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Greetings Saturn Enthusiasts!
Please enjoy the latest September SPS Updates…
New Website is a Work in Progress
Regular visitors to the new SPS website may have noticed that certain product items seem to appear and/or disappear suddenly. Please note that this is not cause for alarm. Fortunately, our new database system allows us to make instant changes to the online product catalogs. So when we get a new item in stock, we can post it to the website almost immediately. And likewise, if we discover that supply chain problems will be causing inventory shortages, we can (and do) remove part numbers from the website. So in most cases, if you discover that a part number has disappeared, it is probably just temporary – and it will be restored as soon as that item is back in stock and expected to be part of our regular delivery schedules.
Performing an online catalog update only takes about 2 minutes. However, during this update process, the online catalogs become inoperable. So if you happen to be using an online catalog during the same moment that we perform an update, you will get an error message that says, ‘Can’t execute query.’ If that happens, wait about two minutes and then try again. We usually make updates between 10pm and 11pm at night – and in most cases, we will post a ‘warning’ to the site news to announce a pending update and a time slot window.
Please also note our new catalog database is a work in progress. Some of the items that were posted at the old site may not yet be showing at the new site. For example, the FET Catz lighting catalog is currently incomplete. And the old service parts website is currently inoperable. We are adding part numbers to the database as quickly as possible. Once these database sections are relatively complete, then these sections will again become available. We apologize for the inconvenience in the meantime.
Product News
Aeromotive's adjustable fuel pressure regulator is a direct bolt-in replacement for all 91-94 S Series DOHC fuel rails. It offers a range of fuel pressure adjustment between 207 kpa (30 psi) and 483 kpa (70 psi.) This allows you to fine tune the open loop fuel delivery to achieve maximum power. (Note: Tuning should be done per data acquired with a dynamometer and wide range O2 sensor.) Regulator features stainless steel spring, seats, and ports. See part number AERO3106 in the S Series/Fuel Control section for $199.00 each.
Thermal Research and Development’s complete-cat-back single tip exhaust system for the Saturn ION is their 'Classic' design - so it is tuned to provide power gains in the upper mid-range and top end. It also provides a deep throaty sound. All systems are built using 2.25 inch diameter piping, mandrel bends, and polished stainless steel. Unique features include a round muffler and a polished 3.5-inch straight cut round tip. (Note: Extra large box bills at 70 lbs for ground shipping.) This system is part number TRD804 for $529.00 in the ION/Exhaust and Header section. Fits all Saturn ION.
Stillen’s Metal Matrix brake pads use a more aggressive carbon-metallic compound that delivers better initial bite, more predictable modulation, and slightly higher temperature thresholds. Yet they are conservative enough to be kind to rotors, light on dust, and low on noise. These are great pads for the budget-minded enthusiast! They are now available for the 2003+ Saturn VUE. See part number MM833 in the VUE/Brakes section for $59.00 per set.
Stillen’s performance brake rotors are designed to improve pedal feel and stand up to the rigors of aggressive driving. Stillen rotors are made with top-grade materials (for less warpage), computer engineered drill patterns (for gas venting), chamfered holes (to prevent fractures), and a gold cadmium coating (to prevent rust on the rotor edges.) This results in better pad contact and improved pedal feel – especially in wet conditions where water reacts with the hot rotor, creating a layer of steam between the rotor and pad surface. Gases and steam escape through the cross-drilled holes to reduce the "mushy" pedal created by gas buildup. These rotors are now available for the 2003+ Saturn VUE. See part number ST3000X in the VUE/Brakes section for $219.00 per pair.
Many more new products will be introduced very shortly. But although we are excited about the new items, we must use discretion about releasing new product information because sharing any information before solidifying all of the facts can inadvertently mislead customers, employees, and supporters. Please visit our web site often and watch for future updates. Many more exciting items are on the horizon!
September Specials
For true high-performance applications, a brake rotor should have as much mass as possible – since the mass of the rotor determines a rotor’s ability to store heat. Powerslot brake rotors maintain more mass than a drilled rotor and feature 6 slots machined into each rotor surface to ‘clean’ the face of the brake pad and prevent glazing under extreme conditions. Powerslot rotors are also coated with a bright silver coating to resist corrosion and maintain an attractive finish over time. Powerslot rotors for the S Series front, part number PSR8238, are normally $89.00 each, but are on sale now for only $79.00 each. Powerslot rotors for the S Series rear, part number PSR8237, are normally $85.00 each, but are on sale now for only $75.00 each. Save $20.00 per pair!
There is no easier way to improve the appearance of your engine compartment than the addition of a polished oil cap cover. Our polished covers have a classic, attractive appearance and fit easily over the stock oil cap using a single set-screw. Available now for all Saturn oil caps. Part number TS26030 is normally $29.00 each, but is on sale now for only $23.20 each. Save 20%!
