Pro-Touring well represented

[Steve Chryssos]

Maybe Power Tour is getting to be old news, but my brain is still buzzing from the experience. This morning while finalizing our little racing video, it occured to me that our group did a fine job of representing the true nature of pro-touring.

The average Power Tour vehicle was chugging along in the right lane at 60-65mph--presumably as a form of self preservation over the long haul. Conversely, our group of pro-touring cars would buzz past them in the fast lane at 80-85mph. Triple digit blasts were common. I can see how others might label pro-touring enthusiasts as arrogant. Envy will generate that kind of reaction. At one point, Hot Rod was photographing one of these 60mph packs when our group unknowingly blew past them at speed. David Frieburger was driving the Hot Rod Trailblazer SS while Wes Allison was riding shotgun and taking pix. They abandonded the pack of traditional cars and chased us down to take "at speed" pictures of our cars. That was a cool feeling. Charlie, my co-pilot said "Hey, slow down. They wanna take our picture"

Likewise, a good number of Pro-Touring cars flexed their muscles at the various dragstrips on Power Tour. Our cars are traction limited, so E.T's were less than stellar, but it was clear that true pro-touring enthusiasts are more than willing to use and abuse their cars. "Mile An Hour" numbers told the tale on traction. I now have a serious bug up my ass to improve my car's E.T. without sacrificing other performance aspects.

At each events, pro-touring cars clogged up the manufacturer booths as display vehicles. We would come in filthy and road-worn, shine up the cars, then put on a show. I'm not much for car shows, so I was blown away by the response. Flowmaster chose Bill Howell's GTO for their calender, then asked him to represent the hobby on FOX News. And Jason Huber's "Fuel" 69 Camaro was shot for a full Hot Rod magazine feature.

With the exception of Sam's AME chassis'd 55 (which suffered a failing rear), all repairs were limited to "nut & bolt" issues. Parts came loose, we tightened them up--and were on our merry way.

Drive, race or show, I wrapped up Power Tour with a sense of pride in my car, my friends' cars and our build style as a whole. This "well rounded performance" stuff just plain works. I gotta thank Hot Rod for hosting an event that helped me expand my perspective and enjoy this great hobby.

By completing Power Tour, you and your car will be better off.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Very well written. This should shut up the Nay Sayers. Pro Touring in my opinion should be just that, Touring! Street Fighter, Street Machine, whatever. Your car Steve (the original street fighter), We had the Goat (the couch), Jasons car (the new street fighter touring coupe), Sam's 55 (the street rod inspired touring sedan that will kick 99% of everythings ass), and Bob's Cuda (the new benchmark for street machines), and of coarse the Mule (the Holy Grail of Pro Touring) made is 3rd power tour, and countless others. And as you said, other then Sam's unfortunate rear end problem none could expect, all the cars took names and kicked ass.

Seeing Bob beat on a car with more hours in it then a habitat for humanity home, Watching Sam (in his mid 60s) beat on that 55, Bill's countless burnouts, Jason daring his untested car to break, that was it.

Try as many may to define "Pro Touring", every car listed is very different, but in my opinion, VERY PRO TOURING!

[Steve68]

Here, here, both comments very well said,

[rob07002]

Well said indeed... Maybe some others will see the light!

[Blaster11]

I wanna go....I wanna go, the cruising video gave me the itch now I will have to deal with a drag racing video too, thats it I am going to the garage.:)

Bruce

[Beegs]

It's hilarious when I go to the local cruise deals and start talking pro-touring: "Lower your car?" "That's stupid." "Why would I want disc brakes, my drums work fine." LOL These responses seem to be quite common around here, I usually give it ONE shot to explain it. If I get the light in the deer eyes look, I drop it.

The concentration of pro-tourers here makes one believe that most car guys are into pro-touring. Then you do local gigs and hear comments like above. In a way I like it because my car kind of sticks out among the local rides. Exposure of these cars is surely making a difference. There is a guy on camaros.net, he has been a "stock" type of guy that has recently asked about pro-touring and what it takes to build one.

[6'9"Witha69]

Most guys look at a PT car like some kind of oxymoron. "Themm cars were never supposed to be like that" is always a favorite. And as much as I hate to admit it, PS type cars are still abundant. Funny thing is, they drive from Ontario to Pasadena (about 30-35 miles) and talk about how treacherous it was. Only doing 50-50 mph and those skinny tires to nothing for stability. I drive 360 miles to Phoenix and all I can complain about was my factory seats being to hard and hurting my a$$. Oh, and I did it in around 4 hours.

