Mailbag
Our Readers Sound Off
World’s Fastest Jeep®*
I am a former factory-trained tech at a Chrysler dealership and now the owner of Blair’s Auto Care located in Essex, Maryland. I just wanted to drop you a line and show you the world’s quickest Jeep®. The Jeep is a 1986 Cherokee Laredo. It was originally equipped with a 2.8L six-cylinder with a manual five-speed transmission. It also has power windows, a sun roof and a luggage rack, all factory installed. The Jeep sat on my parking lot for over two years. Finally, it hit me: Make a Pro Street out of it.
Six months and $40,000 later, I drove the Jeep out of the shop. Two days later I raced it at a local track and turned a quarter-mile time of 10.895 seconds at 120 mph the very first time down the track. One week after that, the fellows from Pinks called me because they saw the Jeep on a friend’s e-mail and invited me to Rockingham [S.C.] for the debut of a new television show called 1320 X. Just two weeks after the Jeep rolled out of my shop, I was interviewed on camera for the new show and then went out and ran a 10.8 at 130 mph.
The Jeep is equipped with a 440 (.030" over), a set of Indy heads, intake and valve covers, a .708° roller cam with Eagle stroker turning assembly and a King Demon race carb. A 300–500 Fogger NOS system is plumbed into the intake. It also has a 24" S & W rear half and 12-point roll cage, also from S & W. The front end has an original two-wheel-drive front axle out of another Jeep. I cut the center out to lower the front end. The Jeep also has front and rear adjustable coil over shocks as well. In addition to racing, it’s been driven to several shows and the response has been overwhelming.
Martin Blair
Essex, Mar.
Very cool, Martin. A Jeep Cherokee turning quarter miles in just over 10 seconds at 130 miles per hour has no doubt caught more than a few people off guard. You could probably turn the Rubicon Trail into a pile of gravel without even working up a sweat.—Ed. *We, of course, have no way of independently verifying if this is in fact true, but it makes a darn good headline. Always good to keep the lawyers happy.
Return of the Package Cars
I couldn’t have been more thrilled to learn that the rumored Challenger package car program is a reality. As a lifelong Mopar drag race fan and participant, I can’t think of a better way to promote the new Challenger. Why not look to Mopar’s glory days to reach a new generation and excite the last? How about a new round of traveling car clinics (Landy/Sox & Martin) to promote safety and performance tips. I also loved the old “You Just Might Be Dodge Material” slogan. Why not give that one new life? Thanks, Chrysler. I’m one happy Mopar loyalist.
Steve Burke
Via e-mail
You are among legions of loyal Mopar fans of all generations that welcomed the return of Mopar’s package car program. The announcement was made official at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in July. You mention looking to Mopar’s glory days to reach a new generation. You hit the nail right on the head, Steve. Mopar has been uniquely successful at enticing a new generation of enthusiasts by leveraging its heritage. Think the 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI® Evolution programs. Look back to see what you can become. See page 10 of the September/October issue for a complete, behind-the-scenes look at the development of the new package car program.—Ed.
American Icons
Re: July/August issue of Mopar Magazine. Wow. What a great issue. Perfect headline for the cover. Jay Leno and the Dodge Challenger are certainly American icons. I knew Mr. Leno was an avid car fan, but I had no idea the extent of his collection. I’m also glad to see that he just doesn’t warehouse his vehicles, but he actually drives them. That’s what classic Mopars are for.
Thomas Lamont
Lacey, Wash.
What a cool cover on your July/August issue with Jay Leno and his classic Dodge Challenger R/T. Only in my dreams can I imagine having a collection like his. It’s nice to know that someone who appreciates cars as much as he does counts a few Mopars among his enviable collection.
Robert Pierson
Via e-mail
Jay Leno is one of the foremost ambassadors to the car collecting hobby. His knowledge of all things automotive is a deep well, indeed. Jay now has a new ride to add to his collection. And it just happens to be a Mopar. See page 15 for details.—Ed.
Fuel Saving Tips
I just bought a new Chrysler Sebring and I absolutely love the car. And it gets good mileage; about 30 miles per gallon on the highway. With gas hovering around $4 a gallon around here I’m just wondering if you have tips on how I can maximize the mileage.
Alex Bolton
Ft. Wayne, Ind.
You bet, Alex. There are number of things you can do to help get the most out of every gallon:
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Proper tire inflation can boost mileage by up to six percent.
- Maintain your vehicle according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
- Slow down. Fuel economy drops by about one percent per mile an hour over 55 mph. For example, driving 65 mph instead of 75 mph increases fuel economy by about 10 percent.
- Clean out your car. Hauling extra weight decreases fuel economy.
- Avoid quick starts and aggressive driving. Accelerate slowly and anticipate traffic signal cycles in urban driving.
- Use overdrive gears and cruise control. Overdrive reduces the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the engine and cruise control helps maintain a constant engine speed, which reduces fuel consumption.
Everyone’s feeling the pain at the pump these days, but a few simple habits will help maximize your fuel efficiency. Enjoy your new Sebring.—Ed.
What's On Your Mind?
Mopar Magazine encourages correspondence from anyone on any topic. Send your cards and letters to: Letters to Ed., Mopar Magazine, P.O. Box 2117, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-2117. Send letters to us by fax at (248) 553-2138 or via e-mail to mailbag@moparmagazine.com. Include your full name, postal address and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.
