It doesn't matter whether you're into racing, shows or just plain cruising; you love parts. The newest stuff and the latest trends are all that excite you and garner your interest. When a new carbon-fiber interior piece, cold-air intake design or tuned exhaust hits the market, you're already sitting pretty at the top of the waiting list. But, innovations that are instantly recognizable today weren't always so. Carbon Kevlar seats, forged magnesium wheels, titanium exhaust systems and remote reservoir shock absorbers were not born on the streets, they came from the racing world. Hell, even drop-in air filters had to start from somewhere.
There once was a time when nobody thought to incorporate carbon fiber into the automotive world, that is, until one fierce race car took innovation to a whole new level. In our own bent dedication to outright speed, we've begun to mix race and street with positive results. Cars are getting faster and more reliable thanks to the pioneering efforts of experimental race teams. So, in an effort to lead the way towards new trends and cool products, we've called upon our closest allies in the racing world to bring you a taste of what exists out in the real world.
Flush Mount Hood Pins
Who: AeroCatch
Taking hood pins to the next level, AeroCatch's flush mount design allows the greatest combination of aerodynamic efficiency, security and looks. Available in both regular and locking versions, these pins can also function vertically as lockable body panel fasteners. The plus version has the pins' edging sitting on top of the hood, while the standard version features a recessed edge so that the face of the pins will be flush with the hood surface. AeroCatch Plus is pictured. Measurements and diagrams are included, but beware; cutting the shape out for the pins is not an easy task.
Buy: Coast Fabrication
714/842-2603
Coastfab.com
Brembo GTR Brake Kit
Who: Brembo
For the ultimate in streetable racing brakes, Brembo offers their GTR big brake kit. These kits feature the standard high-performance brake pads and monstrous two-piece brake rotors, but the biggest difference lies in the calipers. These forged monoblock beauties are stronger and lighter than even the Brembo Gran Turismo design, and feature multiple ventilated titanium piston inserts inside each caliper. Expect to pay a hefty price to be able to call these brakes your own, and you'll still need equally monstrous wheels to cover these brakes.
Buy: Brembo
800/325-3994
Brembo.com
Wiggins Clamps
Who: Adel Wiggins Tube Connectors
For the ultimate in clamping and holding power, such as in high-horsepower or big boost applications, forget about using worm clamps and rubber hose. Guaranteed to hold up to more than 125psi and proven in numerous turbocharged drag cars, the Wiggins clamp uses a simple latch design to clamp down a sleeve over two o-ringed weld ferrules. The Wiggins ferrule ends are designed to be welded onto two separate hard pipes, which are then clamped together inside the sleeve. Slipping this clamp over a standard rubber hose and closing the latch will not function correctly, so be sure to brush up on your welding skills.
Buy: Burns Stainless
949/631-5120
Burnsstainless.com
Lightweight Racing Batteries
Who: Odyssey, Buddy Club, Braille Auto
The key to going fast, turning harder and stopping shorter is to reduce weight. Every race car seeks to loose excess pounds wherever possible, and a smaller, lightweight battery is often a great solution. We've experienced some of these batteries in daily driven cars and have had zero problems with the maintenance of the smaller unit. Many of these batteries also feature sealed dry cell designs so that they can be installed vertically or horizontally on their sides.
Buy: Buddy Club
909/923-9188
Buddyclub.us