As stated previously, well said. Hopefully they will start to come a little this way and I can join the fun too!

[CAMAROBOY69]

Like always, very well said Steve. I agree 100% our pro-touring cars are the best way to completely enjoy every fun event and still drive home. Yeah we could build a car just for drag racing or just for a road track. But to do that most of those cars are going to get horrible gas mileage being driven home or they will simply be trailered. We can drive our cars to any of these events then still drive home with our girlfriends, wives, or whatever in the seat next to us. It really doesnt get any better than "The pro touring way"
Yes you guys truly represented too. Thats when you know your car is built well when you can attend the Power tour and still drive home. I am proud to say that in the 4 years that I have owned my Camaro I have NEVER been towed home from any event. I have driven to EVERY single event, beat the hell out of my car, and always drove home. How many people can say that? :)

[rob07002]

The only problem I have with protouring is that now I have to spend more $$ on the things I previously couldn't care less about. So in addition to a big motor, bullet proof tranny, and rock solid rear I have to make it stop, steer, and be comfortable as well pft! what a PITA!










only joking of course!

[69rs]

Very well put! Send that in to Hot Rod and see if they will print it!

[rockdogz]

Witnessed from the front lines.. awesome Steve. :candle:

[Steve Chryssos]

Very well put! Send that in to Hot Rod and see if they will print it!

David and I had a similar conversation in Roakoke. Rest assured, he gets it.

[Damn True]

David and I had a similar conversation in Roakoke. Rest assured, he gets it.

Did he lend any insight as to when/where that PT shootout might take place?

[shmoov69]

You guys suck!! You are making me feel bad for not going this year!! Espically since I have went on at least a "leg" of it since 96! I have thought what you said the whole time! With the exception of I have had to do MAJOR, repeat MAJOR reapirs on the trip (anyone remember Memphis in '99!!??), and decided to be trailered home once two years ago. I just wish that more of you guys would have went BEFORE this year!! So I could get to hang out also!
Anyway, well put!
BTW- Adam, you had better knock on some wood after that last comment!

[Steve Chryssos]

Did he lend any insight as to when/where that PT shootout might take place?

They are tight lipped on the subject.

[69Nova]

Well said Steve. For the short time I ran with you guys my car did ok for not having a overdrive tranny. But I'm working on selling some 4speed stuff i have to fund a 4L60 with your shrifter. I'm even more hooked on pro touring than before. And my dad who just thought pro-touring was just big wheels and whatnot is now ordering alot of stuff for his car to make it more enjoyable and safe to drive.

[Steve Chryssos]

You guys suck!! You are making me feel bad for not going this year!! Espically since I have went on at least a "leg" of it since 96! ........I just wish that more of you guys would have went BEFORE this year!! So I could get to hang out also!

Don't feel bad. Parking next to Bob's cuda was really annoying. I put so much effort into getting my car low to the ground and that 'cuda comes along--man it is just stepped on! Makes the rest of us look like we're driving 4x4's!!

One can only stand that kind of psychological torture for so long.:hammer:

[Steve Chryssos]

Well said Steve. For the short time I ran with you guys my car did ok for not having a overdrive tranny. But I'm working on selling some 4speed stuff i have to fund a 4L60 with your shrifter. I'm even more hooked on pro touring than before. And my dad who just thought pro-touring was just big wheels and whatnot is now ordering alot of stuff for his car to make it more enjoyable and safe to drive.

Thanks Andrew. Your car looks killer.

[69Nova]

Thanks Andrew. Your car looks killer.

Thanks. I do have a question. Do you have any pictures of your rear spoiler. I am going to copy your's cause it kinda matches the front one I made for my car. I took a couple pictures from the side but I need some close up pictures and even some pictures from under the decklid would be great.

[CAMAROBOY69]

BTW- Adam, you had better knock on some wood after that last comment!
Yeah I thought about that after I said it but its the same way with my truck. I have driven my 79 truck and beat the hell out of it for over 6 years and I can still take it to any event and drive it home. I mean that engine has been abused big time. Somehow the truck starts right away and still doesnt smoke. Just amazing!! 6 years and never got towed home in that either. I still drive it on occasion take our quad out for fun. :)

[Steve Chryssos]

Thanks. I do have a question. Do you have any pictures of your rear spoiler. I am going to copy your's cause it kinda matches the front one I made for my car. I took a couple pictures from the side but I need some close up pictures and even some pictures from under the decklid would be great.

