Hello from Chevy High Performance [Archive]

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Henry D

12-11-2005, 07:44 PM

Hi there. I've been more of a lurker, but wanted to take this time to get some input from all of you.

For those of you who read the magazine, what do you like and what don't you like? What type of articles would you like to see in the future? Do the cars we feature peak your interest? If not, what would you prefer? How about motorsports - in other words, would you like to see more on drag racing and open track type of testing. What kind of engine builds would you like to read about? The list can go on and on, but I'm sure you get the idea by now.

If you've ever wanted to voice your opinion, now's the time. Lets hear your thoughts.

Best Regards,
Henry D

Chevy High Performance

protour

12-11-2005, 07:49 PM

Welcome Henry!

I enjoy your mag, I actually have bought quite a few issues. For event coverage... I think some open track events that are "bring what you have" type deals would be cool. There are a ton of kickass cars that are only seen in the smaller events. It's always cool to see a car that is ripping the road up but no one has seen it before!

-Matt

V8TV

12-11-2005, 08:01 PM

Hey man,

Good to see you're still goin' at it. I saw you at SEMA walking by, but I didn't get to say hello, so Hello! Hope you're well!

- Kevin Oeste

XcYZ

12-11-2005, 09:13 PM

Hi Henry, I didn't realize you had signed up. It's great to have you on board.

Something that I'd like to see is quantifying of mods - any mods; motor, transmission, braking, chassis, etc. It would be cool if you had the baseline 1/4 mile, 0-60, 60-0 braking, skid pad/Lateral-g, etc, for stock Camaros, Chevelles, Mustangs, etc, and printed the comparison hard numbers of before and after in a sidebar in the tech articles so a guy could see how much better over stock a certain mod is and then can weigh the cost vs. performance of the mod. Over time a large database would be accumulated and be a neat tool to draw real numbers from.

As for motorsports coverage... I've seen/read enough results and stats to fill an entire set of encyclopedias. lol What would be cool is if you just picked somebody out and followed them along for the weekend and wrote the story of how it went for them. A lot of times the stories of the thrash just to make the show is more interesting than who won. I think that would be interesting regardless of what class they're competing in. Think of it as a print version of NBS 24/7. For instance, the stories of what happened between stops during Hot Rod Drag Week was more interesting than what the winners actually ran at the track. But hey, that's just me.

That might be enough from me for now. lol

907rs

12-11-2005, 09:25 PM

I've been a loooong time reader of CHP, so welcome to Lateral-g, Henry.

I personally would like to see more g-machine type tech (Suspension, brake, steering and tire upgrades) as well as documenting your results on the skidpad, slalom, and the dragstrip.

Oh, and I know a ton of people would like to see a performance comparison between all of the aftermarket 1st gen Camaro subframes.

69Nova

12-11-2005, 09:41 PM

I like your magizine and have had a subriscription for a while now. In the mag I would like to see more affordable cars instead of the usual magizine mega high dollar cars. Also a article on how to make a high revving small block would be cool.

Oh, and welcome to the board.

Ricochet

12-11-2005, 10:00 PM

Welcome aboard Henry! CHP is and has been one of my must read mags I get every month. I just renewed for 2 years last week as a matter of fact. I enjoy reading all the tech articles & features. You seen to have a wide diversity of cars you feature. Keep up the good work!!

Brent

Damn True

12-12-2005, 12:19 AM

Glad to have you around.

It was mentioned above, but hard data is always good to see.

As far as motorsports... drag racing is pretty well represented in other mags. How about showing PT type vehicles at auto-x, open road racing and the like. Perhaps build and campaign a NASA American Iron car?

Bring back Smith, lose the truck stuff.

Rick Dorion

12-12-2005, 05:09 AM

Welcome. I too am a long-term subscriber.

I'd like to see more depth to the car feature coverage and tech article write-ups. It currently seems enough to appeal to the casual reader. Having said that, I'm sure it's difficult to find your niche but I'm always interested in all the facts including problems uncovered.

To second the above, quantification of any change would be terrific.

