News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

SEMA Members Present the Latest and Greatest

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 14:00

SEMA News—June 2011

NEW PRODUCTS

White Knight Wheel Accessories TPMS Valve Stems White Knight offers a line of TPMS valve stems in chrome and rubber finishes and in standard and adjustable swivel-style suitable for most applications. These TPMS valve stems are compatible with OE and aftermarket TPMS sensors. White Knight Wheel Accessories 800/343-8313 www.whtknight.com		BorgWarner Turbo Systems EFR Turbocharger According to the company, the new EFR Turbocharger series features a Gamma Ti turbine wheel that’s more than 50% lighter than its Inconel counterpart and could spin in the slightest breeze. A dual ceramic ball-bearing cartridge, stainless-steel turbine housing and other integrated highlights all come together in harmony to create the new, highly advanced aftermarket turbocharger. BorgWarner Turbo Systems 800/787-6464 www.borgwarnerboosted.com

Lubeatech Advanced Technologies (LAT)Extreme Duty Break-In Oil Specifically formulated for today’s sophisticated high-tech racing engines, LAT’s dedicated High Performance Break-In Oil addresses issues relating to ring seal failure, extreme stress and exaggerated wear during initial startup and break-in. With today’s flat tappet cams and heavy spring pressure, the need for high zinc content and additives is critical. LAT Break-In Oil is available in 20w50. Lubeatech Advanced Technologies 888/528-6457 www.latracingoils.com		Centerforce Steel Flywheels for ’96–00 Chevy Trucks Centerforce proudly introduces its new Steel Flywheel, now available for ’96–00 Chevrolet trucks with 5.0L (305-in.) and 5.7L (350-in.) engines, a one-piece rear main seal and 23.4 in./oz. counter balance using a 12-in. clutch. The steel flywheel part number is 700161 (flywheel only). According to the company, these new flywheels replace the current/original parts with a higher quality billet steel flywheel, designed for a direct bolt-in replacement. Centerforce 800/932-5882 www.centerforce.com

American Powertrain E-body ProFit Five-Speed Kit American Powertrain introduces the new E-body ProFit five-speed kit featuring the new ProShift3 shifter mechanism and all the parts needed to convert the Challenger or ’Cuda to a TKO five-speed. ProShift3 fits the original four-speed shift position in any ’70–’74 Challenger or ’Cuda. Kits start at $3,195 and are covered by American Powertrain’s comprehensive warranty and exclusive Customer First 24-hour tech support. American Powertrain 931/646-4836 www.americanpowertrain.com		3M Automotive Division Paint Protection Films According to 3M, paint-protection films provide a first line of defense to protect against the relentless assault of Mother Nature, careless passersby and rough road conditions that chip away at a vehicle’s paint and decrease its value. The films can also provide a unique form of self-expression, with various colors and finishes offering customized looks that really set vehicles apart on the road. 3M Automotive Division 888/364-3577 www.3m.com/paintprotectionfilm

Directed Electronics Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module Directed Electronics introduces the latest generation of Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module with GPS. Viper SmartStart GPS has all the features of SmartStart 2.0, including the Viper Motor Club, SmartPark and compatibility with iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones. Viper SmartStart GPS is also compatible with virtually every ESP2 system dating back to 2003. With Viper SmartStart GPS, users always know exactly where their vehicles are and get Speed Alert, Movement Alert, Curfew and even Facebook connectivity, so their friends can easily locate them and their cars. Directed Electronics 800/876-0800 www.directeddealers.com		a2z Racer Gear Hunziker Collection Casual Driver Shoes a2z Racer Gear features stylish, high-quality fashion inspired by motor-racing legends Steve McQueen, Carroll Shelby, Sir Stirling Moss and Vic Elford. The company is proud to introduce its new Hunziker collection of casual driver shoes (PN: NHAFA SHOE). For more information, visit www.a2zracergear.com. a2z Racer Gear 818/349-3548 www.a2zracergear.com

