SPEED, SPEED!! SPEED!!!!!!

The Age Old Question: Turbo Charger or Super Charger?
Which do you prefer?
For many years I’ve been a super charger guy. Every since I rode in my cousin/high school buddies car with a supercharger; I was in love with the concept. Whoever said “Hey guys, less ram a bunch of cold air into the motor really quickly so what can make richer combustion” Was a pure genius. Super chargers are so fun because they deliver direct power that is belt driven. This means you experience the charge of horse power the second your foot touches the gas pedal.
I can remember riding with cousin Deven in his supercharged Thunderbird. We would go Grand National hunting and the supercharger was our hunting rifle. Those were defiantly fun times. That’s when I first took on the concept of adding boost from a Super Charger. We would burning rubber in every gear and still beat the car in the other lane by two lengths. Not only do they perform- They sound great! Super charger Whipples sound like soprano opera singers!
On the other hand turbo chargers are also a blast. In this set-up, the motor recycles exhaust and burns the fumes a second time which creates a rich combustion. I’ve got equal experience with both applications and love them both for different reasons. Hearing a big turbo spool up is one of the sexiest sounds I’ve ever heard. A few months later my cousin bought a second Thunderbird- this one was turbo charged. This application has a totally different agenda. It still loves to kick ass but it does it differently than the super charger. The turbo sends a calling card. Just like Mother Nature sends thunders before lighting. The turbo creates a gruesome spool before the impact of the charge is felt. This means there is a slight delay in power but it’s worth the wait.
Super Chargers/ blowers are usually easier to install and maintenance than turbo chargers but turbo chargers allow the installer the luxury of installing the shell anywhere the chargers tube will run. Turbo Charger allow more imagination as the customizer can add two shells (twin turbo) and even use turbo’s from other types of vehicles (work trucks and tractors) these huge shells can make huge boost if tuned correctly.
It really comes down to preference at the end of the day. I always find myself torn between the two; but my expert advice is: If you are the installer have big fun by going turbo but if your just the driver of the car go with a supercharger.
There are literally thousands of MPA (major power adder) manufacturers – my favorite is Kenne Bell. Check out some of these applications! They’re crazy

AT THE RED-LIGHT

Today I had a random thought. In the middle of the work day a buddy says “I wish I were on the beach right about now”. I thought to myself- The beach is nice but it’s no place for Geoff Morris. If I could be anywhere right now; where would I be? It didn’t take me long to conclude that If I weren’t at my desk; I’d be at a red light.
Yeah, yeah, yeah… I know- Let me explain myself.
The red-light is a magical place. I’ve had alot of my fun at red lights. Here are a few fun red light memories that I’m sure I share with other hobbyist:
1) Being eyeballed by a car of beautiful women- I turn over my shoulder and smile. The driver licks her lips and says nice ride. (This is prime example- I’ve had detailed conversation with women in other cars just by having a clean ride. This is the result of having a banging set of wheels.
2) Being watched by the guy that seems to think you have it all. You’re in your street machine with the stars, moon and street lights glimmering off the hood of the car. You’ve got a breath taking passenger riding with you and you notice the guy and his wife (in their minivan)staring at you uncontrollably. You know their going home with the groceries and then off to bed. They have no clue were your going in your immaculate vehicle with your angle eyed passenger. Sometime I turn to my passenger and say “If their gonna stare- let’s give em something to stare at” Then I plant one on her lips.
If you’re like me; you throat the engine up before the light turns green and you speed off leaving the nosey couple to fantasize about who you are and where you’re going.
3) Don’t forget how you feel when you’re at a red-light and a car full of little kids pull up next to you. They all point and push to get close to the window to get a closer look. Their mother will make them sit back down and you smile and give them a friendly waive. I was one of those kids and I’m sure that the good impression I make on them will make them go up to have an interest in our beloved automotive hobby.
4) The age old thumbs up. When I was 18 I bought my first limited addition car. There were 500 pearl colored models produced and I owned number 468. It never failed that every time I would pull up to a light. Car guys would give me the thumbs up. That is one of the nicest things a guy can do. It’s a rule amongst car folks to never get too excited when someone pays your ride a compliment you just- nod and keep driving.
5) Lastly, the red-light is the birth place of street racing adrenaline. (I don’t condone racing on the street but I’ve done it). There's nothing like waiting on that light to turn so you can tear the guy in the other lane “a new one” lol
Now, I’m sure since I’ve had the opportunity to explain why I love red lights so much all real gear heads reading this will agree that a red-light is pretty cool place to be.
See ya at the red-light.
Geoff Morris

Dr. V8

My Therapy

Hot Cars and bikes Meditational Purposes?!?
Yeah, you read right; cars and bikes are more than just fun (for the good days) their also meditational calming agents. Think back to a day that you had to clear your mind due to frustration, confusion or just needed inspiration. When you got your ride on the highway and pushed the speedo hand to about 80mph; all of your troubles seemed to melt away.

