Story ideas for PHR.. input wanted

[Steve1968LS2]

Working on story ideas for the next 6-months for the magazine. Figure more minds are better than one so what do you guys think would be cool?

We are going to start doing more smaller install and install/test stories. You know, 4 pages or so where we install something like DSE Subframe connectors.

Thoughts? Budget builds? Sway bar testing? dino vs synth oil comparison?

Open to all ideas

[BA.]

Ya know what, those short 2-6 page installation stories with pictures are one of the two things I always like to see.
Just stuff like installing a new dash pod, window felts, removing glass, etc. really helps the less experienced guys in the hobby and comes in handy for those of us who are competent but haven't done it yet.

The things I like now-a-days as well are comparisons. We want to know if our dollars are well spent!

Sway-bar comparison would be interesting, the SF connectors would be nice too.
How about seats? Plenty of brands out there, and it appeals to all makes and models. What makes them different from another, comfort rating by multiple peeps, etc.
Sound deadeners and heat shield comparisons would be cool too. Perhaps too involved, I dunno.
I'd LOVE to see a comparison of some various LSx fuel injection/intake systems. (or headers, or heads & flow numbers)
(don't necessarily need to see any engine builds as is noted below)

Keep up the Tech-head articles like the recent Camshaft and 'Timing is Everything' articles.

[harshman]

dino vs synth oil comparison?

(insert beating dead horse smiley here)




How about ATS spindles vs. any after market a-arms. Gouldstrand mod vs. any after market a-arms. Perhaps doing proof positive tests of products that will work guaranteed regardless of manufacturer or PHR sponsors. Please don't take that as a negative hit. I'd like you to be the first mag to be bold when it comes to testing products. In turn, those companies that create products will be encouraged to make items that will defiantly work not just look good. No fluffy BS just hold 'em to the fire.


All that to say, PHR is the mag in my bathroom. I tried Hot Rod and it lasted for about 20 minutes, that is unless you only like going in a straight line. I could read PHR for a SOLID month. You guys put literally twice as much thought stirring information in each issue than the other guys.

[Tom Welch]

What about a Cheap Big Brakes article and lets see just how good/bad a scratchbuilt big brake combo works on a real world car, for example c4 rotors on 1st gen drum spindles with an aftermarket disc caliper bracket with ls1 or corvette calipers. This will appeal to the gass roots type of hotrodder, like me. The 60's Trans Am Camaros, Firebirds and Mustangs are just begging to be written about in detail for the original modifications that were done for racing. I mean detail, too. Not just a cursory glance but a series of articles that explore the cars in depth.

[vintageracer]

Stay away from engine builds/upgrades. EVERY rag you pickup has how build horsepower with this and that sort of bolt-on, heads, intake, carb, condom whatever! Different is what got your mag to take off. Continue the trend, do not join the herd!

PHM has had a resurgence because you have featured cars and upgrades that are DIFFERENT than the other rags. If you read above post's there are lot's of good ideas. Forget the "we bought this brake kit and installed it" on our car. Do something different like piece it together with a little work like suggested above for a "Cheap Big Brakes" story. I know, this bites the hand that feeds you.

If you feature "bolt on" products/upgrades, try some of the smaller suppliers who maybe cannot afford to advertise in your rag now but may become a big advertiser in the future with a big sales boost a prime time article could produce.

I know "its all about the money" as far as SELLING advertising but trust me, we have ALL SEEN EVERYTHING that DSE, Edelbrock, Flowmaster, Demon, Baer, Global West, Moser, air ride, Male Enhancement Products, MSD, Accel, Richmond, Moroso, Jay Leno, Hotchkis, Comp Cams, Dart, TCI, B&M, ATI, Hedman, Hooker, AFR, SSBC, Currie have to offer. BE DIFFERENT! That's what's got the magazine to where it is now, being different with your articles!

If you want some inspiration, look at some of the small suppliers and manufactures on pages 126-129 or your latest issue. This will set you apart from the other rags.

I am truly amazed at one thing. Nitto Tires keeps buying the back cover and ya'll do not give them squat as far as coverage about their products and vast offerings of tires performance cars. But I guess engine builds and head stories are more interesting?

[hdesign]

What about an E85 fueled Big Block car build up?....maybe a gas comparo too. I'm considering this conversion on my 500Cad powered 70 Nova!

[boodlefoof]

vintageracer... Male Enhancement products? I can see the article now... "What Works Better: Viagra or a 9 Second Pass Down the Strip!?"

[vintageracer]

Look at this months issue. 2 separate full page ads for "male enhancement" disguised as articles.

[Steve1968LS2]

Look at this months issue. 2 separate full page ads for "male enhancement" disguised as articles.

Hey, if you guys would stop buying the stuff they would stop advertising it..

