AmCar Guide

Dodge Viper: 1992-1995, 1st generation

Liquid — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:43:26 +0000

Dodge Viper is an American sports car know for its aggressive muscular design and high performance from powerful V10 engine. Some say, it was inspired by the success of AC Cobra. Well, Carroll Shelby was seriously involved in the first steps of Viper design [especially in RT/10 and GTS].
Plans to make Viper were initiated in late 1988 at Chrysler’s studios. The aim was to produce modern Cobra, so during the next year Viper concept was introduced to public and got lots of positive attention so soon enough Viper concept was directed to start a production vehicle. The development started in 1989 with a a team of 85 engineers. They asked Lamborghini, which was partially owned by Chrysler at that time, to cast some prototype aluminum blocks for their sports car. The blocks were based on Dodge’s V10 truck engine. Even though the first running chassis was powered by V8, the original aim was still kept the same – V10 muscle under the hood. The V10 and official approval from Chrysler came in 1990 and the pre-production car was already ready for Indy 500 races in 1991 and was driven by Carroll Shelby himself.
The later Dodge Viper model took some styling issues from Pete Brock’s Shelby Cobra Daytona – they had similar proportions, but the design was unique for both. It appeared in many TV shoes, video games, movies and music videos in numerous variations.

The First generation: 1992-1995

It took 4 years of incubation to give a birth for the first production Viper snake. The first running prototype was tested in 1989 and the first production vehicle was available in 1992 – the beginning of the 1st Dodge Viper generation. The centerpiece of the snake was, of course, its engine developed with already mentioned Lamborghini. The developers wanted to use 4-valve per cylinders pushrods, but Chrysler declined the idea an the development budget, because they weren’t sure Viper would be successful model. So the original 2-valve per cylinder truck engine design was used. The engine weighted about 323 kg and produced about 400 HP and managed to fit the economy requirements in 12/20 mpg [because of long-gearing which was allowed by the engine itself].
The body had tubular steel design and had fiberglass panels. It lacked exterior door handles, side windows and the roof in order to save weight. Some suspension parts were taken from Dodge Dakota truck and had no traction control, and no anti-lock brakes – just pure power with no supervision. Experts had quite a list of critics but Viper managed to compete 1/4 mile in 12.6 secs at 180 mph [290 km/h]. It was hard to drive at high speeds, but surely entertaining.

Pontiac Firebird: 1992-2002, 4th generation

Liquid — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:56:00 +0000

The 4th gen F-Body Pontiac Firebird continued aerodynamic development from the previous Firebird but got in trouble because of declining sales. The new Bird kept the pop-up headlights and was seriously reflecting “Banshee IV” concept. The engine variety for whole generation was 5 units: 3.4 liter L32, 5.7 liter LT1 [275-305 HP, iron block, aluminum heads], 3.8 liter L36, 5.7 liter LT4 and 5.7 liter LS1 [350-360 HP]. Despite poor sales LS1 Firebirds were one of the fastest Birds ever produced – the 5.7 liter Corvette V8 pumped 305 HP and even 320 HP in WS-6 Ram Air version. 2001-2002 models received LS6 V8 with better intake manifold and high-performance clutch. Most of Firebird fans claim, that 2001-2002 engines were underrated by factory [±40 HP].

1993-1995 Pontiac Firebird received 3.4 liter V6s with 160 HP and 5.7 liter 275 HP LT1 V8s. SLP package which was available only in 1993 Firehawk with Formula trim had functional hood scoop and some performance updates reached 300 HP. The were only 201 units released and they were in a close performance competition with Corvette [in fact, the Pontiac's engine was very similar to C4 Corvette's]. 1994 was an Anniversary year, so naturally, 25th Anniversary model was released – flat white with single blue stripe [familiar to 1970 Trans Am]. 1995 offered Acceleration Slip Regulation [traction control], new steering wheel from Grand Prix model and performance package [polyurethane bushings, suspension upgrades, Corvette-like exhaust - 315 HP and 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds]. 1994 models and 1995 Formulas and Trans Ams had “Perform Transmission” button that gave quicker and firmer shifts.

The base engine for 1996 was 3.8 liter V6 [200 HP] and LT1 with 285 HP an the very rare 1997 Firehawk LT4 model had 330 HP. The 1998 facelift was mostly seen on new front fascia [4 pop-up headlamps], but the most important was the introduction of Corvette small block LS1 V8. One more significant model was the 12-unit “Bright Purple Metallic” Trans Am with the WS6 Ram Air package.

1999 came with an other Anniversary – the 30th one. Anniversary Edition Trans Am, again, received white body color, but the stripes were twined – the paint scheme was very familiar to 1969 Trans Am.

The final 2002 year offered Collectors Edition Trans Am model which was painted in yellow. Most of the latest Firebird V6 engines were claimed to be as quick as almost any V8 produced until 1985.