Every vehicle owner knows this mystical feeling. If you haven’t expired this don’t worry; you just haven’t been in the hobby long enough.
Taking my car for a drive with the top down helps me to forget all of my current stresses, troubles and focus on the sound of the motor. I concentrate on the feel of the rode and the smell of the air. Just about every day I take a relaxing motorcycle ride to conclude my work day. It’s not for speed or even fun but for clarity. The open road is my psychologist. It helps me to adress all of my concerns. Next time you’re feeling uptight. Take a ride and let your problems melt away.
Ride em easy!
Geoff Morris

MY FAVORITE CAR

Question: What is your favorite car and why?
Mine is the Ford Mustang and for many reasons. The mustang is probably the most prestige’s American car next to the Corvette. It has the best sounding motor- hands down (exhaust or open tubed) and the car has more applications for speed than any other. The only other car out there with close to as many options for speed would have to be the Honda Civic. There’s really a lot you can do to one of those little fellaz. The mustang is a favor with drag races because of the light weight body. It’s a favorite with rally racers because of its wide base and durable frame. The car is a favorite of street racers because it is easily upgradable. And everyone else likes it because it just looks good.
There are some rules that come with owning one of these machines.
The 10 Commandments of Mustangs:
-Thou shall not purchase a v6 mustang and try to pass it off as a v8
-Thou shall not use put rims on a mustang that aren’t considered racing rims (no big rims)
- Thou shall never spend more money investing in what’s in the trunk than what’s under the hood.
-Thou shall never get involved in horse play with unworthy vehicles. “No street racing family cars” (SS Monte Carlos & Dodge Chargers) It’s just unfair- they think their sports cars but their really not
-Thou shall not place rubber mats from the part store in your car- This is like giving your girlfriend costume jewelry.
-Thou shall take every advantage to purchase a 5 or 6 speed manual over an automatic transition
(If you have to get an automatic; swap the factory for a big Tremec- you’ll enjoy it more!
-Thou shall not purchase a mustang with a visible cup holder- Do you plan to do some driving or what?!
-Thou shall not buy aftermarket badges that say (turbo, or stoker) for your car if you’re not running those apps!
-Thou shall not leave car unattended with keys in ignition (not even for a second) Beware of horse thieves
-Thou shall never let a Chevy driver beat you to the finish line!
Mustang drivers follow this commandment and you will have great prosperity.

Seriously- What’s your favorite car and why???

KNOW YOUR AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY!

“In order to know who you are you must know where you come from…”
The History of Car Culture
If you’re like me you owe the whole the seat of your pants to Henry Ford and The Daimler Benz Group. This two started the concept of what I’ve been eating, sleeping and drinking for the most part of my life.
In the late 1800’s Daimler Benz developed one of the first concepts for the automobile in Germany. Not more than 20 years later a business man name Henry began tinkering around with the idea of not only progressing on Daimler's’ vision for the automobile but also making automobiles with command amenities. More Importantly Henry wanted to make automobiles affordable enough for everyone to own. We all know Henry Fords’ dreams came to life; as today the average American home has more than two vehicles.
The basic concept of why we breathe cars came from these two auto manufacturers but all credit goes to General Motors for the idea of customization. Almost one hundred years ago GM made a dramatic change in their vehicle line up that left a permanent mark on the car culture….
Anyone know what it is? You guessed it! As a competitive edge over Ford Motor Company; GM offered their vehicles in different colors. So, essentially Fords’ vision was about productivity and GM‘s focused on style and personality; hints the strong presents of customization in automotive culture today.
During the First World War the automobiles made a dramatic change. Vehicles began to emphasize speed. In the 1930’s the concept of going fast was embarrassed strongly by strong armed bank robbers and alcohol bootleggers. These criminal liked to hop their cars up so that they could out run the police during prohibition. Around this time automotive makers began to product coupes- like the famous 32’ deuce coupe. The first automotive enthusiast began tinkering with the cars by adding horsepower and popular paint jobs of America’s WWII fighter planes to their cars. This was the birth of the hot rod.
In the 1920’s to 1940’s us war veterans built vehicles that where built for speed and often had elaborate paint schemes. These pioneers where the first car enthusiast (equivalent to IT geek today); these enthusiasts dove head into a undeveloped culture and formed it to into a lasting American past time.
The first major drag races where held by bootleggers/hot-rodder in the middle of the dessert.
One of the more popular of these races was the March Meet:
CLIP OF BAKERSFIELD DRAG RACING/ Author unknown
“In evolutionary terms what we call Drag Racing today is really a hybrid resulting from a cross between two other forms of racing, dry lakes racing and illegal street racing. In the years immediately following WW II a relatively small group of racers from Bakersfield started a car club know as the Bakersfield Coupe and Roadster Club so that they could be sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association and race competitively on the dry lakes of Southern California. However, the lure of Drag Racing was growing, not only in Southern California and Bakersfield, but across the entire country”
These innovative new ideas on how to enjoy vehicles begin a lot of the cool stuff we enjoy today like Rally Racing, Drifting and Hydraulics.
So before you go in public broadcasting that you’re a car guy; KNOW YOUR HISTORY!
Geoff Morris- Drive em’ hard

