Month: January 2012

Chevrolet Performance announced its 2012 catalog of high-performance parts and accessories for Chevrolet cars and trucks, as well as crate engines and engine parts.  This 356 catalog can be obtained free!

Featuring the new COPO Camaro concept vehicle on the cover, the catalog contains more than 300 pages of parts for Corvette, Camaro, Cruze, Silverado and other vehicles powered by GM’s LS, small-block and big-block engines – and almost every accessory and part is available for purchase online at gmperformanceparts.com. The catalog also includes a list of the authorized Performance dealers that specialize in high-performance parts sales.

The new Chevrolet Performance Catalog is available three ways:

â–  It can be downloaded for free at http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/Parts/catalog.jsp

â–  It is available at Chevrolet Performance dealerships

â–  It can be sent directly to the home through a special promotion with RacingJunk.com.

Through the end of January 2012, U.S. enthusiasts who register through RacingJunk.com can receive the catalog for only $5, with free shipping (Canadian residents pay shipping) – as well as a special offer on Chevrolet Performance’s new Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems.

The industry-first Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems highlight the 2012 catalog. They are factory-engineered engine-and-transmission combinations, matched with all the electronic control modules, wiring harnesses and other key components. The first two from Chevrolet Performance include a 556-hp supercharged LSA engine/4L85-E transmission combo (part number CPSLSA4L85E) and the Corvette-based 430-hp LS3, which is matched with a 4L65-E automatic transmission (part number CPSLS34L65E). The specially calibrated controllers for the respective kits are designed for retrofit installations in older vehicles, for easier and quicker installation and operation without the need for third-party tuning.

Chevrolet Performance engineers matched the engines with their respective transmission, ensuring each was up to the task of channeling high horsepower with exceptional durability. The engine controller is specially calibrated to run the engine without some of the production-vehicle features that aren’t required in an older vehicle. That means no “theft” codes, no System OBD2 codes and, therefore, no need for third-party tuning. And the systems’ unique SuperMatic transmission controller is designed to work with the engine controller for a seamless, “plug and play” installation that is quick, easy and intuitive.

More details about the Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems are available in the catalog and at gmperformanceparts.com.

Additional highlights of new crate engines and parts found in the catalog include:

â– LSX454R drag racing crate engine, which is now in production and available for ordering
â– New E-ROD 5.3L engine, which now carries CARB EO number D-126-31
â– LS376/525 crate engine – a new factory-engineered combination that matches the ASA camshaft with the LS3 V-8 for powerful street/strip engine
â– New LSA and 5.3L controller kits, which are specially designed for installation in older vehicles
ZL1 fuel pump kit – a high-flow system for higher-performance Camaros, straight from the new Camaro ZL1 production model.

Along with descriptions and part numbers for all the engines, parts and accessories, the Chevrolet Performance catalog offers valuable information on selecting matching components for the best-performing combination, as well as detailed specifications on most components – including charts outlining cylinder head specs and camshaft specs. There’s also a special section for LS engine builders that provides an overview of the LS engine family and parts interchangeability.

Save some serious cash on this one! Visit www.realdeal.com/g8gw7 to view a Free Price Check! With over 55 years of quality experience helping customers find their perfect cars, Kelley Automotive is your one-stop shop for any vehicle you might be looking for.

Chevy Corvette will be in fine company this Sunday evening at a high profile assemblage of press writers from around the globe.  The writers are in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show, which officially begins with press conferences on Monday morning.

The Sunday evening assembly will be at the MGM Grand Detroit, but it is definitely not open to the public.  Other vehicles expected are Aston Martin, Bentley, Falcon, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lincoln, Lingenfelter, Maserati, McLaren, Morgan, Porsche, Range Rover, and Rolls-Royce.

Some of the vehicles to be on view at the casino hotel will not be shown at the auto show itself.  Among them are Aston Martin One-77(pictured), Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren MP4-12C, Rolls-Royce Ghost, and Jaguar XKR-S.

The NAIAS schedule includes two days of press conferences (Monday-Tuesday), two supplier days (Wednesday-Thursday), the gala charity preview (Friday evening), and the regular show (open to the public Saturday the 14th through Sunday the 22nd).

According to a press release today: "to further highlight the experience surrounding some of the world’s most unique and luxurious vehicles, famed Chef Wolfgang Puck will prepare a special dinner for invited guests. Comcast Business Class is the Presenting Sponsor of The Gallery. Additional sponsors include Tapper’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Neiman Marcus, and others.

"This event is not open to the public, however, there is a unique opportunity for 100 people to purchase tickets, which are available at $500 each. Tickets will not be sold at the door, but may be purchased by contacting The Fulkerson Group at 248-819-8332."
 

One of the top summer Corvette events is the Bloomington Gold Corvette show, held each year at the Pheasant Run Resort in Saint Charles, Illinois.

General Motors‘ December Production Reports and Sales Deliveries were published Wednesday, together with the cumulative numbers for the year. These Corvette figures are getting bigger (good news), but unfortunately are still far lower than what we used to see (bad news).

Production: following 1011 units being built during the abbreviated December plant schedule, 13,222 Corvettes had been produced by the end of the year.

Sales: 1038 Corvettes were delivered in December, a 6% increase over December 2011’s 979.
Sales for Calendar Year 2011 were 13,164, a 4.3% increase over 2010’s 12,624.  However, these days are far different from 2006 and 2007, two years in which more than 33,000 Corvettes were sold.

Some people see signs of improvement in the economy, and we know anything can happen in an election year, so here’s to an increase in the number of delighted Corvette owners for 2012!

Mike Yager, Chief cheerleader at Mid-America Motorworks, was interviewed in April 2011 by Jay Leno on the Jay’s Book Club feature.  Jay compliments Mike by calling him the "Stepfather of the Corvette."  In turn, Mike invites Jay to his Corvette Funfest.

The interaction between Leno, as the Collector Aficionado, and Yager, as one of the most knowledgeable Corvette enthusiasts of all time, is really great.  One of the many subjects discussed is the original ZR1, which appeared in 1990.  The engine was of a Lotus design, and was manufactured by Mercury Marine!

Jay remarks that one of the great things about Corvette is that, while we might dream of owning Ferrari’s, we aspire to own Corvettes.  Disciplined living can result in its acquisition!

Mike explains his purpose in writing The Corvette Bible, now in its Second Edition, an invaluable resource for anyone considering the purchase of any Corvette for any purpose.

[ You-Tube ]

[ Post on First Edition ]

This Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, like ordinary Corvettes and several other cars, is fitted with a head-up display or HUD.