SEMA Members Present the Latest and Greatest

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 14:00

SEMA News—June 2011

NEW PRODUCTS

White Knight Wheel Accessories TPMS Valve Stems White Knight offers a line of TPMS valve stems in chrome and rubber finishes and in standard and adjustable swivel-style suitable for most applications. These TPMS valve stems are compatible with OE and aftermarket TPMS sensors. White Knight Wheel Accessories 800/343-8313 www.whtknight.com		BorgWarner Turbo Systems EFR Turbocharger According to the company, the new EFR Turbocharger series features a Gamma Ti turbine wheel that’s more than 50% lighter than its Inconel counterpart and could spin in the slightest breeze. A dual ceramic ball-bearing cartridge, stainless-steel turbine housing and other integrated highlights all come together in harmony to create the new, highly advanced aftermarket turbocharger. BorgWarner Turbo Systems 800/787-6464 www.borgwarnerboosted.com

Lubeatech Advanced Technologies (LAT)Extreme Duty Break-In Oil Specifically formulated for today’s sophisticated high-tech racing engines, LAT’s dedicated High Performance Break-In Oil addresses issues relating to ring seal failure, extreme stress and exaggerated wear during initial startup and break-in. With today’s flat tappet cams and heavy spring pressure, the need for high zinc content and additives is critical. LAT Break-In Oil is available in 20w50. Lubeatech Advanced Technologies 888/528-6457 www.latracingoils.com		Centerforce Steel Flywheels for ’96–00 Chevy Trucks Centerforce proudly introduces its new Steel Flywheel, now available for ’96–00 Chevrolet trucks with 5.0L (305-in.) and 5.7L (350-in.) engines, a one-piece rear main seal and 23.4 in./oz. counter balance using a 12-in. clutch. The steel flywheel part number is 700161 (flywheel only). According to the company, these new flywheels replace the current/original parts with a higher quality billet steel flywheel, designed for a direct bolt-in replacement. Centerforce 800/932-5882 www.centerforce.com

American Powertrain E-body ProFit Five-Speed Kit American Powertrain introduces the new E-body ProFit five-speed kit featuring the new ProShift3 shifter mechanism and all the parts needed to convert the Challenger or ’Cuda to a TKO five-speed. ProShift3 fits the original four-speed shift position in any ’70–’74 Challenger or ’Cuda. Kits start at $3,195 and are covered by American Powertrain’s comprehensive warranty and exclusive Customer First 24-hour tech support. American Powertrain 931/646-4836 www.americanpowertrain.com		3M Automotive Division Paint Protection Films According to 3M, paint-protection films provide a first line of defense to protect against the relentless assault of Mother Nature, careless passersby and rough road conditions that chip away at a vehicle’s paint and decrease its value. The films can also provide a unique form of self-expression, with various colors and finishes offering customized looks that really set vehicles apart on the road. 3M Automotive Division 888/364-3577 www.3m.com/paintprotectionfilm

Directed Electronics Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module Directed Electronics introduces the latest generation of Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module with GPS. Viper SmartStart GPS has all the features of SmartStart 2.0, including the Viper Motor Club, SmartPark and compatibility with iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones. Viper SmartStart GPS is also compatible with virtually every ESP2 system dating back to 2003. With Viper SmartStart GPS, users always know exactly where their vehicles are and get Speed Alert, Movement Alert, Curfew and even Facebook connectivity, so their friends can easily locate them and their cars. Directed Electronics 800/876-0800 www.directeddealers.com		a2z Racer Gear Hunziker Collection Casual Driver Shoes a2z Racer Gear features stylish, high-quality fashion inspired by motor-racing legends Steve McQueen, Carroll Shelby, Sir Stirling Moss and Vic Elford. The company is proud to introduce its new Hunziker collection of casual driver shoes (PN: NHAFA SHOE). For more information, visit www.a2zracergear.com. a2z Racer Gear 818/349-3548 www.a2zracergear.com