MUST HAVE MODS FOR BIKERS THIS SUMMER

3 Must haves for your bike this summer!
1) Wide tire kits
2) Led’s
3) Custom Seating

To all of my two wheeled friends, this Blog is designed to help you upgrade your game for this riding season. I’ve got three must haves for stand out riders in 2010.
This year it’s all about wide tire kits, LED’s and Custom seating.
I know what you’re thinking- Geoff how could you say this; it’s it always about paint, handle bars or exhaust. My reply is ordinarily yes; but there is one trend that is becoming more and more visible and more and more accessible to all riders (wide tires!!!) Sure they can be expensive but anything worth having is worth paying for. This minor upgrade can turn any bike stand out. But be careful- we’ve all seen the fools that put a 300 series tire kit on a tiny 600c.c. sport bikes… Come on guys; PLEASE use good judgment. This makes the view better from every angle especially when you have a passage riding with bikini bottoms.
If you love taken curves like me, you may not be up for this compromise. That’s cool; I’ve got two other must haves on the list.
LED’s set the party off. When you’ve got the light- you own the night. Spectators on the road can see you easily (safely +style) and you get the attention you deserve for all the hard work you’ve but into your bike. My tip to you; don’t be plain Jane. Be creative with the LED’s if you have a two tone bike express that with the lighting. This year is about pushing the envelope! Be the stand out at bike night.

Customer seating- Lots of riders overlook this customization tip. It’s often the last thing we do but should be one of the first. Don’t go with dads idea of custom seating (plain old snake) get creative; go all out and emboss riding handles/club names and logos in the leather. Once that’s done lets rap our seat in more than one material- Take time to spell out what you’re all about.
Follow these tips and you’re guaranteed to turn heads and get plenty respect when riding this season.
Don’t be one of the guy’s doing the expected mods of the yester year. Change the game up and always stay creative
Burn Rubber-Geoff Morris

America's Love for Speed-

As an American I can testify that the influence of speed is all around us. Growing up as a kid I can remember the significance placed on cars through advertisement, music and movies. More important than just owning a nice ride, was owning a fast one.
Every since automakers began making cars at the beginning of the century they’ve only been concerned with one thing- How to make them go faster.
One of the most famed times in American history was the error of the Muscle car. (1960-1970) during these days- no matter what kind of car guy you were there was a muscle car for you. For Mopar heads there was the Cuda-roadrunner- and charger… Ford guys had the Mustang, Tornio and Talladega… Chevy fellaz were having all the fun with the camaro, chevelle, and SS Novas. And we can’t forget Pontiac’s notorious street machines the GTO’s and the Firebirds.
Yeah Man… those where the days. They say the good things never die- they just get better.
Our Big Boys in Detroit tried to keep many of these cars alive through the years but ultimately the only car that lasted from its birthday in April 1964 ½ till today was the Ford Mustang. For awhile (late nineties to early 2000’s) if you wanted to purchase a new muscle car off the show room floor there was only one choice- Our American Pony the Ford Mustang.
Exciting as this car was; it had no one to play with. Good ole street rivalries between the Big 3 where fewer and fewer as Chevy had discontented the Camaro and Mopar (Dodge) was almost completely off the scene- They were making most of their money in mini-van market.
Then one day in 2005 the rumor of Chevy building a concept for a new Camaro was being passed around. The car was set to be sold in 2006 but with the automotive market struggling - GM began restructuring is business plan to produce more eco friendly cars.
The Camaro was shelved for awhile. This left car guys uncertain about the promise of the return the pony car.
At the nation auto show in 2006 it was made official- Chevy would have the car ready for the streets in 2007. Bow tie fans went crazy and patiently awaited the cars return.
The automotive market was ripe for the picking invited the release of the new camaro.
By this time Ford and Dodge had spear headed the retro muscle car look on the street with the 2005 retro body mustang the 2005 Dodge Charger. Americans were slowly regaining their muscle car fever and young drivers across the nation where being bit by the speed bug.
With the new 2007 V6 Camaro making 304hp; the fans where eager to see what the new SS V8 Camaro would bring.
The SS dyno-ed in at 426hp and just like that the Ford and Chevy rival was back with more (flame) than ever.
Now car fans were waiting on Pontiac to check in. No sooner than we had the thought; the automaker introduced the remake of the legendary Firebird.
It seems that it’s not the name but the classic look.
In 2002 Pontiac reintroduced the GTO but they did not match up to the high status of it predecessor… I can’t help but wonder if the GTO will be remodeled toward its retro body style. I’d certainly be a good thing with the market pulling for (not only speed) but the hard muscle car look.
Trucks have returned with more beef that ever and the car culture has responded by reproducing some of the most recognize cars in American history. Today were enjoying the Mustang, Camaro, Charger, Challenger, GTO and soon to be released Fire Bird.
What will be next: I sure would like to get behind the wheel of an SS Nova or 2011 SS Chevelle.
Well let’s just keep praying to the car gods in the motor city and hope they continue to answer our prayers.
Geoff Morris- signing off