounds depending on application. The Lexan used in the FAL kits is the scratch resistant variety and FAL is considering a laminate to further increase durability. Getting DOT approval on front side windows and windshield is too difficult at this time and there are no plans for race-only front window kits. The following list details the applications available from FAL and there should be more on the way.

For more information contact: FAL, P.O. Box 580, Milton WA 98354, (800) 851-1510, www.flex-a-lite.com.

[ A Colorful Past ]We recently got a call from David Peters of Designtech Motorsport Graphics in Riverside, Calif. who was a bit disappointed with not being mentioned in the March cover article on the Lisa Kubo Civic. David penned the lime green, orange and magenta scheme on Lisa's car and went on to point out that he has designed a number of other race car schemes. Impressed with his work on Lisa's car and finding out he also designed the scheme on Abel Ibarra's RX-7, we had him send us some drawings. We discovered that Designtech had the distinction of being the first 300-mph scheme in drag racing-Kenny Bernstein's Top Fueler. Image is important to sponsors, so if you want a better looking race car, call David at (909) 688-3086.