TOPO – The WideBody King

Liquid — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:25:10 +0000

This post is about The Widebody King – Topo [it's a nickname from childhood meaning "gopher" in Spanish]. Even though he started his career in late mid-90’s with his custom 2-door 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood Broughham lowrider [it was 4-door originally], he became famous for his recent Challengers, Camaros and Chargers wide body treatment. His “all metal” bodies are loudly discussed in forums [he has no website!]. Topo’s custom all-metal fender flares are elegant and aggressive at the same time, body lines are continues and smooth. Topo’s next project is going to be a 2010 Mustang.

Big Black Challenger on 26s
This car is the first Challenger that he built. It belongs to Topo’s buddy George from JW Motorsports.. It has wide body and 26-inch rims with 7-inch lip. It got a lot of buzz after appearing in public.

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Asanti Challenger
After Asanti saw the wide body Challenger that Topo was building for his friend George, they ordered one too. This one fits in 24-inch wheels with 13-inch lip.

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Cult Energy Challenger

This matte black widebody 2008 STR8 Challenger is also known as Cult Energy Challenger [it's a promo car for the owner of Cult Energy Drink]. It has both rear and front fenders widened. The rear one had 3.5 inch pull to fit 335/20/20 Tires, while the front fender got a 2.5 inch widening treatment [285/30/30 tires]. This beast is powered with 440ci Arrington engine with a 8.3L Whipple sitting on top, SHR NAG1 Tranny, Full Pedders Suspension, StopTech Brakes. It is tuned for safe street use and has ±510 HP [the potencial is about 800 HP].

[Thanks Chris]
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Silver Challenger

This hot silver Challenger one has 26-inch Asanti wheels in back and 24s up front – take a look at those Asanti logos.

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Wide Blue Super Bee Charger

This widebody 2008 Dodge Charger Super Bee got all-metal wide rear end, 22-inch Forgiato wheels [front is 10-inch, rear is 12-inch wide ]. It is equipped with Techco twin-screw supercharger, Challenger-like hood, Memphis sound system, custom R1 rotors, CKS coil over suspension. What a sweet wide ride…

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Daily Drive Charger

Topo is rolling on 22s with a 7.5-inch lip. Naturally, it has wide body treatment and some cool touches like the 1963 Biscayne taillights.

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Golden Challenger

This Challenger is the one, that made even the most famous petrol-head Jay Leno have some issues while parking it in some show.

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2009 Forgiato Challenger R/T

with Forgiato Trifolio 24-inch rims, Magnacharger Supercharger and custom red-and-black interior. This one is one of a kind and for sale — $65.00

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Camaro Justice

This widebody 2009 Camaro looks like Bumblebee’s little brother, but it has some extra BIG features – big, fat fenders, big black side vents and enormous wheels.

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2010 Widebody Camaro

This 2010 widebody Camaro took 2 months for Topo to build. This one also took the hardest job, but he managed to widen it about 4 inches on each side – the middle door spot is stock, but the upper and lower spots are bolted to meet wide rear end nicely. It has different rear vents and fuel-cap on top to look more exotic. Rear fender fits 26-inch brushed aluminum flat-black TAS wheels.

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Black Widebody Camaro

This Camaro rides 26-inch rims and is black. What else to say – just look at it

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Silver Camaro

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One more Yellow Camaro

Six badass widebody Challengers

Liquid — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:37:12 +0000

The first one is 2009 Forgiato Challenger R/T with Forgiato Trifolio 24-inch rims, Magnacharger Supercharger and custom red-and-black interior. This one is one of a kind and for sale -- $65.000

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The second one is Classic Design Concept [CDC] 6.1 liter Hemi 2008 Challenger [575 HP]. The CDC Challenger’s engine was improved by Bi Brake Kit, the suspension was stiffened and lowered with KW suspension kit. It has 5-speed automatic transmission, Corsa Cat-Back exhaust, Bear brakes, 20″ rims.

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The third -- WWC custom wide body Challenger convertible made for King of cars. This Custom Dodge Challenger convertible also has wide body fenders, power roof and windows, Gibson exhaust, high end Polk Audio system, retro stripes, flat black rear spoiler and blacked-out tail lights.

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The fourth -- 2009 4-inch body extension Challenger owned by Greg from JW Motorsports rides on sick 26-inch Asanti rims. It is flat black with some custom night-glowing golden stripes. It is made by TOPO -- the WideBody King.

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The fifth one is custom Topo Challenger. Topo is a nickname of one talented wide-body maker. This Challenger has all-metal rear widebody, matte gold paint, custom interior, Forgiato wheels, Gibson exhaust, Kenne Belle supercharger… It is also made by the WideBody King TOPO.

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And the last Custom wide body Challenger is also a creation of the same guy -- Topo. This one sits on 26-inch Asanti rims.