Please visit the SPS web site (http://www.spswebpage.com) for more details!
SPS Racing
The last month has been a busy – yet successful – one for Mike Kramer and the Thundersport Racing team. Not only did Mike score another win and set a track record at Virginia International Raceway, but he also won the SCCA Southeast Division championship and secured an invitation to the 2003 Valvoline Runoffs for a shot at the national championship title.
The Panasonic Saturn racecar rolled off the trailer and into the record books at the Virginia International Raceway on Sunday, August 24. The stunning red, white and blue #16 scored its 33rd SCCA national career victory (the 5th of 2003) while shattering the existing VIR track record for Showroom Stock C cars by almost a full second.
Driver Mike Kramer (with preparation support from the Thundersport Racing crew of Tom & John Brandlehner and Ralph & Carol Kramer) blasted around the 3.27 mile VIR long-course clocking a quick lap of just over 81 mph (2:25.181). Kramer qualified the Saturn in the second SSC grid position behind Honda fast guy Tom Long. But as the field of 49 cars took the green flag, the Saturn vaulted to a slight class lead, winning the drag race into the turn one right-hander. From there, Kramer methodically clicked off consistent and quick lap times. And in the end, he flashed under the checkered flag almost 11 seconds in front of Long's Honda and the Dodge Neons driven by Kolin Aspergen and Jeff Wendell.
On September 4, the SCCA’s Southeast Division crowned its divisional champions. And for the fourth time in his 14-year racing career, Mike Kramer and the Thundersport Racing team claimed the title of Southeast Division National Champion.
During the 2003 season, Kramer raced to 5 victories and 7 top-five finishes in Showroom Stock C. Kramer’s racecar, the red, white and blue Panasonic and SPS sponsored 1997 SC2, is the winningest Saturn in SCCA history with 33 career victories in 81 starts. Currently, the #16 Saturn holds track records at Daytona International Speedway, Gateway International Raceway, Moroso Motorsports Park, Roebling Road Raceway, and Virginia International Raceway.
In addition to title sponsor Panasonic, the #16 Saturn is supported by SPS, Kumho Tires, Red Line Oil, and others. The SCCA’s Showroom Stock C class is the racing battleground for some of America’s most popular small cars. In addition to the Saturn, the class includes the Honda Civic SI, Mazda Protégé, Dodge Neon ACR, Nissan 200 SER, Hyundai Tiburon, Toyota Celica, and the Ford Escort ZX-2.
Mike Kramer and the Thundersport team will be competing at the 2003 Valvoline Runoffs to determine the 2003 SCCA national championship on Friday, September 19. If you can make it to MidOhio Sports Car Course to cheer him on, do it. (You can find details online at http://www.midohio.com.) Mike’s race will also be televised nationally on the Speed Channel on Saturday, November 29 at 2:00pm eastern time.
The scR motorsports team races again at MidOhio during the October 4-5 weekend. As always, be sure to catch the latest news, schedule changes, race recaps, and photo and video galleries at the new scR website located at http://www.teamscr.com.
SPS ION Project Car Gets Koni Suspension
By now, you may already be aware that SPS took delivery of a new 2003 ION 3 sedan in June of this year. Our plan is to display this vehicle at the 2003 SEMA show in Las Vegas and to use it as a tool with which to develop and test a line of ION parts and accessories.
In August, our ION spent some quality time with the good folks at Koni North America. While it was there, Koni developed and installed a new suspension kit that has since transformed our vehicle’s handling and appearance.
For the front, their kit included a new strut assembly - including a wet-sealed adjustable-rate damper, a threaded adjustable ride-height coil-over sleeve and adjuster nut, a relocated stabar end link attachment bracket, and a linear rate coil spring. For the rear, the kit included an adjustable rate damper and a linear rate coil spring.
So far, we have found the ride and handling balance to be just about perfect! We are enjoying a significant reduction in unwanted body motions (roll, pitch, and dive.) And the handling balance is more neutral thanks to a notable reduction in understeer. Yet the ride quality is first rate with no increase in harshness or noises reported. And the new lowered stance has dramatically improved the look of the car.
An update on our ION has been posted online in the SPS Project Cars portion of the SPS site. We plan to post more updates as details become available.
SPS 2003 Event Schedule (tentative)
Sept 19: Thundersport Racing at SCCA Runoffs, MidOhio
Oct 4-5: SPS Racing at MidOhio
Nov 3-7: SPS Project ION on display at SEMA, Las Vegas, NV
Dec 6: SPS to attend PRI tradeshow, Indianapolis
If you have any questions about anything in this newsletter, please Contact Us.
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Distrust those who profit from chaos.
Until next month, HAVE A GREAT FALL! |
