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Greetings Saturn Enthusiasts!
Please enjoy the latest August SPS Updates…
Sad news about Rio the Miracle Cat
We are very sorry to report that after four wonderful years, Rio the Miracle Cat’s life came to an end on May 21, 2002.
Despite a history of consistently improving health – with very few illnesses or complications since changing her diet in 1998, she suddenly contracted an eye infection/irritation in the middle of April, 2002. A topical medication prescribed by the veterinarian quickly alleviated the problem with the eye. But at the same time, she contracted some digestive problems and had trouble keeping food down.
By the end of April, she had taken a complete turn for the worst and had become weak and clearly ill. A trip to the vet confirmed her extremely poor blood cell counts. Red cells, white cells, and platelets were lower than the doctors had ever seen on any other living cat. Leave it to Rio to amaze us all with her will to live – even as she was dying!
We decided on a blood transfusion (thanks to OP, the resident feline at Suburban Veterinary Clinic.) But the clinic’s team of doctors – including a specialized internist - had examined Rio closely, and their diagnosis was grim: something from Rio’s youth had most likely done irreparable damage to her bone marrow. And after four years, it appeared as though her marrow had simply stopped producing blood. If so, there was no long-term solution. Once the benefits of the transfusion had worn off, Rio would be in extremely grave danger.
Fortunately, the transfusion injected Rio with a new lease on life. And she spent the next three weeks at home with Jen, John, and her five siblings, leading a normal, happy, and very loving life.
However, as the doctors had predicted, the respite was indeed temporary. By the third week in May, Rio’s condition had again deteriorated to the point that she could not walk and could not eat. By Tuesday morning, May 21, it was clear that she was suffering. So we made a painful decision. We took her to the clinic for the last time and ended her suffering with an injection.
For us, Rio was much more than a company mascot. She was a friend, a family member, and an inspiration. She was – and is – a constant reminder that the love of family and friends is worth fighting for. And her refusal to surrender – even under the darkest of circumstances – is a quality that we will forever admire and emulate.
We will miss her greatly.
SPS has made a $1000.00 charitable donation in Rio’s memory to the Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals (SICSA.) And we have committed to matching any additional donations (up to $1000.00 each) made in Rio’s name. If you wish to make a donation, please send it to:
SICSA
PO Box 292463
Kettering, OH 45429
Attn: Memorial Funds/Rio from SPS
If you would like to learn more about SICSA or the Rio fund, please visit their website at http://www.sicsa.org or call Andy Lloyd at 937-294-6505 ext 12. (Please note: If you send a donation, please be sure to reference ‘Rio from SPS’ or ‘Rio the Miracle Cat’ so that SICSA will contact SPS about the matching donation.)
Thanks to all who have inquired about Rio and sent your best wishes. Your caring and compassion is greatly appreciated.
Product News
During aggressive braking, hydraulic pressure can cause the stock rubber flexible brake hoses to expand outward, leading to a soft ‘mushy’ pedal feel. SPS braided stainless steel brake lines reduce this expansion, ensuring a firmer pedal for better control and more driver confidence. And the stainless steel material provides a stronger and more durable hose that is less prone to damage in the event of accidental contact with tires or debris. SPS lines also utilize unique square banjo fittings and original-equipment hardware to ensure safety and ease of installation. Use part number BSL4001 for all 91-02 S series models with rear drum brakes and BSL4002 for all 91-02 S series models with rear disc brakes. All sets are available now for $139.00 per set.
Our forged piston sets for all 91-98 DOHC (using the first generation 91-98 connecting rod) are built to high performance specifications including a 2.0 liter overbore and 10.0:1 compression ratio. These pieces are forged with a strengthened dome area and include an oversized wrist pin for increased strength and durability. These are a 'must-have' item for any rebuild project. Set includes pistons, pins, and locks. (Note: For serious enthusiasts only. Professional installation required. No warranties or returns apply. Compatible with any 91-02 DOHC 'S' series engine using first generation 91-98 connecting rods.) These sets are in stock now, ready for immediate delivery. Use part number PPR2010D for $499.00/set.