Hold off. Jake Parrott and I are working out a better design. Better yet, check out the pix of John Parson's spoiler at www.iimuchfabrication.com. That design is more appropriate for your trunk shape.

[Alan Johnson]

They are tight lipped on the subject.
I'm at Alan's..I'm not so sure the shootout will occur this year. Hot Rod is having lots of issues and may not be able to do it until next year..It will be by invitation only..The Cuda is supposed to get an invite

[Alan Johnson]

Don't feel bad. Parking next to Bob's cuda was really annoying. I put so much effort into getting my car low to the ground and that 'cuda comes along--man it is just stepped on! Makes the rest of us look like we're driving 4x4's!!

One can only stand that kind of psychological torture for so long.:hammer:
one off fuel injection..dry sump..chassis..exhaust..fender scoops for tires to ride in..tunnel thru center of car..probably only cost me 6 figures to get it down there..lol..but worth it (Bob Johnson @ Alan's today)

[ProdigyCustoms]

Are you working there now to pay off your car?

[69rs]

Are you working there now to pay off your car?
The equivilent of washing dishes in a resturaunt when you forget your wallet?!? :doh:

[speedster]

Perfect writeup Steevo.

Pro Touring cars are made to be driven and Power Tour just proved that.

No more whiners...

[wheelz]

It's hilarious when I go to the local cruise deals and start talking pro-touring: "Lower your car?" "That's stupid." "Why would I want disc brakes, my drums work fine." LOL These responses seem to be quite common around here, I usually give it ONE shot to explain it. If I get the light in the deer eyes look, I drop it.



If you really want them to learn just say hop in I'll show you. They are usually not to impressed with the acceleration because they have been in fast cars before but It's pricless to hear them scream like a little girl when you take a turn so fast their eyeball tries to pop out of their ear. Then when you nail the brakes and they are pressed against the seatbelt so hard they look they have a dumptruck parked on their chest. That usually convinces them!

[TonyHuntimer]

Steve!

Where were you guys on the 03 Power Tour? There were only a couple of Pro-Touring cars mixed in here and there on the different legs. Charley was there with the Mule and there was a green 69 with LS1 power...but not much else.

I hope to get another Power Tour under my belt...as soon as it gets closer to the west coast. Next time I'll have my car ready. Last time I had to take the wifes '97 6 cylinder Mustang. Yuck! If it was a '67 6cylinder Mustang it would have been much better.

Maybe Pro-Touring cars will be more common-place on the Power Tours. I look forward to more fun on the road.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[Steve Chryssos]

I would say that there still were not a lot of Pro-Touring cars in 06. There was an excellent cross section of cars on Power Tour. Mostly street/strip early and late model muscle cars which is and will always will be the majority.

[shmoov69]

Don't feel bad. Parking next to Bob's cuda was really annoying. I put so much effort into getting my car low to the ground and that 'cuda comes along--man it is just stepped on! Makes the rest of us look like we're driving 4x4's!!

One can only stand that kind of psychological torture for so long.:hammer:
Yes, I did however see it and him at the Goodguys in Indy after he dumped the PT. Pics DEFINATELY do not do that car justice!! Probably the baddest (combination, in all ways) car that I have ever seen. Mega cudos!!:3gears:

[Bill Howell]

Sorry I am late to this thread, but there is a good reason for that. Melinda and I jumped in the goat yesterday around 1pm. and drove over to Nashville about a 245 mile trip. Spent the night at my sister's then drove to Gainesville Ga. this afternoon to be at the Year One car show in the morning. Man, anyone ever been on Hwy 53 between I-75 and Gainesville? About 65 miles of twisty mountain roads, the goat really got a good workout this afternoon. Several times I was very glad I had 4wheel disk brakes. Tommorrow evening we will head home. Total weekend trip will be about 750 miles. I guess the 3100 l did last week was not enough. The car is a pleasure to drive, even if the a/c is still not working. As I have said so many times before, my car is about driving, not sitting in the garage, not tied down in a freakin trailer. If I can get a couple bugs worked out in the next couple weeks, we will drive it to Fl. on vacation in July.

Oh, one correction, I think Charley said this was the four Power tour for the mule, so he way ahead of the rest of us. Regardless of what you think about any of the cars that were in our group, they all were enjoyed by their owners, and pushed to their limits from time to time.