SEMA Members Present the Latest and Greatest

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 14:00

SEMA News—June 2011

NEW PRODUCTS

White Knight Wheel Accessories TPMS Valve Stems White Knight offers a line of TPMS valve stems in chrome and rubber finishes and in standard and adjustable swivel-style suitable for most applications. These TPMS valve stems are compatible with OE and aftermarket TPMS sensors. White Knight Wheel Accessories 800/343-8313 www.whtknight.com		BorgWarner Turbo Systems EFR Turbocharger According to the company, the new EFR Turbocharger series features a Gamma Ti turbine wheel that’s more than 50% lighter than its Inconel counterpart and could spin in the slightest breeze. A dual ceramic ball-bearing cartridge, stainless-steel turbine housing and other integrated highlights all come together in harmony to create the new, highly advanced aftermarket turbocharger. BorgWarner Turbo Systems 800/787-6464 www.borgwarnerboosted.com

Lubeatech Advanced Technologies (LAT)Extreme Duty Break-In Oil Specifically formulated for today’s sophisticated high-tech racing engines, LAT’s dedicated High Performance Break-In Oil addresses issues relating to ring seal failure, extreme stress and exaggerated wear during initial startup and break-in. With today’s flat tappet cams and heavy spring pressure, the need for high zinc content and additives is critical. LAT Break-In Oil is available in 20w50. Lubeatech Advanced Technologies 888/528-6457 www.latracingoils.com		Centerforce Steel Flywheels for ’96–00 Chevy Trucks Centerforce proudly introduces its new Steel Flywheel, now available for ’96–00 Chevrolet trucks with 5.0L (305-in.) and 5.7L (350-in.) engines, a one-piece rear main seal and 23.4 in./oz. counter balance using a 12-in. clutch. The steel flywheel part number is 700161 (flywheel only). According to the company, these new flywheels replace the current/original parts with a higher quality billet steel flywheel, designed for a direct bolt-in replacement. Centerforce 800/932-5882 www.centerforce.com

American Powertrain E-body ProFit Five-Speed Kit American Powertrain introduces the new E-body ProFit five-speed kit featuring the new ProShift3 shifter mechanism and all the parts needed to convert the Challenger or ’Cuda to a TKO five-speed. ProShift3 fits the original four-speed shift position in any ’70–’74 Challenger or ’Cuda. Kits start at $3,195 and are covered by American Powertrain’s comprehensive warranty and exclusive Customer First 24-hour tech support. American Powertrain 931/646-4836 www.americanpowertrain.com		3M Automotive Division Paint Protection Films According to 3M, paint-protection films provide a first line of defense to protect against the relentless assault of Mother Nature, careless passersby and rough road conditions that chip away at a vehicle’s paint and decrease its value. The films can also provide a unique form of self-expression, with various colors and finishes offering customized looks that really set vehicles apart on the road. 3M Automotive Division 888/364-3577 www.3m.com/paintprotectionfilm

Directed Electronics Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module Directed Electronics introduces the latest generation of Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module with GPS. Viper SmartStart GPS has all the features of SmartStart 2.0, including the Viper Motor Club, SmartPark and compatibility with iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones. Viper SmartStart GPS is also compatible with virtually every ESP2 system dating back to 2003. With Viper SmartStart GPS, users always know exactly where their vehicles are and get Speed Alert, Movement Alert, Curfew and even Facebook connectivity, so their friends can easily locate them and their cars. Directed Electronics 800/876-0800 www.directeddealers.com		a2z Racer Gear Hunziker Collection Casual Driver Shoes a2z Racer Gear features stylish, high-quality fashion inspired by motor-racing legends Steve McQueen, Carroll Shelby, Sir Stirling Moss and Vic Elford. The company is proud to introduce its new Hunziker collection of casual driver shoes (PN: NHAFA SHOE). For more information, visit www.a2zracergear.com. a2z Racer Gear 818/349-3548 www.a2zracergear.com

SEMA Members Present the Latest and Greatest

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 14:00

SEMA News—June 2011

NEW PRODUCTS

White Knight Wheel Accessories TPMS Valve Stems White Knight offers a line of TPMS valve stems in chrome and rubber finishes and in standard and adjustable swivel-style suitable for most applications. These TPMS valve stems are compatible with OE and aftermarket TPMS sensors. White Knight Wheel Accessories 800/343-8313 www.whtknight.com		BorgWarner Turbo Systems EFR Turbocharger According to the company, the new EFR Turbocharger series features a Gamma Ti turbine wheel that’s more than 50% lighter than its Inconel counterpart and could spin in the slightest breeze. A dual ceramic ball-bearing cartridge, stainless-steel turbine housing and other integrated highlights all come together in harmony to create the new, highly advanced aftermarket turbocharger. BorgWarner Turbo Systems 800/787-6464 www.borgwarnerboosted.com