If you are tired of replacing stock alternators that wear-out quickly and may not be capable of powering the electrical demands of extreme stereo systems and other accessories, then the Powermaster alternator may be your solution. Powermaster alternators employ revised windings and smaller pulleys to boost output at idle from 75 amps (stock) to 80 amps and to boost output at speed from 105 amps (stock) to 140 amps! This higher output also allows the unit to enjoy more ‘off time,’ allowing more time for cooling – which combines with improved bearing grease to promote less wear on the unit’s stronger-than-stock internal components. In fact, these alternators even employ a high tech baked-on thermal dispersant black coating that draws heat from the inside to the surface for quick dissipation and enhanced internal cooling. This significantly extends the lifespan of the unit! Use part number PM58107 for $219.00. This fits all 91-02 S cars, but 98-02 cars will require the PM160 wiring adapter for $22.39. (Note: For peak performance. Powermaster recommends upgrading the stock 12-gauge wire to 8-gauge wire.)
Clear side marker lamps are finally in stock for all 2001-2002 S series coupes (SC1 and SC2.) These units replace the stock orange side marker lamps with a ‘diamond-clear’ lens. Use part number AOCC0203 for $54.00 per pair.
K&N’s performance oil filters set the standard for performance oil filtration. K&N filters employ heavy-duty construction to provide up to 550 PSI hydrostatic burst strength and to better resist damage from stones and debris. Their resin-impregnated filter media provides superior filtering – trapping contaminants as small as 10 to 20 microns in size – yet allows flow rates as high as 16 gpm. The anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining back into the crankcase during shutdown (to eliminate dry starts.) And they provide exceptional user convenience thanks to a sturdy 1-inch wrench nut on the top for quick and easy removal. (This nut is even pre-drilled with safety wire holes for racing!) Fits all 91-02 S series models. Use part number KN1002OF for $10.99.
In the past few months, Nology has significantly expanded their color options, and we have followed suit and added all of these colors into our stocking inventory. Both DOHC and SOHC 91-02 S series ignition cable sets are now available in the following color options: black, blue, orange, purple, red, and silver. For the complete list of part numbers and color options, please visit the ignition systems portion of the SPS website at http://www.spswebpage.com/products/ignition.html.
Momo has added several new shift knobs this year – most of which have been added into the SPS inventory as well. For manual transmissions, these new additions include the Raptor, Raptor Alcantara, Shot, Sphere, and Tomahawk. As is typical for Momo, each of these styles is available in several color options. So feel free to check out the specifics online at http://www.spswebpage.com/products/momo_shifter.html.
Not typical for Momo is the introduction of two new knobs designed specifically for automatic transmissions! These knobs replace the T-shaped factory knob with a vertical knob that adds some sporty appeal and mimics the shape and feel of a manual knob. However, they also include a top-mounted button to engage the shift lockout lever and feature a simple set-screw installation. Momo’s Automatic Aluminum, part number MOAUTOALU, and Automatic Black, part number MOAUTOBLK, are in stock now for $102.86 each.
Our new officially licensed manual shift knob features an etched Saturn logo, leather and aluminum construction, and an interesting thumb-rest. Fits all 91-02 ‘S’ cars with manual transmission. Simple set-screw installation, set-screws are included. See a photo at http://www.spswebpage.com/products/momo_shifter.html. Use part number VS0110 for $49.00.
Beginning in 2001, some Saturn coupes came from the factory using lightbulbs with a straight connector instead of the traditional 90-degree bent elbow. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a high wattage super white bulb but prefer to stick with a straight factory-style connector, then our new DI-96SWHX bulbs are your best choice. 80-watt 9006 low beam bulbs fit all 2001-2002 coupes with the straight connector. Sold in pairs. (No warranty. No returns. For off-road use only.) Use part number DI-96SWHX for $40.00 per pair.
Due to popular demand, we have finally started stocking the vacuum caps that can be used with the crankcase vent filters to cap the nipple on the air cleaner tube. Our caps are 3/8 diameter and black in color. Use part number VCAP38B for $0.75 each.
SPS Racing
In case you have been wondering, all is alive and well at SPS Racing! In spite of the lack of e-mail updates, the team has been busy building cars, getting licensed, and having babies...
