Story ideas for PHR.. input wanted

[DarkBuddha]

I subscribe to 10 magazines, and often buy 2 or 3 more a month, including a couple british titles. Not one of 'em consistently does the stuff I'm going to mention here (maybe Practical Classic is closest). So here are some ideas...



1) Do a proper budget build, starting with a realistic $2500 starter car and do as much as you can for another $7500-$10K. My reasoning for this is that this is what young starter guys need, which is what the hobby needs to keep going. Be honest about prices, be honest about the labor, be honest about what most folks will have to pay to have done, be honest about starting performance, projected performance, and the actual peformance reality. Use budget parts, OEM wheels, u-pull-it parts, and imagination. Show folks how much reliable fun can be had for $10k driver.

1a) or do a build based on a realistic schedule and monthly budget. Maybe like something like $500 per month, plus or minus, over 2 years. I loved Project G28, but you guys pulled that off in less than a year. That kind of thing is inspirational, but not durational. How many projects lose heart because they can't be the "now"?

2) Do some real budget tech articles, including u-pull-it part sourced stuff, like high amp alternator conversions, brake conversions, powersteering conversions, seat conversions, turbo conversions, etc. Put DIY labor type stuff ahead of buy-and-bolt-on stuff. Get folks back to being practical, creative, innovative, and having coin in their pocket for gas.

3) No "armchair mechanic" tech articles... I've rarely seen an article in the last 10 years in any magazine that was worthy of getting greasy finger prints on it while doing a project. Remember when a suspension article actually gave you enough info to use it as an actual reference while torquing the upper arms?

4) Build something alternative to a GM product. I've got nothing against GM products, but they're a bit privileged in terms of support, expense, resources, etc. (heck, look at the number of BOPs running Chevy motors). Try building a '70s Mopar or AMC or FLM product. Or even a cool 4 door friend hauler.

5) Do tech articles about attention to detail and straight up labor. Detailing, rattle-can resto, interior rehab, etc.

6) Gone racing, gone roadtripping, gone cruising stories... more stuff about guys actually out enjoying their cars rather than just building 'em. Become the magazine for drivers, not just builders.

7) Do an article about budget but fun daily drivers and how to build 'em a bit for more fun and style. I know lots of younger guys can't afford payments on a new truck and the requisite insurance, in addition to the coin needed to build a p-t project. You've gotta have a way to get your fix while the project just isn't there yet. Like I bought a 60K mile Merkur XR4Ti for $1200 to tide me over while my Mach is on blocks. Show some fun, cheap, reliable options for a dd/beater/parts chaser. '70s-'80s pickups, used pre '88 V8 Mustangs and F-bodies, turbo Dodges, ex-cop car sedans. Keep it domestic, but be cool about which wheels push or pull the car.

I guess you can see a trend in my suggestions. Younger guys wanna be involved, build cars, and have fun driving 'em, but they get lost in the "keeping up with the check writers" syndrome and lose heart or perspective when they can't make drag week, Power Tour, or a Year One bash. And with home prices skyrocketting, insurance costs outta sight, wages stagnant, gas prices climbing, etc., "young guy" now includes folks well into their 30's, not just folks between 18-25. And lets face it, as boomers start to retire, their income is dropping as well, so they can appreciate the budget fun articles too. And get back to driving the cars... get 'em out on the streets and to the track. Drag, auto-x, road race, standing mile, open road, cruises, roadtrips, hill climbs, etc. Damn, that sounds fun!

Thanks for listening.

[OHCbird]

Steve- I really like the direction of PHR these days; you guys are have had the balls to reach a market that has always been there, and have helped expand it. I'm also a big fan of actually showing the owners of the vehicles (despite privacy issues). It's a bit of self-affirmation seeing yourself there with your creation. Kudos to you for thinking of the people behind our hobby, and not just the machines.

That said...

How about articles on something other than 40+ y/old V-8s, and the LSX series? If someone is building a LSX series, I'd say that they're pointed toward LS1tech.net within their first 10 minutes of ownership. Great engines, love 'em. getting tired of the relatively same article over and over in most of the mags.

OK- I'm biased, but how about the 4.2 Vortech I6? It's basically a bigger Ecotec (of which there is/ isnt enough press). Want power potential? John Cunningham's Chevy II wagon (Hot Rod Drag Week)making 1350+hp on 22psi. How about my '68 Firebird making 850-900 hp (projected) on a smaller turbo. Supras do it with 3.0 liters, Skylines do it with even less (2.8). These are regarded as fast cars, correct? If one can get past the "an Amurican car should sound like ______" bs, there's alot to be had in these engines. Sound becomes irrelevant when you get your ass whipped by something lighter and faster.

I'd be glad to do a long-term write-up of my project if anyone was interested.

