I have been involved in the performance aftermarket for the last 29 years at all levels of distribution and spent two terms on the SEMA board of directors. I own two speed shops and a machine shop in the Pacific Northwest. I agree with Mr. White that mail-order pricing is driving the local speed shops out of business. Furthermore, it is my observation that the manufacturers have in most cases disqualified the typical speed shop from offering local availability of performance parts. My company is a distributor of many major brands. Of those lines, we compete quite successfully with mail order at a slightly higher price. However, lines that manufacturers will not allow us to purchase at the distributor level become "price disqualified" at the local level
It is a shame that many buyers feel it is our duty to spend time to select and advise them of the correct combination of parts so they can then order from mail-order suppliers. Some become hostile when we will not supply them with part numbers and brand names, but they fail to realize that their hobby is our profession, and our knowledge and experience has value. The fact that we must collect state sales tax is also a handicap.
Performance parts buyers also drive their cars on the public highways and are some of the first to complain about the condition of the roads-then whine about contributing their share of the revenue necessary for its maintenance. We've provided our loyal customers with the finest in parts and service since 1977. They understand that to offer a high level of service and individual attention, we must make a profit so we can stay in business. As long as the manufacturers will allow us to compete on a fair and level playing field, we will remain a vital element in the performance industry.Blake WilandHonest PerformanceRenton, WA
Ripped-Off by the Post OfficeHey, just wanted to let you guys know that my Mar. '03 issue of Car Craft arrived in the mail and all that was there was the cover-no insides. No "Big-Block vs. Small-Block Hardcore Crate Engine Shootout" and no "Patriotic Readers Rides." Now I have to schlep out in the 8-degree-F weather in my $50 Hyundai winter beater and wait in line at the store with all the cheese heads who are picking up their copies of rice-burner-of-the-month and have to explain to them why I haven't had the time or energy to rivet a coffee can to the exhaust for the extra 5 horses it might make ... (it's because I had to schlep out to get the damn Car Craft that I got gypped out of!). Oh yeah, and if I even detect a hint of horsepower in the jeep that the mailman cruises in, I'll know for sure where my subscription is going.Allan Batesvia e-mail
Super Stock Dodge17056-0306-PAGE-FWho: Jesse HeberlingWhere: Columbus, IndianaWhat: '65 Dodge CoronetWhy: 11-second Super Stock tributeGoodies: Long-time Mopar fanatic Jesse Heberling built this Coronet with the Super Stock look in mind. The yellow bomber runs a 440 with Arias pistons squeezing a true 12:1 compression, a Lunati solid flat-tappet bumpstick, ported 906-casting heads, Harland Sharp rockers, a Weiand intake, and a Holley 850 fuel mixer. An MSD ignition is responsible for lighting the fire that produces e.t.'s in the 11.30 range at 118 mph. The 30x9.5-inch slicks struggle to put the power down. All of the mechanical work was performed by Jesse, but the painting chores were handled by his dad. Even though the compression is too high for pump gas, Jesse and his girlfriend still like to cruise the Coronet around town whenever the weather permits.