McssGmachine

12-12-2005, 05:37 AM

Hi Henry,

I would like to see more g-bodies with the pro-touring style done to them, Like mine :unibrow:
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/111monte/montecarlo021.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/111monte/49d8.jpg

Streetking

12-12-2005, 06:01 AM

Welcome!!

SW

MaxHarvard

12-12-2005, 06:22 AM

welcome to the board! :D

For me, i like general tech information... how to's, differences between years of makes of cars... what interchanges..etc..

Just my $.02 :)

markss28

12-12-2005, 06:58 AM

welcome to the board! :D

For me, i like general tech information... how to's, differences between years of makes of cars... what interchanges..etc..

Just my $.02 :)

I agree, Tech info is vital, and I could never get enough of it. I would like to see a comparison as to what the car was like before mods and after mods. I would also like to see what is for budget and would make great power.

I have been reading CHP for 9 years now and love every issue.

Huxsol81

12-12-2005, 07:32 AM

Welcome Henry.
Cost vs performance result articles and what you can expect performance wise works for me. And more 69 Camaros... lol :thumbsup:

Steve Chryssos

12-12-2005, 08:09 AM

Welcome Henry.
Scott has done an incredible job of compiling some killer projects here at Lateral-g. Be sure to spend some time in the "Members" area.

As you can see, everyone is clamoring for hard data. CHP has always done a good job of comparing engine parts. We'd like to see you extend that service to chassis parts. Many of us are moving way beyond the old days of just installing poly bushings. Nowadays, we are adding aftermarket clips, complete suspension upgrades and even full frame conversions with channeled bodies. The sky is the limit, but we need help choosing from a wide variety of options. PHR is already doing a good job in this arena, but we are still hungry for more.

Good luck with the new gig

Speedster

12-12-2005, 08:21 AM

Glad to have you aboard. I have been a CHP subscriber for years.

The wish list:
1. (As someone else had mentioned) an article comparing 1st gen front subframes.

2. An article talking about some of the internet sites/forums to join that really are for the gearheads. Like....Lateral-g ! There are some great stories around here.

3. Some stories of car people that really went out of their way to help other car guys/girls.

4. Cover/sponsor one or more "run what you bring" events geared towards the masses. i.e. a Real Street Eliminator competition with more than 5 people in 1 class. Something with multiple classes based on engine/chassis mods. It could be kind of like Year One does where you can actively participate in multiple venues - Drag Racing, Road Course, (Skid Pad, Burnouts, Drifting, Small Autocross course), whatever. Don't feel guilty about charging us a little to participate, I think most people on this site would agree that they would prefer to really drive their cars.

5. Set up these events such that driving mileage (not trailer mileage) to/from the event counts towards points at the end of the year for maybe the top 20. Doesn't matter if you win or lose the event, just as long as you are actually "in" at least one venue with that car. (That way you don't award everything to 20 2002 Camaros) Kind of like frequent flyer mileage for long haulers - "Powerade points". Something the average Joe could participate in with his car, since many of the high $ cars will probably be trailered and not want to accumulate the extra mileage.

Just my < 2 cents. :cool:

-Bruce

Rybar

12-12-2005, 09:07 AM

Welcome aboard Henry. I've been reading CHP for years, I think it's a great mag.

My recommendations: I think you need to feature more '69 Camaro's with LS1 power.... :D Just kidding.

I actually really like Scott's idea of following a racer and his crew and telling the story, that's a great idea.

I also really love the build up's over a few issues. All of Mark Steilows projects will never be forgotten. Any great build ups like his, utilizing the newest technology would be awesome. And it doesn't really matter to me what type of car. As long as it's a Chevy. :thumbsup:

Steve1968LS2

12-12-2005, 09:17 AM

MarkM66

12-12-2005, 12:09 PM

Bring back the "Pro-Touring Shoot-out" please!

What ever happen with that anyway? Last time you had it, it was claimed Kyle Tucker was going to compete in the next one with his "Twister" Camaro, and Stielow with the "Thrasher." Needless to say, that was awhile back ;) .