Same deal with the Ecotec- I'm not saying do a blinged out Cobalt, just something that is flat out fast. Maybe a Turbo'd Solstice would do (hey- you could use mine for that, too). Maybe a T-bucket / Rod with coilovers running a boosted Ecotec (on E85- GM sponsorship?), or a Chevy II... something along those lines. I guess I'm saying lets take a look at what some guys are making on both ends of the build spectrum.

Beside- AK Miller would be proud.

How about a 'real cost' breakdown article? Is this too scary for sponsors? I think one of the best things you can do is show just how much various levels of build & finish will cost, rather than just stating it in a blurb or a sidebar.

How about a "Reader Writes" section that gives a reader / builder a chance to express things in his own terms (re: un-edited, or not at all). The only guidelines: Be honest, no bashing for anger's sake, and no 'hate' comments.

[novanutcase]

Personally, I would like to see an article on suspension concepts and how a novice can setup a suspension from scratch along with the varying factors that go into it. Most importantly ride height and wheel width which, at least in my case, are the bane of my existence as far as what I would like to do with my project. I know that there is much that goes into this subject but at least some expalnation as to how both front and rear work along with there relation to each other. Also, the difference in setting up a drag car versus a road racer. The above mentioned ideas are also great(E85, etc.) and I would love to see those too. I gotta say that ever since I got into this hobby it's pretty much all I think of and I love it and much of that goes to PHR and these forums.

[BonzoHansen]

There are lots of good stuff already listed here. I have a more simple request. This is kind of one of them stupid and unglamorous things, but I’d love to see a true muffler compare. Flow rates, db levels. Add cats to that too. And don't sugar coat it for sponsors.

2) Do some real budget tech articles, including u-pull-it part sourced stuff, like high amp alternator conversions, brake conversions, powersteering conversions, seat conversions, turbo conversions, etc. Put DIY labor type stuff ahead of buy-and-bolt-on stuff. Get folks back to being practical, creative, innovative, and having coin in their pocket for gas.

3) No "armchair mechanic" tech articles... I've rarely seen an article in the last 10 years in any magazine that was worthy of getting greasy finger prints on it while doing a project. Remember when a suspension article actually gave you enough info to use it as an actual reference while torquing the upper arms?

5) Do tech articles about attention to detail and straight up labor. Detailing, rattle-can resto, interior rehab, etc.

Sure. That ain’t going to happen. Maybe I’m getting pretty jaded, but most articles are not much more than multi-page advertisements anymore. I used to really look forward to Super Chevy. Now, it’s like reading a catalog – I think they are the worst offender, and I hope the new editor fixes it fast. And they are not alone in this. All the mags are doing this to some level. Maybe I’d pay more than $8 for a 2 year subscription if it were less catalog like and more car-centered.

Hell, my fav rag is getting to be Hemmings Muscle Machines because most of their articles don’t sell me something (and I love the wide array of cars & the pics). And I pay more than $8 for 2 years on that one. PHR’s monthly extended tech article is very nice too – I like PHR and find it least offensive in regards to shilling. HR is doing a nice, but way too simple, paint & body series. At least they gave me a free hat. (actually, so did Hemmings) Where is my PHR free hat?

6) Gone racing, gone roadtripping, gone cruising stories... more stuff about guys actually out enjoying their cars rather than just building 'em. Become the magazine for drivers, not just builders.

I love this idea, even if it just a simple monthly column. Maybe with a guest writer every month. The motoring life, if you will. Fantastic idea.

[DarkBuddha]

Sure. That ain’t going to happen. Maybe I’m getting pretty jaded, but most articles are not much more than multi-page advertisements anymore. I used to really look forward to Super Chevy. Now, it’s like reading a catalog – I think they are the worst offender, and I hope the new editor fixes it fast. And they are not alone in this. All the mags are doing this to some level. Maybe I’d pay more than $8 for a 2 year subscription if it were less catalog like and more car-centered.

Yep... I completely agree, but I had to put it out there. I too am tired pseudo-catalog rags (cough, Primemedia, cough, cough), even at $8-$18 for a 2 year subscription. I'm likely to let several of 'em lapse even if it will leave me jones'ing for my dose of car porn unless something chages.

[DarkBuddha]

I re-read my earlier post, and I think I was right on. It's still accurate, still all the stuff I really want to see done, and perhaps more appropriate than ever considering the economy now versus 4 years ago...

I subscribe to 10 magazines, and often buy 2 or 3 more a month, including a couple british titles. Not one of 'em consistently does the stuff I'm going to mention here (maybe Practical Classic is closest). So here are some ideas...

