Mailbag

Our Readers Sound Off.

Rallye Round the Challenger

Thought you might like to see a new Challenger Rallye hood. It was developed for this Pro Street HEMI® Challenger due to the need for added clearance. No one has made a Challenger-style hood for racing other than the aftermarket Six Pack style. Most drag racing Challengers are usually seen with the fiberglass Chevy cowl induction hood blended into the flat Challenger hood. This hood features three to four more inches of clearance and maintains much of the original lines as is possible. They are now available and custom made each application. This particular Challenger is rather unique as well. It’s a 528 HEMI with the new Stage V Engineering intake and 770 cfm carbs. It’s fully tubbed with ladder bars and coilover shocks, yet retains a full stock interior, factory gas tank and 3 1/2" exhaust through factory style TTi chrome tips. That took a lot of work, and as you know, it’s much more common to see a fully tubbed car dump the exhaust in front of the rear axle. It also has a fuel cell in the trunk and no back seat. It’s a Darth Vader street machine.
Jeff Platzer
Fort Wayne, Ind.

Very impressive looking, Jeff, and a very unique car to boot. Anyone wanting more information can call (260) 403-7022.—Ed.

Saved by the Parachute

Thanks for the write-up on “the world’s fastest Jeep®” in Mopar® Magazine (page 5 of November/December 2008). I just wanted to update you on my progress. As of October 26, 2008, the Jeep has run a best time of 9.15. I’m enclosing a photo of the wheelstand it did the week before my 9.15 run. I was not using the NOS on the first three runs this day and was turning 10.20s. So I decided, what the heck and tried the NOS. As you can see by the picture it was an exciting and costly ride. As I launched, I hit the nitrous and it was the parachute that kept me from going over. There was smoke coming off the parachute and I dug a hole in the track. When I let off the throttle the Jeep slammed back to the track and dug another hole with my oil pan and front end. Everyone at the track said it made their day. I had to fabricate another entire front axle and suspension system. I also had to reinforce the frame rails and replace the oil pan as well as the front shock mounts. Thanks again for the great chance to show everyone out there that Mopar is a force to be reckoned with no matter what your imagination can dream up.
Martin Blair
Via e-mail

That’s the first time we’ve heard of a parachute saving someone’s rear end at the start line, but anything’s possible. When you’re turning 9.15s in a nitrous-powered Jeep, the likelihood of breaking things goes up considerably.—Ed.

HEMI® Heaven

I just received the November/December issue of Mopar Magazine. When I read the cover story about the 2008 HEMI® Reunion at Quaker City Dragway I wanted to kick myself for not attending. I probably saw it in your Happenings page and didn’t realize the cars that would be there. Dummy me went to the county fair and looked at tractors instead. I was amazed at the cars that were there—the 1965 A/FXers and A990s, 1967 WO23s, ’68 HEMI A bodies, the street HEMIs, not to mention all the drivers and people associated with these cars. These are the cars I grew up with and one of the reasons I love Mopars. It’s a shame that this was a one time event. These cars have too much history to be stored in someone’s garage. I hope there is another HEMI reunion sometime so us old guys can get another look at the cars that inspired us in our youth.
Bill Avery
Via e-mail

The buzz at the show was that it was a once-in-a-lifetime event, Bill, but you never know. More than 230 426 HEMIs showed up at the Quaker City Dragway for the All HEMI Reunion last year, an astonishing number by anyone’s estimation.—Ed.

G’Day Mates

Living in Sydney, Australia we don’t have access to some of the great cars and gear you guys have over there. I always look forward to receiving your magazine; it’s a great read. I have just returned from the SEMA show in Las Vegas and I have to admit the Mopar displays were the best in show, second to none. The Challenger dominated the show. What a cool car, especially the SRT10® concept Challenger [see page 22 for SEMA show coverage]. I currently drive a 2007 300C SRT8® and absolutely love it. It’s about the best car I’ve ever owned, but I’d really like to replace it with a Challenger. The burning question is will the Challenger ever be available in Australia in right-hand-drive? Will Chrysler ever consider developing this vehicle for sale in Japan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the handful of other nations that have decided to drive on the wrong side of the world? After all the 300C is available in right-hand-drive and has a good following here. We have a large community of V8 lovers here and in New Zealand that would praise the idea of having the old muscle car era come back to our shores once again. No doubt some of your readers may already be members of The Hub car community, but it’s worthwhile checking it out. Lots of cool pics from SEMA and lots of great cars. Just go to www.hubgarage.com. It’s the place to be! Cheers from Sydney and keep up the great work!
John Perau
Sydney, Australia

Thanks for the note, John, and cheers to you as well. There’s no official word that we’re aware of about the Challenger being offered down under. But it seems like it would be a good fit. Stay tuned.—Ed.

Cruisin’

After seeing your story on the Woodward Dream Cruise in Mopar Magazine (November/December 2008), I’ve made a decision: In 2009 I’m going to attend come hell or high water. What a blast that must be. I’m going to get my 1970 Dodge Challenger even more roadworthy than it is now and take the plunge. It’s a bit of a drive, but it has to be worth it.
Robert Stanley
Middletown, Ohio

If memory serves, Middletown is just north of Cincinnatti, so you’re looking at about five hours of drive time, and, yes, it’s worth it Robert. What started out as a small commemoration of Woodward Avenue is now an international extravaganza. You’ll see classic cars, people and attractions of every description. For more information, visit www.woodwarddreamcruise.com.—Ed.