HPP Challenger Daytona

Liquid — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:09:39 +0000

Turning recently appeared muscle car newbies into concept revitalized custom cars isn’t big news today. While market has decreased and car manufacturers has economized and reduced model lines or even killed brand names, muscle car fans keep guessing, purposing and even manufacturing the new generation of their beloved cars.

Historically quite a lot name plates were closely connected – Camaro and Firebird, Challenger and Barracuda, Mustang and Falcon, etc. Recently, there’s a lot of buzz about the new generation Pontiac Firebird, that could have been manufactured if GM wouldn’t have killed the Pontiac brand. Naturally, designers are using the last generation Camaro for the 5th generation Firebird platform [eg., Lingenfelter, Phoenix T/A and other concepts], new Challenger for Barracuda’s platform [Mr Norm's Barracuda package]. Some fans make their car one-of-a-kind while others try to get bigger and start manufacturing them at least in limited series.
One of the latest non-automaker concepts is Heide Performance Products [HPP] Challenger Daytona which was inspired by Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird B eye-catching design. Crazy winged cars terrorized NASCAR 40 years ago. Surprisinglly, Challenger’s wheelbase is the same lenght as 1970 Superbird’s. The retro looks was revived by radical redesign of front and rear ends, rocker panels, hood and a sky-high legendary rear wing.
HPP guys added a Vortech supercharger in order to get the 5.7 liter Hemi engine 600 HP and installed KW suspension package to get the Challenger Daytona 3.5 inches lower.

Custom G Force 1971 Plymouth Cuda

Liquid — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:29:48 +0000

It took Johnson’s Rod Shop 3 years to built this custom 1971 Plymouth G Force ‘Cuda. The idea was to create an ultimate street legal car that would handle 200 mph. Even though some styling cues are for aesthetic purposes, wind tunnel test showed that body panels were functional. Many parts were made from scratch, most of teh car including interior is custom.
This Plymouth has flat bottom and functional rear diffuser for aerodynamics. Adjustable proportioning valve setup helps to decrease brake blas. Big 572 Hemi engine has lots of modifications and provides 870 HP and power-to-weight ratio in this stunning custom 1971 Plymouth Barracuda.

Clean custom 1968 Camaro

Liquid — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:48:07 +0000

This clean custom 1968 Chevrolet Camaro was made by Jeff Mersey from Hard Lifestyle for Brock Weld. Handles were shaved and some panels molded in to look flawless. This Camaro has custom taillights, custom taillight frames. The fuel cap was relocated into trunk. The body color is GM Light spiral grey, stripes – same but dark grey. It also has custom interior with many custom features: new dashboard and center console, power windows and convertible top, Cobra seats and cool audio system.
Chevrolet ZZ4 350 cubic engine is fitted under the hood of this custom 1968 Camaro. The engine is equipped with Edelbrock Intake, Holley 750 carburetor, dual exhaust, etc. 700R4 Jet performance transmission is matted to powertrain. The suspension is air-ride with 20 inch rims in both ends.

Custom wide body Dodge Challenger cabrio

Liquid — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:26 +0000

Here’s one of a kind Dodge Challenger R/T made for Josh “Chop” Towbin [aka "King of Cars"] by West Coast Customs and Coach LTD guys.
Coach LTD removed the top so successfully that one of a kind project turned into manufacturing convertibles from hardtops. WCC guys did full custom suspension, Asanti wheels provided one-off 24″ front and 26″ rear wheels.
This Custom Dodge Challenger convertible also has wide body fenders, power roof and windows, Gibson exhaust, high end Polk Audio system, retro stripes, flat black rear spoiler and blacked-out tail lights.
The biggest Dodge dealer – King of Cars – put this Challenger on eBay, but it didn’t met the reserve price. Some say, this peace of art cost around $85.000 to built.

Muscle Car Girls

Liquid — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:36:40 +0000

It is hard to choose between a girl and a car, but what if the car is a muscle one?… Check out our new “Car Girls” category and decide Yourself what’s better.

45th Anniversary 2011 Shelby GT350

Liquid — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:15:32 +0000

Due to 45th Anniversary of the legendary 1965 Shelby GT350 new special Mustang edition was unveiled by Shelby. This means, that Shelby-tuned Mustang will be fitted with Ford’s Racing [FR] supercharger to gain 500 HP, FR suspension, 6-speed manual transmission, Borla exhaust, 6 piston Baer brakes, 19 inch Cragar wheels, front splitter, functional hood scoop, redesigned tail lights, new dashboard for interior, etc.

This performance American car is based on 2010 Mustang and has the latest 5.0 liter small block V8. Every segment was enhanced or replaced in order to balance this performance pony could truly represent the 1965-1970 GT350’s spirit. Since GT350 was one of the most important Carroll Shelby’s car it was also stepped uo by his requirements for performance.

Each Anniversary GT350 will be painted in traditional white and striped with Shelby Guardsman blue LeMan stripes. The package will be limited and has a price tag of almost $34.000 [plus the price of the base car]. Click here to find a dealer.