SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT MARKET ASSOCIATION (SEMA) holds a little get-together each fall at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. With 100,000 in attendance it's hard to believe that it's not open to the general public. In fact, SEMA gets pretty stingy with credentials to make sure there is room in the display isles for industry leaders from over 100 countries.
It's a strange mix, this gathering of after-market parts companies. Some of the innovations come from enthusiasts like you who are trying new things with their personal trucks. Then there are the industry engineers and think tank types, whose jobs require that they come up with new and better stuff every year.
Competitive motor sports also drive much of the new development each year due to their constant search for that extra bit of performance. Chemists and computer geeks contribute plenty, too, as materials and technologies evolve each year and open up new possibilities.
Of course, car and truck manufacturers keep making new models, which also require re-fits and new products to match the new designs. Additionally every year we see auto makers incorporate SEMA-inspired features and options on their vehicles. What was once radical after-market is now OEM.
What does all of this mean to the off-road enthusiast? Variety and value. Whether you are looking to upgrade the family SUV for that occasional foray into the back country, or you are building an off-road-only terrain tamer, SEMA members have the parts, and since they compete with each other, you have more choices at better prices.
Here are a few more of the new products that caught our attention at SEMA 2006.
COOL INTAKE
More horsepower begins with cooler air entering the engine. That's why DynoMax, long known for its performance exhaust systems, has engineered a complete line of performance cold-air intake kits for popular Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee models. The new air intake kits from DynoMax add as much as 10 horsepower to 1997-2001 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L (p/n 88336), 1991-95 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L (88337), and 1992- 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L (88338) models. The kit includes a bonnet that fits to the factory throttle body; a mandrel-bent, powder-coated steel tube, and a highflow cotton gauze conical air filter element. Contact: www.dynomax.com
DIESEL FIREFLY
Cummins owners will love the new FireFly from Superchips. This plugand- play computer for 2004.5-2007 Dodge, diesel 5.9L Cummins allows users to gain up to 65 rear wheel horsepower and 150 ft/lbs of torque from their diesel, monitor vital engine data, and change power levels on-thefly. The FireFly system ships with an under-the-hood power module that plugs into the engine's factory sensor connectors in less than 10 minutes. It also includes a state-of-the-art Lazer Gauge that can monitor Turbo Boost Pressure and Exhaust Gas Temperature to ensure engine safety. Contact: www.superchips.com
COOL LOGO FLAP
Want to let those following your new Ford, Dodge or GM truck or SUV know the team you root for, or what brand vehicle you're driving? Husky Liners new Logo-Ready Mudguards do just that, while also extending protection to the bodywork by keeping debris and grime, kicked up by the tires, at bay. The polished stainless steel logo inserts fit in the Mudguard's predilled holes for easy installation. Contact: www.huskyliners.com
READY RHINO
Long known for its off-road truck products, Daystar rolled out some cool stuff at the show to beef up the Yamaha Rhino. Daystar's Rhino gear includes front and rear bumpers, a winch mount, light bars, grab bars, suspension and lights. The front bumper and winch guard fold down to allow cowling access. Contact: www.daystarweb.com
SPEED CONTROL
Mile Marker applied state-of-the-art M.O.S.F.E.T. technology to its VMX line of electric winches, which feature trigger-controlled variable speed. The control system also provides advantages in digital feedback including estimated line pull, motor temperature, amperage usage, voltage, battery level, and over-heat indicators. Contact: www.milemarker.com
PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE
Firestone Industrial's Red Label series of air springs is the high pressure version of their highly regarded suspension components. Offering the vehicle builder both flexibility and durability, this new series is designed to operate at up to 150 psi and has been tested at 400 psi. Contact: www.firestoneindustrial.com
TI-TEC MUFFLERS
Edelbrock's new Truck/SUV Series Mufflers are said to improve the performance of V8 1999-2007 GM pickups and 2007 Tahoes. What makes these sound-and-power enhancers different is their rugged case which is constructed of 16-gauge aluminized steel and is then Ti-Tech coated for a tough, long lasting finish and extreme durability. The chambered internals boast a whopping 3" inlet and outlet diameter for greater exhaust flow, and a compact 9" x 18" case with an overall body length of 25". Edelbrock's Truck/SUV muffler produces an aggressive tone that not only sounds great, but enhances flow characteristics. Contact: www.edelbrock.com
BAJA BALANCE
How do you find the balance between off-road traction and on-road handling? Mickey Thompson has the answer with the Baja MTZ Radial for stock and lifted truck and S.U.V. owners who need to run the same tires on and off road. Advanced radial construction provides the smooth ride, while self-cleaning high-void tread lugs provide the traction in mud and snow. Deep shoulder and side tread blocks aren't just for aggressive looks, they supply plenty of added off-road traction as well. The Baja MTZ Radial comes in 24 sizes from 31 to 38 inches tall, up to 15-1/2 inches wide, and rim diameters up to 20 inches to fit almost every light truck application. Contact: www.mickeythompsontires.com
PRIVILEGED PASSENGERS
Mastercraft Seats introduced a 60/40 split seat for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4-Door. Designed to match Mastercraft's performance front seats, this SUV style seat offers versatility and comfort for those braving their off-road adventures from the back of the bus. Contact: www.mastercraftseats.com
PUSH-BUTTON PROGRAMMING
Increasing horsepower and torque really is as simple as pushing a button with Hypertech's Power Programmer III. Reprogramming does not require any tools or knowledge of cars, or even computers, plus you can return to OEM (stock) programming in minutes. Simply plug the Power Programmer into the under-dash diagnostic plug, answer a series of "Yes/No" questions, and the Power Programmer does the rest. It is available for a long list of gas engine vehicles. Contact: www.hypertech.com
POWER PROGRAM
The newest generation of Edge's Evolution programmer has moved from the tool box to the dashboard. In addition to programming the truck's computer for up to an additional100 HP and 210 ft. lbs of torque, the new pod-mounted Evolution displays a wide range of performance information, including EGT, boost, MAF, coolant temperature, gear selection and many others. The Evolution displays and clears diagnostic trouble codes and is internet updateable. Contact: www.edgeproducts.com
XD-SERIES
New for '07 the BADLANDS 779 sizes 18,20,22 in chrome. The MONSTER 778 sizes 18, 20, 22, 24 in chrome or matte black. The ENDURO 122 sizes 15,16,17,18,20 in matte black or machined finish. Contact: www.kmcwheels.com
EXTREME VERSATILITY
Pro Comp's Extreme M/T features Amor-Tek3 carcass construction, which has two radial polyester body plies and one angled polyester body ply for superior resistance to impact, breaks and bruising. Deep buttress lugs extend far down the sidewall of the tire to enhance its soft surface traction and also provides additional "bite" in rock crawling applications. Contact: www.procomptires.com
MUD MASTER
Dick Cepek calls their Mud Country tire a "hybrid" because of its allterrain/ mud terrain design. The tire's radial construction provides a smooth ride and longer tread life. The selfcleaning tread design and wide footprint provide traction and promote even wear. Side tread blocks give the tire more bite in ruts and protect the sidewalls. Siping in the tread blocks improve grip on smooth surfaces and ice. Contact: www.dickcepek.com
CUMMINS CAT-BACK
Also available in a turbo-back system, MagnaFlow's new five inch exhaust for the 2005-2007 Cummins provides a free-flowing exit for the breath-out portion of your power increasing equation. Constructed of mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing, the system comes with OEM-style barbed hangers for a quick and easy install. Contact: www.magnaflow.com