Lubeatech Advanced Technologies (LAT)Extreme Duty Break-In Oil Specifically formulated for today’s sophisticated high-tech racing engines, LAT’s dedicated High Performance Break-In Oil addresses issues relating to ring seal failure, extreme stress and exaggerated wear during initial startup and break-in. With today’s flat tappet cams and heavy spring pressure, the need for high zinc content and additives is critical. LAT Break-In Oil is available in 20w50. Lubeatech Advanced Technologies 888/528-6457 www.latracingoils.com		Centerforce Steel Flywheels for ’96–00 Chevy Trucks Centerforce proudly introduces its new Steel Flywheel, now available for ’96–00 Chevrolet trucks with 5.0L (305-in.) and 5.7L (350-in.) engines, a one-piece rear main seal and 23.4 in./oz. counter balance using a 12-in. clutch. The steel flywheel part number is 700161 (flywheel only). According to the company, these new flywheels replace the current/original parts with a higher quality billet steel flywheel, designed for a direct bolt-in replacement. Centerforce 800/932-5882 www.centerforce.com

American Powertrain E-body ProFit Five-Speed Kit American Powertrain introduces the new E-body ProFit five-speed kit featuring the new ProShift3 shifter mechanism and all the parts needed to convert the Challenger or ’Cuda to a TKO five-speed. ProShift3 fits the original four-speed shift position in any ’70–’74 Challenger or ’Cuda. Kits start at $3,195 and are covered by American Powertrain’s comprehensive warranty and exclusive Customer First 24-hour tech support. American Powertrain 931/646-4836 www.americanpowertrain.com		3M Automotive Division Paint Protection Films According to 3M, paint-protection films provide a first line of defense to protect against the relentless assault of Mother Nature, careless passersby and rough road conditions that chip away at a vehicle’s paint and decrease its value. The films can also provide a unique form of self-expression, with various colors and finishes offering customized looks that really set vehicles apart on the road. 3M Automotive Division 888/364-3577 www.3m.com/paintprotectionfilm

Directed Electronics Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module Directed Electronics introduces the latest generation of Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module with GPS. Viper SmartStart GPS has all the features of SmartStart 2.0, including the Viper Motor Club, SmartPark and compatibility with iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones. Viper SmartStart GPS is also compatible with virtually every ESP2 system dating back to 2003. With Viper SmartStart GPS, users always know exactly where their vehicles are and get Speed Alert, Movement Alert, Curfew and even Facebook connectivity, so their friends can easily locate them and their cars. Directed Electronics 800/876-0800 www.directeddealers.com		a2z Racer Gear Hunziker Collection Casual Driver Shoes a2z Racer Gear features stylish, high-quality fashion inspired by motor-racing legends Steve McQueen, Carroll Shelby, Sir Stirling Moss and Vic Elford. The company is proud to introduce its new Hunziker collection of casual driver shoes (PN: NHAFA SHOE). For more information, visit www.a2zracergear.com. a2z Racer Gear 818/349-3548 www.a2zracergear.com

Focus on the Customer: Introduction to Selling

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 13:20


	"Introduction to Selling" is the first in a series of sales and marketing training courses being developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI).

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) continues to build out its library of invaluable presentations (currently more than 200 sessions) for automotive specialty-equipment businesses of every type. SEI’s sales training course, "Focus on the Customer: Introduction to Selling," is a highly effective tool for increasing retail sales skills that can be applied on the job immediately. This course is designed to help entry-level sales people as well as veterans.

"Introduction to Selling" is the first in a series of sales and marketing training courses being developed by SEI. The series will make use of scenario-based learning techniques, engaging video and audio, interactive quizzes and skill reviews.

The heart of the program is a five-step sales process that uses the acronym G.E.A.R.S. to describe how to lead the customer: Greet, Explore, Assist, Recommend and Sell. It is a perfect addition to in-house sales training—and a fun tool to encourage employees to work together to improve their selling skills.

