Enthusiast Essentials: what we’ve added to our must-have list this month!

3 November, 2016

With the diverse range of vehicles covered by our motoring titles, New Zealand Classic Car, NZV8, and NZ Performance Car, it’s clear that the car enthusiast demographic is incredibly varied. So how do you curate a shopping basket to cater for a car person, whether they’re into imports, V8s, or classics? Our editors have discovered a heap of products this month, and there’s sure to be something that every car enthusiast will want to add to their collection.

Playing with the big dogs

Ask any wheel guru what name is highly rated, and nine times out of 10 you will get the same reply — Rotiform. These brand-new-release Rotiform KPSs are available in two premium finishes, Flat Black/Gloss Black windows and Silver/Brushed Face. Sizes are at your discretion, from 18×8.5-inch up to a huge 20×11-inch, and they come in all the common five-stud pitch-circle diameters (PCDs). The team can also advise the best fitment for most Japanese, Euro, and even R35 GT-R–specific applications. Head to 360link.co.nz for all the details.

Beautiful in black

These new M&H nylon-braided PTFE-lined hose and full-flow hose ends are just what you need for a fluid transfer system that looks as good as it performs. The slick black finish on the hoses and fittings is perfect for turning even the nitty-gritty parts of your build into works of art, and sizing is available in -6AN and -8AN. Available from STA Parts — visit staparts.co.nz or phone 09 256 1120 for more information.

Danger zone

If you’re running an engine that’s been built for performance, you’ll want to be sure it’s operating at 100 per cent, 100 per cent of the time. The Auto Meter Pro-Lite warning light works in conjunction with a water-temperature or oil-pressure switch (sold separately) to warn you of critical water temperatures or loss of oil pressure. It can be purchased for $105.85 from myautomotive.co.nz, which also provides free shipping New Zealand–wide.

Get mounted

Tuff Mounts have been a staple in the Aussie performance car scene for nearly 10 years, and are found in all types of cars and applications — from drag racing, burnouts, show cars, and tough street through to circuit and drift cars. These are the must-have item to hold your engine in the correct location — 100 per cent captive, unbreakable design, serviceable, and they even make it easier to remove the engine.

The huge range includes these Commodore VB–VS LS conversion mounts, to convert your early Commodore to LS power. Offering direct bolt-up fitment, they are priced at $374 per pair. Check out tuffmounts.com.au, or phone +61 8 8374 0011.

Quality control

Commodore and Falcon owners rejoice — Tein, the world-leading performance suspension manufacturer, is now offering bolt-in coilovers to suit Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons. Designed in Australia and built in Japan, the Tein coilovers offer adjustable height and 16 damping settings, with easy tunability to each driver’s preference, as well as full serviceability by the local factory agent.

Available for VX–VZ and VE series Holden Commodores, and BA–BF series Ford Falcons, Tein coilovers are available from $2055 (excl. GST). Visit autolign.co.nz to find your nearest distributor.

Flow to go

When power’s your goal you need a fuel system that can keep up, and Holley’s HP Inline Billet Fuel Pumps have been designed to do just that — whether it’s carburetted or fuel injected, either the 65gph or 80gph pump should do the trick. The OEM-style gerotor pumps provide reliable, quiet operation and compatibility with pump gas or race fuel (not E85). Fully submersible in-tank, if required, they are compatible with 12V to 18.5V systems for street or race use. Holley HP Inline Billet Fuel Pumps are available from $417.79 (excl. GST) from Segedins Auto Spares. Call the team at 09 638 6439, or visit holley.com for more information.

2-in-1 rescue tool

Don’t get trapped inside your vehicle in an emergency situation. This resqme car-escape tool is carried by over three million motorists worldwide — as the compact, two-in-one keychain design allows you to cut a jammed seatbelt and break a side window in your vehicle. It can also be used with the optional accessory pack which attaches it to your rear-view mirror, sun visor, or head restraint.

Available for only $26 (or $29 with the accessory pack), resqme is a must-have, and can be purchased from Tactical Solutions Ltd at tactical.co.nz/resqme-emergency-keychain-rescue-tool.

Cool coolers

Start pinching the pennies, offer to vacuum for the rest of the year, or just beg the other half, because you’ve got to get yourself a Beerbowser. Beerbowser fridges are hand-crafted in New Zealand to replicate old-school petrol bowsers from the ’50s and ’60s, and they don’t just look the part — built around a Haier fridge, they’re brand new and come with a 12-month warranty.

Priced from $2499 (incl. GST) and with a range of options available, visit beerbowser.co.nz or phone 09 971 8191 to complete your man cave!

Premium combustion

Your classic vehicle can run on unleaded petrol thanks to Fuelstar Fuel Combustion Catalyst. Better yet, you won’t experience valve seat recession or loss of power, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg — or be messy. It overcomes spark plug fouling and has a life expectancy of at least 1,000,000km. It’s even been technologically endorsed by NASA.

Fuelstar Fuel Combustion Catalyst is available starting at $184 to $299 depending on your engine size, and you can get one through most garages in New Zealand, or direct from fuelstar.com.

1985 Citröen 2CV6 Charleston

Kerry describes it as ‘a very simple car to do’. The suspension can be set to the required ride height. It is essential to weigh each corner to avoid too much weight difference from side to side. The four-speed gearbox was re-built. They are prone to getting a little water in them if not serviced correctly. Water etches into the bearings. The main shaft was also replaced.
But as it was a reasonably high mileage car, Kerry expected a few mechanical issues.
“The lady I bought it off owned it from 900km after it had been sold new to a gentleman in Palmerston North. He found he couldn’t fit into it. This woman in Hamilton bought it and she had run it to a total of 101,000kms. It was brand new in 1985 so it’s done quite a few kilometres for a little car.”
Not surprisingly, these little cars grow on their owners and the previous lady owner is now interested in buying it back.

Get together for Murray Charles

Motorsport enthusiast, Murray Charles (84) passed away earlier this year. Murray’s friend, Danny Robins, contacted New Zealand Classic Car magazine to advise that a memorial get-together has been arranged in Martinborough for 28 November.
“Andrew Shackelton was a close friend and neighbour of Murray. Andrew has arranged an informal memorial for any old chums or colleagues who might wish to get together and
reminisce about the days of New Zealand racing,” Danny said. Murray did drive and was, by all accounts, a competent racer himself.
“He is probably better known for his engineering and mechanical expertise, particularly his contribution as a car mechanic to the golden years of Graham McRae’s Tasman successes.”
Murray provided a photograph of a copy of an Australian motor racing magazine from 1971 showing Murray alongside Graham’s famous car, as well as an informal snap of a younger,
pensive Murray with Kerry Grant at Levin.
The get together will be on the 28th of November, 1600hrs (4.00 pm) onwards at 28 Daniel Street, Martinborough.”