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Went to the DJ Sportscars autumn open day………last Saturday and as usual it was a good event.

The stand out for me though was the début of our mate and all-round good egg, Duncan Cowper’s new Rush! I’ve been on record both here and in tkc magazine as saying that Dunc should have been a touring car driver if he’d got the right breaks, which is a bit of a cliché but in my view true. Have you seen his car control?

Stonking Suzuki Hayabusa complete with monster turbo prepared by Geoff Page Racing and good for 550bhp!

Duncan has probably been responsible for a high percentage of DAX Rush sales over the years with his Cosworth powered versions and then more recently turbocharged Hayabusa variants with mega-horsepower. Well, the latest Cowper special is the most potent of the lot.

Engine meister, Geoff Page (left) and Duncan Cowper with DAX Rush

Featuring a 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa with engine work carried out by ace engine guru, Geoff Page (01621 859 993), the turbo on the car came from a Benetton F1 car, with many other bespoke parts exclusive to the DAX, including inboard front suspension. The first Rush to feature this set-up, incidentally.

Initial power runs at .8-bar of boost gave 330bhp at the back WHEELS! Running a more realistic 1.4-bar should give a conservative 550+bhp! I think this makes it the most powerful road-legal Lotus Seven-inspired kitcar EVER…unless of course you know different! If you do, then you might have the chance to prove it, as we’re introducing a new section in the magazine called ‘Beat the Cowper’ where we’ll hire a track and you can bring your challenger and can have a go at beating Duncan’s pre-set lap time. Get ready to enter, if you dare, and make sure you know the way to Bruntingthorpe test track…more details upcoming.

In the meantime, find out more about the DAX Rush and Tojeiro ranges by visiting www.daxcars.co.uk or you'll find them at the other end of 01279 442 661 ENDS.

Duncan Cowper has owned quite a few mental Rushes, this one is certifiable!

September 1st saw the launch of a new UK company……….to market the well respected Chamonix and Beck ranges of replica Porsches.

Officially appointed by US-based supplier, Special Edition and run by the family team of Terry and Margaret Watson, Tribute Sportscars are centrally based in Northampton, where final preparation for using the cars in the UK and Europe will be carried out.

Special Edition will complete the cars to exacting specifications, using many years of experience in this marketplace and working with engine producers such as Jake Raby and CB Performance to produce truly superb cars, works of art, it has been said, at sensible prices.

‘Standard’ cars will be competitively priced at £24,900 on the road and the range features Beck 356 Speedster with 1915cc, 90bhp VW Type 1 engine and Chamonix 550 Spyder with 1915cc 125bhp VW Type 1 engine.

The cars feature - unique 3in steel tube chassis for firm bodywork and handling, Spyder chassis design similar to the original ‘works’ cars, high quality hand laid GRP bodywork, quality paintwork in a wide choice of colours, leather interior, with ‘original’ styling and instrumentation, disc/ drum braking and full weather equipment, colour co-ordinated on Speedster, black on Spyder.

These standard cars will produce a convincing replica, while for those who require something really special, a full custom build service is available, with a wide range of cosmetic and performance options, including fuel injection systems to improve performance and economy. Fancy a 356 Carrera replica with handcrafted performance engine, or a ‘James Dean‘ styled 550? Tribute can supply it.

Also available is the VAG-engined, water-cooled, 550S, which also features a de Dion rear suspension set-up, with coil-over dampers.

In development for release in the near future is a 356 Convertible D, with full height windscreen and wind-up windows, with optional auxiliary heater, and this one could be just the car for all year round UK use!

Many developments are underway, with details to be released as they become market items, prepare for surprise and innovation!

A 356 is currently available for demonstration, with a pair of high specification 550 Spyders due in the UK within a few weeks.

For more information contact 01604 410 407 or via e-mail E-Mail with a new website at www.tributesportscars.com coming soon ENDS.

As someone with an un-healthy knowledge……….and interest in polishes and detailing products I can confirm that counseling is available for this affliction although there is no known cure! I can't help it. I HATE dirty cars!

Latest fab range I’ve discovered, and can recommend, comes from the superbly named Rubbish Boy’sÔ and they make their own range of products and also import the American Mark V selection.

If you’re into making your car(s) look as good as when it was built, or left the showroom, then the company will be polishing nirvana for you as all the products offered (they also stock the Bilt Hamber, Chemical Guys and Dodo Juice ranges, too) are of the highest order although you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the prices.

For example, Rubbish Boy’s Original Edition handmade carnauba wax polish is supplied in a 250ml tub and contains a blend of natural waxes, oils and solvents including carnauba wax, beeswax, coconut oil and orange oil. 28 percent carnauba by weight of product or 83 percent by weight of total wax content. Most manfacturers measure by wax content not total weight. If it isn't up to scratch it gets binned. For a small batch polish, the price of £39.95 is competitive. They also have a variety of other quality detailing products including fine poly-clay.

Meanwhile, the Mark V stuff is used extensively by car enthusiasts in the USA and features a large selection of products including Autoglow shampoo (16oz £5.95), Ideal Gel Wheel Cleaner (16oz £6.95), Glisten Paint Sealant (16oz £13.95), Swirl Remover 16oz £8.95), Mystique Compound Polish (32oz £23.50) and Window Sheen Glass Cleaner (500ml £6.95). All products are available mail order and you can find out more by visiting www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk or by calling 07876 563 547.

If you’re into serious car detailing and want top quality products at competitive prices then Rubbish Boy’s is the place for you ENDS.

The Michalak C7 is one of my favourite kitcars………..I love the common-sense use of the abundant Smart ForTwo as donor vehicle and the sheer innovation in the design of the diminutive two-seater.