That's right, both the R^3 and team scR families have increased the number of tire changers by one. Evan Rushbrook and Zack Walker are already training for the big leagues by watching SPEED Channel during feedings and by sleeping in the garage while their dads work on the racecars. (Karting licenses can be granted at age five, right?)
Bucking the team’s baby trend, John Comeskey and his crew at Six Cats Racing spent the better part of the waning winter months transforming the old 1997 white SSC car into a bona-fide (sort of) ITA racer. While the car is still slowly evolving to full ITA-spec, John was able (with the help of friends and family) to make the car survive two SCCA licensing schools at IRP and Gingerman Raceway, paving the way for his Club Racing Novice Permit! As the year progresses, look for John to pick up time as he continues to tune and develop this rolling (albeit, slightly used) piece of scR history.
During the same time, the R^3 camp was busy developing a new strut/damper package for the team which only resulted in one shock being inadvertently disassembled all over the garage floor.
The R^3 and Six Cats teams gathered, along with a host of friendly competitors, at Gingerman Raceway on July 13 for the first race of the 2002 season, while James and Dana were tending to their four-day-old son. Everyone was rusty (translation: everyone had an excuse to drive slow,) but Mark wowed the field of seventeen cars by qualifying on the outside pole. John was back further in the pack, heard to be chanting ‘finish race, don't hit anybody, get license.’
Sixteen laps later, Mark earned the second place podium position while John steadily moved up four places in class and took nearly two seconds off his best qualifying lap time. Not at all a bad way to start the race season!
On Sunday the competition stepped up a notch and found Mark sitting seventh on the grid. Somehow John managed to qualify 2 spots overall better than Saturday, albeit 16 positions behind Mark. However, during the race Mark managed to dice and race his way back to the fourth position, with John improving one spot on his own. It was exciting to witness the constant back-and-forth struggle that Mark endured while trying to catch third-place finisher (and ‘honorary scR team member’) Larry Webster in his Honda CRX. With two races safely under his belt, this also completed the licensing requirements for John. Now that the dreaded ‘Novice’ stigma is no longer attached, he will be looking to find some speed and close the gap between he and Mark.
Next on the schedule is the Labor Day Regional at Grattan Raceway. If all goes as planned, James and the team scR crew will be making their maiden 2002 run for the podium while Mark and John continue to hone their efforts in doing the same. The team will also be joined by another honorary scR good-guy, Chris Berube, piloting his 1994 SC2. Who knows, it might be a four-way Saturn run for the checkered flag!
Finally, you may have noticed that the scR website, http://www.teamscR.com, is in the middle of a complete remelt and repour. Because Craig (our talented webmaster) is using all of his time to put the finishing touches on the 2002 site, we have not been able to update the existing site. While several of you have written to ask ‘Are you still out there,’ rest assured that we have not faded away into the sunset. Rather, we're just taking it easy this season while we learn to balance the joys of family life with the crippling financial burden that is Club Racing.
Following Grattan, the scR team finale will be the Mid-Ohio WOR Games in October. All three teams, plus our usual band of ITA groupies will be taking to the big track one last time before the decision to go to the ARRC is made. Sure makes for a short season, but rest assured that we will be back in 2003 with two new crewmembers. Hondas and Acuras beware!
Please Update Mailing Addresses Now
The long-awaited 2002-2003 SPS product catalogue is nearing completion and will likely be sent to the printer at the beginning of August.
As in years past, we plan to mail catalogues to the bulk of our existing customer base. So if you hope to receive the new catalogue, but have changed addresses since your last order, please contact us soon to update our records!
To make address changes, Contact Us.
SPS 2002 Event Schedule (tentative)
Aug 11: SPS at Kings Island (Saturn Owner Appreciation Day)
Aug 31: SPS Racing at Grattan
Oct 5-6: SPS Racing at Mid-Ohio
If you have any questions about anything in this newsletter, please Contact Us.
To view previous editions of the newsletter, please visit the Newsletter Archive.
If you wish to add an email address to the list, please do so at http://spswebpage.com/email/addemail.html. If you need to remove an address from the list, please do so at http://spswebpage.com/email/del.html. Please do NOT notify us directly with your removal or addition requests!
Until next month, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! |