In addition, retail store management can measure sales skills improvement and performance with the course’s built-in testing function.

This course is currently being offered free of charge for a limited time. Register today at www.sema.org/eLearning.

Focus on the Customer: Introduction to Selling

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 13:20


	"Introduction to Selling" is the first in a series of sales and marketing training courses being developed by the SEMA Education Institute (SEI).

The SEMA Education Institute (SEI) continues to build out its library of invaluable presentations (currently more than 200 sessions) for automotive specialty-equipment businesses of every type. SEI’s sales training course, "Focus on the Customer: Introduction to Selling," is a highly effective tool for increasing retail sales skills that can be applied on the job immediately. This course is designed to help entry-level sales people as well as veterans.

"Introduction to Selling" is the first in a series of sales and marketing training courses being developed by SEI. The series will make use of scenario-based learning techniques, engaging video and audio, interactive quizzes and skill reviews.

The heart of the program is a five-step sales process that uses the acronym G.E.A.R.S. to describe how to lead the customer: Greet, Explore, Assist, Recommend and Sell. It is a perfect addition to in-house sales training—and a fun tool to encourage employees to work together to improve their selling skills.

In addition, retail store management can measure sales skills improvement and performance with the course’s built-in testing function.

This course is currently being offered free of charge for a limited time. Register today at www.sema.org/eLearning.

Best Practices for E-mail Marketing

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 13:06


	Michael Kelly

E-mail gives you the opportunity to reach a large, targeted group of customers and prospects at a relatively low cost. It delivers the highest ROI of all direct marketing channels. When done right, e-mail can be an extremely effective marketing tool. When done wrong, it can be detrimental to your company and brand.

Join Michael Kellly of ClickMail Marketing on Thursday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for a SEMA Education Institute webinar as he discusses e-mail best practices. Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and messaging industries and is one of the founders of ClickMail. During this session Michael will discuss:

Developing your e-mail goals and strategy
Tips on how to increase response rates and click-through rates
E-mail design and functionality
How to reduce unsubscribe requests
Measuring e-mail campaign performance

Attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of "The E-mail Marketing Cheat Sheet," a useful reference guide for future campaigns.

Learn how to develop and execute highly effective e-mail campaigns that will help your company’s message break through the clutter. Join Kelly for this instructive webinar on Thursday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members, click here for more information and to register.

Non-members, click here for more information and to register.

Best Practices for E-mail Marketing

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 13:06


	Michael Kelly

E-mail gives you the opportunity to reach a large, targeted group of customers and prospects at a relatively low cost. It delivers the highest ROI of all direct marketing channels. When done right, e-mail can be an extremely effective marketing tool. When done wrong, it can be detrimental to your company and brand.

Join Michael Kellly of ClickMail Marketing on Thursday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) for a SEMA Education Institute webinar as he discusses e-mail best practices. Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and messaging industries and is one of the founders of ClickMail. During this session Michael will discuss:

Developing your e-mail goals and strategy
Tips on how to increase response rates and click-through rates
E-mail design and functionality
How to reduce unsubscribe requests
Measuring e-mail campaign performance

Attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of "The E-mail Marketing Cheat Sheet," a useful reference guide for future campaigns.

Learn how to develop and execute highly effective e-mail campaigns that will help your company’s message break through the clutter. Join Kelly for this instructive webinar on Thursday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

Members, click here for more information and to register.

Non-members, click here for more information and to register.

Turbo Buick Pioneer

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 12:26

SEMA News—June 2011

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

In 1981, Hot Rod magazine Executive Editor C.J. Baker wrote an in-depth profile of Junior Johnson’s No. 11 “Mountain Dew” Buick Regal, in which Darrell Waltrip won the NASCAR championship that year. This photo opened that story in the November 1981 issue. Johnson is leaning on the race car; the other man in the photo is Gale Banks, posed with a turbocharged V6 engine he built for the Hot Rod project car behind him.

Though he may be better known now for his truck and diesel performance packages, Banks has been building hot car and boat engines for most of his 50-year-plus engineering career. He was a pioneer in performance turbocharger applications, first with marine engines in 1969 and later developing a twin-turbocharger system for small-block Chevrolet V8s. Baker and Banks had previously collaborated on V8 turbo projects for the magazine, so when Baker wanted to make something special out of Buick’s Regal Sport Coupe, Banks was a natural choice.