[FScope]

I only did the last two stops, but had a lot of fun. I was stuck in 60-65 mph crowd due to the stock 67 Chevelle big block in my group who was doing 3000rpm at 60. I got a chance to break a way with my car and my friend's 67 Grand Prix convertible when we stayed behind at a rest stop. We were both doing 75-90 mph with no problems trying to catch up, altough we never did. Once at Englishtown, I hit the dyno and pulled 388hp at the rear wheels and found I was really rich at some points. Pulled out the computer and leaned out a few spots and hit the dragstrip before parking at the AAW booth to show off the LED taillights. Made two runs, a 12.6 and a 13.0 both around 112mph. I couldn't get off the line strong but was still lots of fun. I don't know why you'd want to build a car any other way than Pro-Touring if you want to drive and enjoy it anywhere and everywhere.

[BonzoHansen]

:cheers: Kudos for driving the point of PT home (pun partially intended)

Just going to PA & ETown, I was very impressed with what I saw. And I have been in the garage every night since. (although it looks like Hot Rod screwed me by not starting it in NJ next year).

Maybe people will realize that PT is more than pretty paint & big wheels. I'm not even sure how paint got into people's definition, but it is.:hand: Someone paint the mule primer gray! :hammer:

[trapin]

Steve....I salute you. Great post.

[76Stingray]

Great post steve. I have to say that even though pro-touring was the plan for my 76vette and my 67 Camero I really have never been around these types of cars in the flesh. Down here in good ole Louisiana its either retored or drag racing. I think I have seen 1 car that I would consider pro-touring. After seeing just how bad ass these cars are in all aspects I truely believe they are the ultimate car. If I ever had any doubts they were all put to rest by running with you guys. I'm still a racer at heart so I must have lots of power..but I've never been too concerned with handling and stopping. If the car stoped before the sand traps and could make the turn I figured I was good..lol. While I respect the numbers matching people I can never be one of them. I will leave it up to those guys to preserve the rair ones. But for me, I want to have fun with my cars and thats exactly what I saw you guys doing. I had to grin evertime we passed some of the old school guys and you could hear their rpms at about 3000 or so compaired to our 2500. The only problem was they were doing 55 and we were doing 80. So, I hope you guys are ready..I'm gonna have lots of questions during these builds and I can only hope to have cars that are a shadow of the cars from the tour. Ya'll represented well and it was an honor to run with ya'll a few times.

[Charley Lillard]

Actually that was the Mules 4th Power Tour.. The first year was with the Kinsler injection and the next 3 with the turbos.I think I turned 10K miles on the odometer during the trip. Time is flying. What a kick seeing more and more PT cars. Here is a pic of the kind of stuff that happens. I was cruising along about 80mph when a truck in front of me threw up a chunk of tire about 8" long. Caught my header panel then the windshield. The rubber all came off with a rag and WD40 but there is now a slight dent...

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

i was wondering if you guys caught flack for not just restoring your cars from those restoration gospel folk you all come across..

i met a guy once he saw my Camaro and really liked it.

then i told him my plans for it and he said "what for? those are the original tires and stuff, you should leave it"
well since its not an original RS or SS then i figured hell why keep it original. make it original to me.

do you guys get stuff like that all the time?

[69Nova]

i was wondering if you guys caught flack for not just restoring your cars from those restoration gospel folk you all come across..

I was suprised and didnt get and flack when people saw my lil wana-be streetfighter. Most like it cause it's a sleeper. But my car dosnt have the big wheels that old guys dont understand.

[69Nova]

Hold off. Jake Parrott and I are working out a better design. Better yet, check out the pix of John Parson's spoiler at www.iimuchfabrication.com (http://www.iimuchfabrication.com). That design is more appropriate for your trunk shape.

Gotcha. I'm pretty set on making one. I just need some help/ideas too get my creative juices flowing.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

whats does Street Fighter mean as far as cars?

aside from obvious synonyms..

[vanzuuk1]

Its a nasty, race influenced, new york style, post apocalyptic, all purpose hot rod with rubber in the fenderwells and dead bugs on the windshield. Its protouring with scars and tattoos. You can even say the nascar/moonshiner look is in the same family.

No smooth firewalls,candy colors,blingy rims,matching numbers or trailer queens need apply. No mirrors around the car, no fuzzy dice.

Steevo launched the first strike when his camaro graced the cover of hot rodding. I saw the magazine and loved it.

The name streetfighter came from England when limey hooligans with missing teeth crashed their gsxrs and hondas, stripped off all the plastic and built mad max bikes to taunt the police and chase birds with. The whole stunting scene grew out of this movement.

Thats how I see it, some would disagree.

