There are many collector car tires, but very few can match the vintage look of Coker tires.

The Coker Tire Company continues to develop new products, adding more custom options in its catalog. The company’s latest product is the G78-15 bias-ply tire, which is a four-ply polyester tire.

This American innovation is suited to OE guidelines, allowing for easy installation. It is perfect for restorations and custom applications.

The G78-15 bias-ply tire has an extra wide whitewall, which would be perfect for any hot rod.

Source: Rodandcustommagazine

You’re staring at a phenomenal piece of engine artistry, the Ford Deuce. It is the first hot rod to sport the legendary V8 engine. In fact, the Deuce was called Model 18, because of its engine—“1” stood for “first” and “8” stood for “V8”.

Electric cars are the future. This technology is cheaper, more efficient, and more environment-friendly. But what happens to power?

Unfortunately, these Electric Vehicles (EVs) are designed for lifestyle and not performance; for the everyday commute and not the racing circuit.

Why would this be significant to hot rodders? Well, some experts are kicking around the idea of an electric-powered hot rod. One of these experts is Ken Koch of EV Consulting, who has been in the EV industry for over 20 years.

Koch admits that there will be losses in power, but with the right technological components, he believes an electric hot rod is possible (Check out his full interview here).

According to trusted sources, a gas-powered car has three times more power than its electric conversion. Needless to say, if you’re planning to race an electric hot rod, you won’t get that far. If it’s just a hobby hot rod, then this is a very practical option. You just have to accept that you won’t be going as fast as you want.

But, who knows? Maybe technology will find a way to reduce the power gap between fuel-powered and electric-powered cars in the near future.

K&N Engineering

Two power names in the NHRA have decided to join forces for the 2009 season: K&N Engineering and Warren Johnson.

In what came as a surprise development, the top air and oil filter manufacturer has announced that they are sponsoring the six-time Pro Stock Champion during the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season.

“Warren Johnson is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the sport of drag racing, and we are excited to welcome him to the K&N family,” said Steve Williams, vice president of Product Engineering and Research and Development at K&N Engineering.

Against the Recession

Pro-Stock Racing Champion Warren Johnson

This is a gutsy move by K&N Engineering.

In a time when sponsors are pulling out, the company has chosen to stay with the former champion. It proves the company’s loyalty and it also proves that K&N must be doing something right.

In the past six months, many car manufacturers and aftermarket developers have foregone their sponsorships. And no, this is not just limited to General Motors (GM) companies. In fact, Honda pulled out of the F1 race grid late last year. This deal definitely comes as a surprise.

Even Johnson himself said it: “In today’s economic environment, I know what it takes for a company to invest in any marketing program, so I am honored to welcome K&N to our team.”

What’s the conclusion? Either K&N is ready to lose a lot of money or the company knows something we don’t.

Washington lawmakers recently drafted an economic policy that aims to create job opportunities and rebuild infrastructure. This policy includes a nationwide scrapping program, which rewards consumers who turn-in their older cars to selected scrap yards.

Is there a method behind this madness? Well, lawmakers believe that if they get enough consumers to go with the scrapping program, it can boost car sales. The consumers who turn in their older cars will get the “minimum” down payment for the new car of their choice. But what happens to auto enthusiasts who like vintage?

A vintage car’s trip to the scrap yard represents loss—of parts for repairs and restoration. Not only that, the program risks destroying what we Americans consider as classic and historic. Classic and vintage cars are part of American heritage, and it’s not something we can just erase.

Lawmakers mentioned that “Cash for Clunkers” Program also aims to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the number of “older” cars on the road. But they should consider the context too. 2009 is a time when people will have constricted funds. Maintaining payments for a new car will make the household budget even tighter. Lawmakers should, instead, concentrate on encouraging repairs and upgrades to make the consumers’ cars more efficient and economic. This option is a lot cheaper.

This bill was introduced to the Congress earlier this month. It will now be transferred to the new President’s desk for approval.

If you want to oppose this bill, please try to contact your congressman immediately!