Ummgawa

12-12-2005, 01:14 PM

I think the best practical information will be on lower cost mods, IE brakes, suspension, etc. We all have Filet Mignon appetites here. Some guys have the same tastes but hamburger budgets. You have to find ways to keep guys with dreams and kids and mortgages in the mix with low cost mods that work. A lot of young guys go "Rice" because that segement of the automotive world is being addressed as far as low cost modifications are concerned. The Orientals are getting us back for the buttkickin we laid on them after Pearl Harbor one Honda and Toyota at a time. Then they are producing low cost fart mufflers and graphics and lowering kits to "fix-up" the cars down the road after Ma and Pa Kettle have traded them in or given it to their favorite grandson. Show guys "How-to's" that are inclusive rather than exclusive, reasonably priced and relatively simple to do. What wheels from other makes/ models that will fit their project. Again, Brake swaps, lowering tips, engine mods. I see that the biggest complaint repeated over and over again is that modifications done are not practical,cost wize, to the budgets of your(Your readers, HOTROD, Super Chevy, etc.) readers.

Oh, and, Welcome Henry!!!

mattsv8_03

12-12-2005, 01:35 PM

I hate to say this but, ive been a subscriber to super chevy for a long time. And id like to see more articls set up like mustangs and fast fords. We all need to see some coverage on real world turbo installs. I am dihard about chevy and am planning on building a real world. prostreet s10 which is done. but the motor is going to be a 355 with a t-88 turbonetics turbo, newgen wastegate, godzilla bov, procharger intercooler, and procharger, carb bonnet, and carb shop blowthrough carb. The articals about turbos were great, but now its time to show some true realworld installs. that would be sweet. and i love my susbscription to super chevy. keep up the good work.

hotwheels

12-12-2005, 02:54 PM

welcome to lateral-g henry, glad you signed up and started some posting........

Scott, cograt's man, simply amazing how much publicity your site has recieved. A+ job friend....... :hail:

Steve Chryssos

12-12-2005, 04:25 PM

I think the best practical information will be on lower cost mods, ......at modifications done are not practical,cost wize, to the budgets of your(Your readers, HOTROD, Super Chevy, etc.) readers.
Oh, and, Welcome Henry!!!

Give Jim his very own column!!!!

radrambler

12-12-2005, 05:22 PM

:lateral: = great people with great cars...

how about a " lateral-g section"??? scott???

you could get many features cars from this site..
you could also follow a build of one of the top quality cars on this site .
im sure scott would have a suggestion on what car to follow
it could be a couple of pages dedicated to protouring cars from this site...

hey gotta promote this great site ...

radrambler

Steve1968LS2

12-12-2005, 06:09 PM

67Sally

12-12-2005, 08:38 PM

Welcome to the forum.

lil427z

12-12-2005, 09:29 PM

welcome :)
rick kirkindall

Ummgawa

12-13-2005, 05:42 AM

Give Jim his very own column!!!!

Steevo, I was serious for my designated one time this year. It would be a joke column at best. Thanks for the job recomendation. :thumbsup:

Speedster

12-13-2005, 09:18 AM

Hey Henry -
Another request for magazine content.
People have said that they like installment articles.
Since many people contemplate and upgrade in horsepower as well as suspension mods, an article that takes a decent small block bottom end, and then each month tests it with (on pump gas):
1.) Roots Blower
2.) Screw Type Blower
3.) Centrifugal Blower (w & w/o intercooler)
4.) Single Turbo (w & w/o intercooler)
5.) Twin Turbo (w & w/o intercooler)

In each case shoot for approximately the same boost level and then compare the torque curves and horsepower curves. Give us the cost of each power adder, then we would have a real world comparison in $ per hp. If you included information such as added weight to front end, complexity of installation, lists of suppliers that would be cool. You could do the same series with a big block and compare. Kind of like an internal engine master's challenge. Then at the end, award the engine of choice to the winner of the long haul mileage contest posted in my first message.

I intentionally did not add Nitrous to this list, because it is not a true apples to apples comparison and most magazines already have it covered well.

Just another idea to throw on your pile. :cool:

Tanx,
-Bruce

rwhite692

12-13-2005, 02:00 PM

Hi Henry, I was talking to Terry @Sema about features in general and the kind of car feature content that really appeals to me... the buildup series of his 68 Vert is right on the money, also take a look at the structure of the article in Car Craft awhile back about Jeff Trush's car "Reality Resto".