Now, Bernd Michalak has come up with a new VarioTop version, which according to the company is a combination of soft and hard top parts, so you can drive totally enclosed or open like a Targa or completely open. You can also change between the heated windscreen and the small wind deflector. Your mood - and the weather – will dictate the option you choose at any given time.

For more information contact www.michalak.eu ENDS.

If you’re after the……………..excellent Fuel Air Spark Technology (FAST) products for your Cobra or other V8-powered sportscar, then you need to contact UK distributor’s, John Sleath Race Cars, who can supply you with the complete range of modular, multi-port fuel injection systems.

FAST, part of TCI, have a big range that includes Big Mouth 4-barrel throttle bodies, Precision-Flow injectors, wiring looms and ECUs, in addition to aftermarket bolt-on goodies such as single plane manifolds for the majority of V8 engines, while they can also supply parts for four, six and 12-cylinder engines, too.

Prices for a V8 system start from around £1400, with the top of the shop conversion at £3000.

More information from www.john-sleath.com or he’s at the other end of 07976 751 742 ENDS.

Dremel is launching a new range of easy-release………lightweight clamps in September for DIY enthusiasts everywhere.

The clamps are made of high grade plastic and are lighter than steel equivalents, ensuring no extra stress is added to a work piece. 

The Ratchet Clamp has a variable clamping force instead of the fixed pressure of a standard spring-fitted clamp. The protective caps swivel as opposed to being fixed, and are secured on the clamp rather than being removable. Soft grip handles come as standard for a high quality touch and feel. 

The Ratchet Clamps come in a small and large size with maximum spacing of 30mm and 50mm respectively. 

The Bar Clamp has a maximum spacing capacity of 108mm, with precision opening as well as closing. The sliding system allows precise control of the clamping force, while the reverse assembly quickly converts the bar clamp into a spreader.  

Very user friendly with ergonomic design and high grade materials for a long product life, the new Dremel clamps are especially good for small hobby projects.

Priced at £6.99 for the Ratchet Clamps in both sizes (small and large), and £13.99 for the Bar Clamp, at all good DIY shops from September 2008.

More information from www.dremel.com ENDS.

Sealey's NEW Bonnet/Tailgate Support………….this extremely versatile product will lock in any position with a simple twist of the wrist! Primarily used for supporting bonnets and tailgates, this nifty tool can be used to hold open doors, depress clutches, brakes and accelerator pedals! The telescopic function features three tiers making for easy storage and ease of operation. The tough rubber pads at each end ensure non-slip, sturdy support.

The VS0140 is currently featured in Sealey’s Autumn 2008 Vehicle Service Promotion with a special price of £7.58 inc VAT! The promotion features over 70 NEW products and 100s of must-have tools for the professional workshop technician and those of you who prefer to DIY!

To get your copy, simply contact your local distributor or call Sealey direct on their literature hotline on 01284 757 525 or you can visit their website www.sealey.co.uk to view a copy on-line ENDS.

SIZE MATTERSŠ…………….Šand in this instance, it is how small it is that creates the difference!

A new Project Table will be launched this Autumn by Dremel - one of the smallest tables on the market. Designed specifically for people working on detailed projects, it is compact and lightweight thanks to its optimised steel frame - unlike standard project tables that are large and heavy.

With a loading capacity of 45kgs, it can be used indoors and out by keen hobbyists and small-scale DIY-ers alike. 

The four rotating plastic top pads do not damage fragile materials while clamped, and there are eight placing/fixing positions, two special tube clamps and soft 'table' feet. The variable system enables clamping of work pieces with different dimensions and shapes. The compact table's dimensions are 400x170x365mm. 

Priced at £24.99, the Dremel Project Table is available in good DIY shops (and undoubtedly some rubbish ones too, guys!) from September 2008.

More from www.dremel.com ENDS.

DEI has released a new………….thermal insulation wrap for protecting hoses, pipes and wiring.

Fire Wrap 3000 is flame resistant with a hook-and-loop VelcroÒ edge closure design that is sewn internally for a simple and easy installation without requiring the component to be removed.

Fire Wrap 3000 uses high temperature fibreglass thread to withstand repeated exposures up to 3000°F (1650°C) and 500°F (260°C) of direct continuous heat.

The product provides excellent insulation barrier as well as protection against burns while working around the engine bay.

Order directly online from www.nimbusmotorsport.com with prices starting at £59.85 inc VAT. You can also call them on 01377 236 170 ENDS.

Viper-Performance has just released………….a silicone hose set that replaces the OE top and bottom radiator hoses on Toyota MR2 (MR-S) Mk3 (the ZZW30 model from 1999-2006) an increasingly popular choice for kitcar body conversions.

The Viper hose features a 5-ply plus 1mm silicone liner layer for extra inner protection with a 6mm wall and steel wire reinforcement embedded within the hose to stop it from collapsing and offering an additional degree of strength and reliability under extreme use.

The hoses are available in a variety of colours – choose from red, blue or black and they are claimed to improve reliability while adding a distinctive touch to the engine bay.

The pair of Viper-Performance hoses cost £39.99 inc VAT. Order online from www.viper-performance.co.uk or 0845 095 3423 ENDS.

A performance air filter……….is one of the first modifications that most tuners and enthusiasts make.

Now, American lubrication specialist, Torco, has developed a special oil intended for aftermarket air filters.

Torco’s Foam Filter Oil (FFO) is formulated with special base oils and tackifier additives to prevent moisture and abrasive elements from passing through foam filters and entering the engine.

FFO is easy to apply and will not dry-out, drip or run and won’t gum-up or clog foam passages and it’s suitable for all foam filters and other types of aftermarket filters that require oiling.

The product retails at £5.99 for a 369gm aerosol.

More from www.nimbusmotorsport.com or 01377 236 170 ENDS.