SEMA model legislation (S.B. 2248) introduced in the Florida State Legislature by State Senator Bill Posey (posey.bill.web@flsenate.gov) to amend the vehicle titling and registration classifications for street rods and create a classification for custom vehicles will be considered by the Senate Transportation Committee and the Community Affairs Committee. S.B. 2248 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. Under the bill, kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. The bill mirrors model legislation created by SEMA and recently enacted in Illinois, Missouri, Rhode Island, Montana and Maine.

We Urge You to Contact Members of the Transportation Committee and Community Affairs Committee (List Below) Immediately to Request Their Support for S.B. 2248.

• S.B. 2248 provides specific registration and titling classes for street rods and customs, including kits and replicas.
• S.B. 2248 allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling criterion that assigns these vehicles the same model year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.
• S.B. 2248 exempts street rods and customs from periodic vehicle inspections and emissions inspections.
• S.B. 2248 provides that vehicles titled and registered as street rods and custom vehicles may only be used for occasional transportation, exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, etc. and not for general daily transportation.
• S.B. 2248 exempts street rods and custom vehicles from a range of standard equipment requirements.
• S.B. 2248 permits the use of blue dot taillights on street rods and custom vehicles.

DON'T DELAY! Please contact members of the Florida Senate Transportation Committee and Community Affairs Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to urge their support of S.B. 2248.

Florida Senate Transportation Committee

Senator Jim Sebesta, Chair
(850) 487-5075
sebesta.jim.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Ron Klein, Vice Chair
(850) 487-5091
klein.ron.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Michael Bennett
(850) 487-5078
bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Larcenia Bullard
(850) 487-5127
bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Charlie Clary
(850) 487-5009
clary.charlie.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Victor Crist
(850) 487-5068
crist.victor.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla
(850) 487-5109
portilla.alex.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Gwen Margolis
(850) 487-5121
margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov

Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee

Senator Michael Bennett, Chair
(850) 487-5078
bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Mike Haridopolos, Vice Chair
(850) 487-5056
haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Charlie Clary
(850) 487-5009
clary.charlie.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Anthony Hill, Sr.
(850) 487-5024
hill.anthony.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Alfred Lawson, Jr.
(850) 487-5004
lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Ken Pruitt
(850) 487-5088
pruitt.ken.web@flsenate.gov

Senator J. Alex Villalobos
(850) 487-5130
villalobos.alex.web@flsenate.gov

UPDATE!
Michigan Representative Decides Not to Move Forward With Bill to Ban Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

Michigan State Representative Rick Jones has alerted SEMA that he will no longer pursue, in its current form, legislation (H.B. 5543) to ban vehicles equipped with replacement exhaust systems that differ from the design specifications of the original muffler. H.B. 5543 would also have prohibited the sale and use of exhaust systems that exceed an 80-decibel limit at a distance of 50 feet.

In its place, Representative Jones is considering SEMA model legislation that provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45 degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded. To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia.

Thanks to all the Michigan car clubs and councils, individual enthusiasts and members of the SEMA business community who worked so tirelessly to derail this bill. Thanks also to Representative Jones for listening to his constituents and for making the proper response. Thanks again!

We just recently discovered that the Michigan legislature is working a bill that could send shockwaves through the aftermaket world. The rest of this article is directly from a press release by the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association (SEMA).

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT

Michigan Bill Would Ban Most Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

A bill (H.B. 5543) to ban vehicles equipped with replacement exhaust systems that differ from the design specifications of the original muffler has been introduced in Michigan by Rep. Rick Jones ( rickjones@house.mi.gov). H.B. 5543 would also prohibit the sale and use of exhaust systems that exceed an 80-decibel limit at a distance of 50 feet. The bill has been referred to the Michigan House Transportation Committee for consideration.

In some states, noise limits for modified exhaust systems are established by a SEMA model bill and applicable to an easy to administer test standard. The SEMA model provides for the testing of vehicle exhaust noise to a standard adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) with an established noise limit of 95-decibels (SAE J1169). Under the SAE standard, a sound meter is placed 20 inches from the exhaust outlet at a 45 degree angle and the engine is revved to three quarters of maximum rated horsepower. The highest decibel reading is then recorded.

To date, with the popular support of vehicle enthusiasts and related businesses, the model has been enacted in California, Washington State and Maine. This year, the SEMA model was introduced in Virginia.

We Urge You to Call or E-mail Rep. Jones and Members of the House Transportation Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose H.B. 5543

• H.B. 5543 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
• H.B. 5543 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
• H.B. 5543 would make it impossible for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.
• The SAE J1169 test is performed in a controlled environment that limits the amount of ambient sound (e.g. from other cars) that might skew the results.

DON'T DELAY! Please contact members of the Michigan House Transportation Committee immediately by phone or e-mail to request their opposition to H.B. 5543. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.