[BRIAN]

Part to part comparisons with prices and "NO" excuses for parts that do not perform. Have a crate engine and drop a Holley, Barry Grant, Pro Form, etc on it right out of the box. I want prices and opinions regardless who's ad is next to the article. The only way to improve the parts in this industry is to show some just plain do not cut it.

Pick a new part each month such as Ignition box, Hei distributor, Brake pads, etc.

Also stop reprinting everything and every car on this site. Yes, even if it is my car! For those of us on here it just makes the mag kind of boring. By the way I do think you guys are in touch with the current trends more than anyone else.

[StRacerDuke]

Here's a few topics:

- Nigeria ebay scam awareness article. It seams to be effecting the entire auto community and I don't think I've read anything about it. A little off topic but I think you would get a big thank you response from your readers.

- Cryogenic parts testing. There are a lot of companies offering cryo freezing at affordable costs now and there has been some very outlandish claims, such as brake rotor lasting 3 times as long, blocks (5.0 Ford) withstanding 600 hp of turbo boost, increased striengh in cams, rods, etc. I do remember the Hienz pro-stock bike team using cryo frozen parts in the late 90's during their winning streak.

- Seat testing, support, long range 'rear end circulation', aka your @zz not falling asleep, ease of installation with 'bolt in kits', etc.

- How about a wiring article or two. Maybe painless, EZ wiring, etc, comparison; or common issues and solutions for ecu wiring for newer motors in muscle cars. What are the common problems people run into with wiring up a LS1 or 2, a EFI Ford, or a new Hemi?

- How about a super cheapo build of an American Iron NASA/SCCA car and race a season with it. Or you could follow someone getting into it, their challenges, learning curve, etc. I think a lot of us would be interested in learning how to get into amature road racing, licensing, trial and error performance lessons, etc.

- What about a small section to list all the auto cross events by region? A few hours of internet searchs and readers input would create a fantastic resource for everyone.

- Free 12 pack of beer competition (with proof of age and consent). Have a very obsure question each month for the readers. One person (from the group of people with the correct answer) would be drawn at random to win. Winner would have their name printed in the next issue along with the year and make of their car or project (or future project they want to build).

[StRacerDuke]

Also stop reprinting everything and every car on this site. Yes, even if it is my car! For those of us on here it just makes the mag kind of boring. By the way I do think you guys are in touch with the current trends more than anyone else.

Naww, I'm okay with printing all the Pro-Touring and Lateral-G cars. It's kinda like being the cool kids in school for once.

[myclone]

Here's a few topics:
- Cryogenic parts testing. There are a lot of companies offering cryo freezing at affordable costs now and there has been some very outlandish claims, such as brake roter lasting 3 times as long, blocks (5.0 Ford) withstanding 600 hp of turbo boost, increased striengh in cams, rods, etc. I do remember the Hienz pro-stock bike team using cryo frozen parts in the late 90's during their winning streak.

100% agreed..../\.

How about some info on boosted air flow charactoristics of the typical port/polish/slight clean up that every back yard guy attempts (well, most guys anyways). There are TONS of theories and info on N/A flow charactoristics of various heads and intakes but not much techy info filled articles to be had out there. I know its a stretch but I you asked for suggestions.

[THX 138]

$500 build.
start with a '79 Monte Carlo (my first car ) bought for $500 and go nuts on it G-machine style.

[nancejd]

I think the converting a car to run on E85 thing would be a cool story. Maybe a third gen or fourth gen mule car would work. They're fairly cheap as a starting point.

[Steve1968LS2]

Also stop reprinting everything and every car on this site. Yes, even if it is my car! For those of us on here it just makes the mag kind of boring. By the way I do think you guys are in touch with the current trends more than anyone else.

ok, no more cars ever from pt.com or from lateral-g.net.. ever..

Sorry guys.. you can thanks Brian..



Seriously.. we find cars all over the place, these sites are just one tool for finding cars.. but, if you insist ;)

[TonyHuntimer]

How about an article on installing a Pro-Touring.com gas cap?



How about a no-nonsense article on setting your car up for an autocross event.

Or an article on getting better gas mileage.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[THX 138]

I think the converting a car to run on E85 thing would be a cool story. Maybe a third gen or fourth gen mule car would work. They're fairly cheap as a starting point.

That's a good idea or propane or natural gas.

[hdesign]

There's been a couple small articles introducing the E85 technology but no builds as of yet that I'm aware of. With the insane gas prices and the "Go Yellow" ads from GM, it might be the right time to get hotrodders on board since it sounds like it has a lot of benefits to the hobby. Too bad it's not readily availble yet...perhaps this would help in a small way.

I did a project in College where we designed new inner-city buses with CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) just as it was becoming available. Pretty cool, and the bus looked bad a$$!! It looked very PT. I doubt it could handle a corner well though!

[torval]

If you need cars to modify for your articles, Gimme a holler...He He He!! j/k