Enthusiast Essentials: get your hands on our must-have products

5 July, 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.

Flexible options

Building your own exhaust or plumbing in your wastegate? The AdrenalinR range of flexi joints is manufactured with stainless-steel pressed ends, which provides a major advantage when running high-octane fuel, as the joint won’t rust like aluminized steel versions. Featuring a short-length design to allow fitment in the tightest places, the flexi joints can be purchased in range of sizes starting at $39 for a 51mm (two-inch), up to $119 for a 102mm (four-inch).

Contact the team at AdrenalinR on 06 870 3526, or head to adrenalinr.com for the finer details.

Four to six

Used in professional motor sport the world over, the Cusco Japan four- and six-point racing harnesses give you the peace of mind that you won’t be going anywhere — unless you hit the cam-lock rotary buckle for a quick exit. Manufactured to meet strict FIA regulations, the four-point option is perfect for grassroots events, priced at $415 — while the six-point is suitable for all MotorSport NZ categories at $505.

To purchase, contact [email protected] or head to facebook.com/NSToyotaParts

Simplicity at its best

The Philips CEM2220BT is a single-DIN head unit incorporating some of the latest technology for the ultimate in sound, connectivity, and user-friendliness. The high-contrast black-and-white LCD incorporates Bluetooth capability that allows you to pump whatever music you want through the audio system without being restricted to FM radio. In short, it has everything you need and nothing you don’t, and at $229 you can’t go wrong.

If you are after the finer details, jump onto philipscaraudio.co.nz.

Fresh tech

Straight from the shores of Europe, the Focal ES 165 K two-way component kit offers two 6.5-inch woofers and two 20mm TKM tweeters, and features a compact overall design, with K2 Power Kevlar cones delivering dynamic sound performance and perfect definition. Originally developed for Sopra high-fidelity loudspeakers, the new TMD suspension design removes unwanted resonances, and also reduces the effects of distortion.

For the finer details, jump onto focalnz.co.nz, or contact the team on [email protected].

Work Seeker FX

Finish: MSP
Size: 16×6–16×9-inch; 17×7–17×9.5-inch; 18×7.5–18×11.5-inch
PCD: Various
Offset: Various
work-wheels.co.nz

Nexen N’FERA SUR4

Size: 235/35R19
Tread wear: 200
Speed rating: Y (300kph)
dtm.co.nz/nexen

Keeping current

We’re heading into the time of year that’s particularly hard on cars, so ensure you stay charged with a Century Ultra Hi Performance battery. With specialized internal components, unique design features, and industry-leading technology, these batteries have been designed to combat battery failure and keep you going for longer. Maintenance-free, with superior starting power and reserve capacity, and corrosion-resistant calcium/calcium technology — they are just the ticket.

For more information, phone 0800 93 93 93, or visit centurybatteries.co.nz.

Fan fantastic

Prevention is better than cure, as the old adage says, and that certainly applies beneath your classic car’s bonnet. If your engine is running a viscous clutch-type fan, EAL Viscous Fan Clutch Oil is one of those products you probably think you’ll never need — until it’s too late. Just remove your fan, open the hub, clean it up, and replace the oil — that’s all that’s needed to keep you off the motorway shoulder with a buggered cooling system.

EAL Viscous Fan Clutch Oil is available in a 50ml bottle from Engineering Adhesives and Lubricants. Contact Mike on 09 627 1153 to find out more.

Real-deal steering wheel

Drive it like you mean it — upgrade your classic’s driving dynamics and interior aesthetics with a proper, Mountney steering wheel. As Mountney specializes in aftermarket items for UK-produced cars of the ’70s and ’80s, it’s likely to have just the ticket for your pride and joy. These are high-quality steering wheels made in the UK, available with a leather-bound or genuine riveted-wood rim, and boss kits are available to adapt the aftermarket steering wheel to most factory steering columns.

Get in touch with the team at Classic Car Mirrors and Accessories, on 021 598 774, to find out more.

Kill the noise

If you drive an older car, you’ll be amazed at the difference proper sound insulation can provide to the driving experience. The Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pak contains nine sheets of 18×32-inch Dynamat Xtreme, for coverage of 3.3 square metres (36 square feet), and will help to dampen vibrations, reduce road noise, and enhance stereo sound quality. No plans for the car this winter? Now you do — turn her into something you can drive anywhere, any time. Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pak is available  from myautomotive.co.nz.

Boom sticks

The Kelford Cams range of camshafts for the Ford four-litre Barra engine has been developed, tested, and proven to return eye-watering results. The intake 218-A and 218-B camshafts, along with matching PAC Racing beehive valve springs, suit mild street performance through to full drag racing applications. Designed with a slight difference in lobe duration and phasing to further promote swirl and tumble for proven cylinder filling, the 218-A cams can turn the mainstay Aussie BA-FG engine into a 500hp tiger at 15psi of boost.

Contact the team to find out what’s right for you by heading to kelfordcams.com.

A diamond in the rough

Two years ago, Lew finished a thorough restoration and the impressive ute has taken on a new life and colour. Lew plays down the amount of effort required but, despite his protestations, I suspect he put a lot of time into the project. A few unwanted tenants were evicted along the way.
“It didn’t take me long. There had been mice living in the firewall, which had caused a bit of damage. It apparently broke down and was pushed into a shed. It was 20 years to the day when I pulled it out and it sat in my other shed for 3 years before I started on it. That’s why it’s in such good order — it’s been kept in a shed for so long and still is.”

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”