[Steve Chryssos]

It's a stripped down pro-touring car. Reduced to the lowest common denominator. Like a chopper (a real chopper not some OCC contraption) But whatever you do. Dont skip floor insulation to save weight. :scared: I lost 12 pounds on Power Tour driving in a 1968 Chevrolet Sauna. :scared: Open mouth. Insert foot.

[SicMonte]

VERY WELL SAID!!! Reading that kinda made me proud to be a part of this group!! I was unablke to make it to Power Tour...but my buddy did in his 86 Olds 442. It is black and silver with 18" TT2's. Did anyone see it??

Like you said above...I go to cruise ins all the time in my monte...and I have the small pro-touring sticker in my rear window. I get questioned all the time about what it is...and I tell them...and they look at my car and go...huh...whats the point?? Then I explain to them that it is 2006 ...not 1956 and things have changed....and some times they open up...and some times they dont...oh well.

All I know is that ever since I joined this group..my car has grown leaps and bounds. It used to be a stock 88 monte carlo ss....now it is a full on pro-touring car. I got it back from SC&C last week...and they did an awesome job. I will get pics up soon.

[formula]

I gotta say, the power tour really rejuvinated my belief in pro-touring too. I live in a tiny little town, and the car scene is either rice or your standard restomod stuff. Thus, I walk alone. My car is far from being the street beast you heavy-hitters have built, but it felt so good to walk (and ride) around and see like-minded people who I knew appreciated what I was after with my car, even if I haven't achieved it yet. It was kinda like a silent "keep it up" after so much "whatcha wanna do that crap fer?". It was also great when, by the end of the day, my best friend's 69, which is currently under the knife, had turned from a drum-brake restomod project into a rack-and-pinion sporting, baer-clad street machine in the works. Pro-touring's no blinged-out fad--it's a better, modern way to hot rod.

It also felt really good to drive 3 hours at 80+ mph on a single tank of gas in a muscle car. :twothumbs

[yellowrallys]

Steevo, you really summed it up. I must say that you represent PT damn good yourself. Although I only cruised with ya'll a few miles, I felt that I was in the best company of the tour. To finally see your car and Jason's also was worth the trip for us. And the Goat, which I saw for the first time at YOE really topped off the group. I had wanted to long haul, but due to my precious mother in law being on her death bed not knowing from one day to the next, (she did however pass recently) I just could not. Hope to maybe see some of you at Pigeon Forge in Sept.

[PeteRR]

The 3 core cars in our group all had aftermarket overdrives installed. 2 Gearvenders and my Keisler. 2 had 3.23s and one had 3.55s for gears. It made cruising at 75 easy. The cars that joined us for part of the tour were hardpressed to keep up. The only problem with the Challengers are the tiny gas tanks: 12 gallons for the 472Hemi vert and 15 for the 500/6Pak Hardtop. I was filling up 1/2 as often with my 19 gallon tank. It became a running joke in the group. Mine was the only PT car, but both Challengers had big front disc brakes and some handling mods. Their cars looked stock.

The shocking car was this '70 Coronet:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
360 small block with a single turbo. He blew the Hemi car away from 70 mph on up, and I was having trouble keeping up. He was getting 20 mpg without an overdrive! The car is totally stock looking, but has a bunch of bolt-on handling mods. I was really impressed. And unlike us, he was burning 87 octane, while we were using 93.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

whoa!

[Steve Chryssos]

Very cool. I got to see your Road Runner up close in the Columbia hotel parking lot. Great car. I wish we had the chance to share the road, Pete. Maybe next year.

[Kenova]

The shocking car was this '70 Coronet:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
360 small block with a single turbo. He blew the Hemi car away from 70 mph on up, and I was having trouble keeping up. He was getting 20 mpg without an overdrive! The car is totally stock looking, but has a bunch of bolt-on handling mods. I was really impressed. And unlike us, he was burning 87 octane, while we were using 93.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I hope this guy is ready to talk, because there are going to be more than a few questions.
I'll start with the first question: How the hell did he do it??
Ken

[trapin]

I keep trying to beat this Pro-Touring stuff into peoples heads around here (Detroit) and so far it falls upon deaf ears. My cousin has got to be the most frustrating for me. He's got a great car but it sure could use some TLC in the suspension. And a set of 17's would look WAY better than those tired old Weld Wheels that he has. They are so played out. 15 inch wheels. C'mon...that's a bygone era already.

He just won't listen. Same with the rest of them. Still stuck in 1986.

[PeteRR]

I hope this guy is ready to talk, because there are going to be more than a few questions.
I'll start with the first question: How the hell did he do it??
Ken
I'll talk to the rest of our crew and see if I can get some contact info for him.