1) Do a proper budget build, starting with a realistic $2500 starter car and do as much as you can for another $7500-$10K. My reasoning for this is that this is what young starter guys need, which is what the hobby needs to keep going. Be honest about prices, be honest about the labor, be honest about what most folks will have to pay to have done, be honest about starting performance, projected performance, and the actual peformance reality. Use budget parts, OEM wheels, u-pull-it parts, and imagination. Show folks how much reliable fun can be had for $10k driver.

1a) or do a build based on a realistic schedule and monthly budget. Maybe like something like $500 per month, plus or minus, over 2 years. I loved Project G28, but you guys pulled that off in less than a year. That kind of thing is inspirational, but not durational. How many projects lose heart because they can't be the "now"?

2) Do some real budget tech articles, including u-pull-it part sourced stuff, like high amp alternator conversions, brake conversions, powersteering conversions, seat conversions, turbo conversions, etc. Put DIY labor type stuff ahead of buy-and-bolt-on stuff. Get folks back to being practical, creative, innovative, and having coin in their pocket for gas.

3) No "armchair mechanic" tech articles... I've rarely seen an article in the last 10 years in any magazine that was worthy of getting greasy finger prints on it while doing a project. Remember when a suspension article actually gave you enough info to use it as an actual reference while torquing the upper arms?

4) Build something alternative to a GM product. I've got nothing against GM products, but they're a bit privileged in terms of support, expense, resources, etc. (heck, look at the number of BOPs running Chevy motors). Try building a '70s Mopar or AMC or FLM product. Or even a cool 4 door friend hauler.

5) Do tech articles about attention to detail and straight up labor. Detailing, rattle-can resto, interior rehab, etc.

6) Gone racing, gone roadtripping, gone cruising stories... more stuff about guys actually out enjoying their cars rather than just building 'em. Become the magazine for drivers, not just builders.

7) Do an article about budget but fun daily drivers and how to build 'em a bit for more fun and style. I know lots of younger guys can't afford payments on a new truck and the requisite insurance, in addition to the coin needed to build a p-t project. You've gotta have a way to get your fix while the project just isn't there yet. Like I bought a 60K mile Merkur XR4Ti for $1200 to tide me over while my Mach is on blocks. Show some fun, cheap, reliable options for a dd/beater/parts chaser. '70s-'80s pickups, used pre '88 V8 Mustangs and F-bodies, turbo Dodges, ex-cop car sedans. Keep it domestic, but be cool about which wheels push or pull the car.

I guess you can see a trend in my suggestions. Younger guys wanna be involved, build cars, and have fun driving 'em, but they get lost in the "keeping up with the check writers" syndrome and lose heart or perspective when they can't make drag week, Power Tour, or a Year One bash. And with home prices skyrocketting, insurance costs outta sight, wages stagnant, gas prices climbing, etc., "young guy" now includes folks well into their 30's, not just folks between 18-25. And lets face it, as boomers start to retire, their income is dropping as well, so they can appreciate the budget fun articles too. And get back to driving the cars... get 'em out on the streets and to the track. Drag, auto-x, road race, standing mile, open road, cruises, roadtrips, hill climbs, etc. Damn, that sounds fun!

Thanks for listening.

[Bjkadron]

I re-read my earlier post, and I think I was right on. It's still accurate, still all the stuff I really want to see done, and perhaps more appropriate than ever considering the economy now versus 4 years ago...

That man right there is a genius!

[Rolling_Thunder]

not to be the oddball of the group - how about something Mopar suspension related...

[go-fish]

I am intrested in learning about cryo. Also, for those 4 or so page you need to fill, how about just putting babes in bikinis in there. That would be SWEEEET!!! Relly though, how many guys would like some input on building an adjustable front spoiler and learn how and why it works, what angle it needs to be at, etc.

[JoshStratton]

Hows about how NOT to get screwed when buying a project car:

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=21830

[Colvindesign]

I have seen a lot of questions about aerodynamics. How about getting a real expert to lay it out in understandable terms instead of a article full of equations that no one wants to work out. Like how the angle of the windshield creates more or less downforce at low speeds and more or less drag at high speeds. Cd, downforce, lift, turbulance, high and low pressure, etc. Along with an explanation of different tricks to change aerodynamics, front spoilers, air dams, underbody trays, wings spoilers, wickers venturi tunnels and vortex generators.

I think this would be very popular, plus you can tell the 40 year old hot rodder exactly why the 2 foot tall wing on the back of that dorks civic is not really functional, and what to say to that dork when you pull up next to him.

I can see it now "did you know that abomonation on your trunklid that you call a wing produces more drag than downforce and hurts your top end not to mention your gas mileage?"

Kid in the civic...." yeah, well.......BWAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....20 mph, speed shift to second, BWUUUAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH you get the idea.

[BRIAN]

Alright, you asked for opinions and I simply gave mine. No reason to "Thank Me" for anything.