Of course, not every car has as great of a "back story" as Jeff's, but the appeal of that style of article is 100 times stronger than the typical basic template-style writeup and "rattle off the parts list" that has been pretty much standard fare since the 60s.

I want to see more car features with before / during construction photos, more history about how the owner came to have the car, tales of things that didn't come off as planned, things that came off better than expected, etc. If a potential feature car doesn't have any back story, and not much detail about how it came to be what it is currently and the experiences and people behind that...then maybe it should be passed over for something else.

Just my $.02 - Rob

Damn True

12-13-2005, 04:56 PM

Oh yeah, CHP already does a much better job at this than most, but please continue to tell us how much stuff REALLY costs, the more consumer info the better.

Henry D

12-13-2005, 06:35 PM

Just wanted to say thank you all for responding. I'm keeping notes and certainly appreciate all of your input. Keep them coming, I'm still taking it all in. :thumbsup:

Regards!
H

montec_ss85

12-13-2005, 06:35 PM

It's great to see CHP look to Lat-G for information. I too am a subscriber. Add G-Body to the mag it it would be even better.

XcYZ

12-13-2005, 07:07 PM

Just wanted to say thank you all for responding. I'm keeping notes and certainly appreciate all of your input. Keep them coming, I'm still taking it all in. :thumbsup:

Regards!
H

We're the ones who should say thanks. It isn't often that regular guys like us get to send our ideas right to the source. :thumbsup:

shanekennedy

12-14-2005, 02:30 AM

need more mpg articles (kudos on current issue)

need more pages in mag

need track specs on featured cars (0-60, 60-0, 1/4mi, lat-g, mpg).
for owners who don't have specs, loan them a g-meter, w/ a pending charge on their credit card.
tell owners their cars can't be featured w/o specs.

Damn True

12-14-2005, 01:14 PM

need track specs on featured cars (0-60, 60-0, 1/4mi, lat-g, mpg).
for owners who don't have specs, loan them a g-meter, w/ a pending charge on their credit card.
tell owners their cars can't be featured w/o specs.

Brilliant!
:thumbsup:

JayR

12-14-2005, 02:55 PM

Thanks for the inquiry Henry. I have lots of thoughts on this and have stacks of mags dating back a long time to prove my feelings on the subject! Leave the Tri-5 with 16" American Torq-Thrusts to Super Chevy as well as other cars that we all see on friday night at the burger stand. Pick feature cars that are special and extraordinary like Chicayne or The Mule to complement the regular guy's projects so a reader feels like he is seeing great photos of a car he might never see in person instead of one car after another that looks like one he saw at DQ last friday.
Speaking of feature photos, Whoever shot the feature on Dean Sears' 59 Chevys a year or two back needs to go back to photog school. One of the worst features I've ever seen. High noon in direct sunlight with more hotspots on all that 59 chrome than I've ever seen in a mag. It looked exactly like the bad "what not to do" examples of photography in the how to photograph your car articles.
I love event coverage. I remember when i would wait at the mailbox for the SEMA issue and there were NEVER enough photos. Event coverage like Hot rod and Car Craft used to do for the Super Nat's and Street Machine Nationals back in the 80s were the best issues of the year. Most readers can't make all the big shows and want to see what they missed whether it's a GoodGuys show, SEMA, a track day or auto-x, show more of the event and a variety of events!
An event for readers to pound their car against other readers like some of the guys suggested would be very cool. Something like Hot Rod just did with the drag cars but with only one drag strip stop and then an auto-x, road course, skid pad 0-60-0 and drive a little between events over a few days. You have enough venues in Southern CA to pull it off right from the office.
You could call it One Lap of L.A. if you don't think Brock Yates would get upset. haha....
And as long as i'm venting, how about a shameless plug for some sketchpad articles? I already do them for a few Primedia titles so all my waivers are on file. drop a line if you want to discuss some themes!
Thanks for letting us vent. We'll be watching for our ideas to come to the pages.
Jason
www.jasonrushforth.com