GM At Sema
A few years ago it seemed like GM was retreating from SEMA. But this year only affirmed what was obvious last year: GM is once again on the assault in the aftermarket.GM showed modified cars, modified trucks, and engines and wheels and lots and lots of stuff. More than we can show here. So here are our favorites.
Top10List
Engine Names
Ford is calling its new DOHC, 5.0L V-8 crate engine "The Cammer" (see photo), and it's a great name. Suddenly there seems to be a lot of engine names out there with some of them great (Chrysler's "Hemi" is back), some of them less so ("Northstar" is Cadillac's moniker), and many of them a bit uninspired (Toyota calls its truck V-8 the "i-Force"). What are the greatest engine names of all time?
These are official factory names only. No informal nicknames.
1. Rocket V-8: Oldsmobile put this name on its high-compression, OHV V-8 for 1949. Perfect.
2. Hemi: It's just a contraction of the word "hemispherical," but also simply the greatest engine Chrysler has ever sold.
3. Cobra Jet: If that's not the greatest Ford engine name, "Super Cobra Jet" must be.
4. Firedome V-8: DeSoto's name for the Hemi during the '50s. And a great name it was.
5. Super Wildcat V-8: Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?
6. Boss: Whether it was a 302 or a 429, it was a truly great Ford V-8 built to race.
7. Turbo Fire: The small-block's original name from '55 is still a great one.
8. Super Commando: Just in case your Mopar V-8 wants to invade a country, it's already combat-rated.
9. Magnum: Such a great name for muscle-era Mopars, they use it on trucks today.
10. Super Duty: Everything a Pontiac ought to be. Then Ford swiped it for its trucks.
In And Out List
In: Borrowing your dad's restored '65 GTO convertible to take your date to the homecoming dance.
Out: Not telling dad you're borrowing his restored '65 GTO convertible.
In: Having your daily driver's carpeting shampooed.
Out: The carpeting is damp for a full month afterwards.
In: Nascar
Out:Oprah
In: Classic Minilite road racing wheels.
Out: 20-inch-or-greater-diameter wheels that ruin a car's ride and do nothing for its handling.
In: Listening to old Bob Seger songs at full volume in your car.
Out: That everyone under 30 thinks of Bob Seger as the guy who sings "Like a Rock" in the Chevy truck commercials.
In: Jag-uar
Out: Jag-u-ar
In: Serpentine accessory drives in older cars.
Out: That when a serpentine accessory drivebelt snaps, everything goes out.
In: Bling
Out: Bling Bling
In: The moment you finish one project on your car, sit back and appreciate it.
Out: The very next moment when you contemplate how much more there is left to do.
In: Finding a case of Pennzoil 10W-30 your father stored away 30 years ago in the back of the garage.
Out: Trying to move that case of Pennzoil and finding that the oil has leached through and welded it to the garage's foundation.