If I am the only person that simply does not want to pay for a mag to only get the exact info, renderings, and features that are available for free right here than I guess I am the only one being honest.


If you find an interesting car or project from the site that is great but I am sorry after a while it gets to almost be the same thing over and over. It gets even worse when you have guys writting the same articles that appear to be straight from these pages.

Yours is one of the few mags I do buy because most of the articles are current and I can relate to them. Not really sure why you took my input to heart but??? Non harm meant at all. I simply hate seeing the same stuff when there is so much more that can be covered. There are some killer rides and projects from here that also would fit as they are kind of in the background. The F'Bird with the turbo straight 6 is as alternative as you get and he hasn't posted a million pics of his build all over the net as far as I know.


Like I listed in my first post, Pricing and comparisons with no excuses to protect the Mfg's.

[Steve1968LS2]

Alright, you asked for opinions and I simply gave mine. No reason to "Thank Me" for anything.

If I am the only person that simply does not want to pay for a mag to only get the exact info, renderings, and features that are available for free right here than I guess I am the only one being honest.

If you find an interesting car or project from the site that is great but I am sorry after a while it gets to almost be the same thing over and over. It gets even worse when you have guys writting the same articles that appear to be straight from these pages.

... I simply hate seeing the same stuff when there is so much more that can be covered. There are some killer rides and projects from here that also would fit as they are kind of in the background. The F'Bird with the turbo straight 6 is as alternative as you get and he hasn't posted a million pics of his build all over the net as far as I know.

Like I listed in my first post, Pricing and comparisons with no excuses to protect the Mfg's.

The people on PT.com (and lat-g.net) are only TINY part of our readership.. They haven't seen cars from here and most likely never would. To shun the cars here simply becuase they are here would be silly.

If we ignored the tech found on the web our pages would be blank.. or maybe filled with bikini girls.. hmmm.. not a bad idea after all ;)

We cover alternative projects as we find them.. Alcinos Mustang II and we just found a '65 Buick with a new turbo V6 grand national engine in it..

[Damn True]

Third on the motoring travelouge type thing. Tons of interesting ways to do this one.

Corner weight a car and adjust.

[Scott Parkhurst]

PHR ran an awesome article on E-85 and how to convert to it in the May '02 issue.

It was impeccably researched and eloquently written, and really delivered the facts on this new fuel way before anyone had really even heard of it.

Oh, wait...I wrote that.

Well, it was an okay story. But, it was way ahead of its time, and the facts are still valid. Look it up if ya can.

~SP~

[nancejd]

How about an article on how to tune a leaf spring suspension? Start with picking springs, move on to shocks, and then go on to all of the little stuff that can be done to adjust one. I bet the bulk of the guys out there would love to put a non-stock style suspension in their car, but they just can't afford it.

[Kenova]

Well, here's my 2 cents (CDN)....
E-85 - I'd also like to see some stories on this. Take an engine, any engine, that is currently running on gas. Convert it over to E-85 and compare performance and mileage. Then optimize it to take full advantage of E-85's higher octane.

Handling - I like True's idea of a series of articles on how to tune your supension for auto-x or even open track days.

Brakes - I'd like to see a story on how to cram as much brakeing power as possible in behind a 15" wheel. There are still a few people out there that would preffer to keep their smaller wheels.

Seat belts - A lot of cars out there were built without seatbelts and many more have had them removed. Any car over twenty years of age are probably ready for new belts. Where do you get them? How about upgradeing to a decent shoulder harness? What to watch out for when installing them.

That's all for now...
Ken

[BonzoHansen]

Brakes - I'd like to see a story on how to cram as much brakeing power as possible in behind a 15" wheel. There are still a few people out there that would preffer to keep their smaller wheels.

Seat belts - A lot of cars out there were built without seatbelts and many more have had them removed. Any car over twenty years of age are probably ready for new belts. Where do you get them? How about upgradeing to a decent shoulder harness? What to watch out for when installing them.

That's all for now...
Ken

Amen. Especially rear seatbelts!

[JoshStratton]

Seat belts - A lot of cars out there were built without seatbelts and many more have had them removed. Any car over twenty years of age are probably ready for new belts. Where do you get them? How about upgradeing to a decent shoulder harness? What to watch out for when installing them.

I will 3rd that one! Great idea.

[Steve1968LS2]

PHR ran an awesome article on E-85 and how to convert to it in the May '02 issue.

It was impeccably researched and eloquently written, and really delivered the facts on this new fuel way before anyone had really even heard of it.

Oh, wait...I wrote that.

Well, it was an okay story. But, it was way ahead of its time, and the facts are still valid. Look it up if ya can.

~SP~

That was a good story.. and most likely why we have at least one E85 station in the state.. one?? here in Hippy land.. go figure.. lol

Love the E85 deal.. just gotta figure out how to package it.. hmmm