At the time, the 170 hp produced by the Regal’s 3.8L engine “was the best performing of General Motors’ redesigned A-Specials,” Baker wrote. But rather than modify the existing V6, Banks chose to pull the stock engine and replace it with a heavy-duty, fully balanced V6 that had been assembled by Kenne-Bell. Banks designed its twin-turbocharger system, which included custom exhaust manifolds, a modified Holley intake and a specially prepped Holley carburetor. On the dyno, that combination produced 439 horses, a number Baker called “very respectable.”

Yet neither Baker nor Banks was completely satisfied with the result, so Banks increased the engine’s compression ratio and installed a hotter cam. The engine in that state of tune didn’t go back on the dyno, but Banks later estimated its output at around 500 hp. Track numbers would support the estimate, as the Regal went from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 13.25 seconds at nearly 108 mph.

When Buick got wind of the project car, it asked Banks to bring it to GM’s proving grounds in Mesa, Arizona, so that engineers could evaluate the package. Impressed, the automaker asked Banks to build a clone of the car and four replicas of the V6 to be used on the auto show circuit.

It wasn’t long after examining Banks’ handiwork that Buick built a pace car for the 1983 Indy 500 that was powered by a turbocharged V6 using a forced-induction system remarkably similar to Banks’ design, he says. And not long after that, Buick began building the now legendary turbocharged Grand Nationals. This wouldn’t be the first time that an automaker “borrowed” some technological developments from the aftermarket—nor would it be the last.

Turbo Buick Pioneer

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 12:26

SEMA News—June 2011

By Drew Hardin

Photo Courtesy Source Interlink Media Archives

In 1981, Hot Rod magazine Executive Editor C.J. Baker wrote an in-depth profile of Junior Johnson’s No. 11 “Mountain Dew” Buick Regal, in which Darrell Waltrip won the NASCAR championship that year. This photo opened that story in the November 1981 issue. Johnson is leaning on the race car; the other man in the photo is Gale Banks, posed with a turbocharged V6 engine he built for the Hot Rod project car behind him.

Though he may be better known now for his truck and diesel performance packages, Banks has been building hot car and boat engines for most of his 50-year-plus engineering career. He was a pioneer in performance turbocharger applications, first with marine engines in 1969 and later developing a twin-turbocharger system for small-block Chevrolet V8s. Baker and Banks had previously collaborated on V8 turbo projects for the magazine, so when Baker wanted to make something special out of Buick’s Regal Sport Coupe, Banks was a natural choice.

At the time, the 170 hp produced by the Regal’s 3.8L engine “was the best performing of General Motors’ redesigned A-Specials,” Baker wrote. But rather than modify the existing V6, Banks chose to pull the stock engine and replace it with a heavy-duty, fully balanced V6 that had been assembled by Kenne-Bell. Banks designed its twin-turbocharger system, which included custom exhaust manifolds, a modified Holley intake and a specially prepped Holley carburetor. On the dyno, that combination produced 439 horses, a number Baker called “very respectable.”

Yet neither Baker nor Banks was completely satisfied with the result, so Banks increased the engine’s compression ratio and installed a hotter cam. The engine in that state of tune didn’t go back on the dyno, but Banks later estimated its output at around 500 hp. Track numbers would support the estimate, as the Regal went from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 13.25 seconds at nearly 108 mph.

When Buick got wind of the project car, it asked Banks to bring it to GM’s proving grounds in Mesa, Arizona, so that engineers could evaluate the package. Impressed, the automaker asked Banks to build a clone of the car and four replicas of the V6 to be used on the auto show circuit.

It wasn’t long after examining Banks’ handiwork that Buick built a pace car for the 1983 Indy 500 that was powered by a turbocharged V6 using a forced-induction system remarkably similar to Banks’ design, he says. And not long after that, Buick began building the now legendary turbocharged Grand Nationals. This wouldn’t be the first time that an automaker “borrowed” some technological developments from the aftermarket—nor would it be the last.