House Transportation Committee Members

Philip LaJoy, Committee Chair
Phone: 517-373-2575
E-mail Address: phillajoy@house.mi.gov

David Law, Committee Vice-Chair
Phone: 517-373-1799
E-mail Address: davidlaw@house.mi.gov

Robert Gosselin
Phone: 517-373-1783
E-mail Address: robertgosselin@house.mi.gov

Tom Meyer
Phone: 517-373-0476
E-mail Address: tommeyer@house.mi.gov

Tom Casperson
Phone: 517-373-0156
E-mail Address: tomcasperson@house.mi.gov

Neal Nitz
Phone: 517-373-1796
E-mail Address: nealnitz@house.mi.gov

Lorence Wenke
Phone: 517-373-1787
E-mail Address: lorencewenke@house.mi.gov

Tim Moore
Phone: 517-373-8962
E-mail Address: timmoore@house.mi.gov

Phil Pavlov
Phone: 517-373-1790
E-mail Address: phillippavlov@house.mi.gov

Tom Pearce
Phone: 517-373-0218
E-mail Address: tompearce@house.mi.gov

Glenn Anderson
Phone: 517-373-2576
E-mail Address: glennanderson@house.mi.gov

Pam Byrnes
Phone: 517-373-0828
E-mail Address: pambyrnes@house.mi.gov

Michael Murphy
Phone: 517-373-0826
E-mail Address: michaelcmurphy@house.mi.gov

Kathleen Law
Phone: 517-373-0855
E-mail Address: kathleenlaw@house.mi.gov

Morris Hood III
Phone: 517-373-3815
E-mail Address: morrishood3rd@house.mi.gov

John Gleason
Phone: 517-373-7557
E-mail Address: johngleason@house.mi.gov

Gabe Leland
Phone: 517-373-6990
E-mail Address: gabeleland@house.mi.gov

Legislation that would effectively prohibit the use ofexhaust systems other than a "factory-installed muffler" or a "mufflermeeting factory specifications" has been reintroduced in thePennsylvania State House of Representatives by Representative.

The bill (H.B. 1330) has beenreferred to the House Transportation Committee.

Contact Rep. Hanna and Members of the Pennsylvania House TransportationCommittee (List Below) Immediately to Request Their Opposition to H.B.1330

* H.B. 1330 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems aredesigned to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasingemissions.

* H.B. 1330 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offerincreased performance and utility.

* H.B. 1330 would make it nearly impossible for hobbyists to replacefactory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.

* H.B. 1330 perpetuates the erroneous assumption that enthusiasts whoequip their vehicles with modified exhaust systems are involved inillegal street racing.

Call or Fax the members of the House Transportation Committee inHarrisburg (See List Below) today to oppose this legislation. This billunfairly tramples on the rights of vehicle enthusiasts in Pennsylvania.

House Transportation Committee

Hon. Richard Allen Geist, Chairman: (717) 787-6419 Fax: (717) 772-5142

Hon. Kate Harper: (717) 787-2801 Fax: (717) 787-2022

Hon. John R. Evans: (717) 772-9940 Fax: (717) 772-7099

Hon. John A. Maher: (717) 783-1522 Fax: (717) 783-8332

Hon. Ronald S. Marsico: (717) 783-2014 Fax: (717) 705-2010

Hon. Rod E. Wilt: (717) 783-5008 Fax: (717) 705-1948

Hon. Roy E. Baldwin: (717) 787-1776 Fax: (717) 772-9869

Hon. Teresa Forcier: (717) 787-2353 Fax: (717) 787-0860

Hon. Dick Lee Hess: (717) 787-7076 Fax: (717) 705-1835

Hon. Eugene F. McGill: (717) 783-7179 Fax: (717) 783-3899

Hon. Stanley E. Saylor: (717) 783-6426 Fax: (717) 705-1849

Hon. Jess M. Stairs: (717) 783-9311 Fax: (717) 787-0859

Hon. Katharine M. Watson: (717) 787-5452 Fax: (717) 783-8934

Hon. Keith R. McCall: (717) 783-1375 Fax: (717) 772-1231

Hon. Kenneth W. Ruffing: (717) 787-4891 Fax: (717)787-0861

Hon. Anthony J. Melio: (717) 787-3557 Fax: (717) 772-2943

Hon. Joseph A. Petrarca: (717) 787-5142 Fax: (717) 705-2014

Hon. Lawrence Roberts: (717) 783-1359 Fax: (717) 705-2088

Hon. Dante Santoni, Jr.: (717) 783-3290 Fax: (717) 772-2943

Hon. LeAnna M. Washington: (717) 783-2175 Fax: (717) 783-8724

Hon. Frank Dermody: (717) 787-3566 Fax: (717) 787-8060

Hon. Edward P. Wojnaroski, Sr.:(717) 787-7524 Fax: (717) 787-0861

Hon. Matthew Good: (717) 783-6433 Fax: (717) 772-9958

Hon. Mario M. Scavello: (717) 787-7732 Fax: (717) 705-1889

Hon. P. Michael Sturla: (717) 787-3555 Fax: (717) 787-0861

Hon. Michael Gerber: (717) 787-9475 Fax: (717) 772-2284

The editors of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine are incredibly proud to bring you "Sexy Stangs. This newsstand special is packed with awesome Ford Mustang features accompanied by gorgeous female models. You won't want to miss Sandy and Amanda in what may be the most provocative poses ever seen in a car magazine.

You'll also find informative tech articles on shifters, transmissions, throttle body upgrades and much more.

Did we mention girls?

Also included is the 2004 car Audio/Video guide. This incredible section features the latest in high-end systems for your street machine as well as a listing of the hottest 32 car audio/video companies.

Don't wait! Pick up your copy of Sexy Stangs at your favorite newsstand today. If they don't have it, tell them you want it.

The wildest Mustang road test ever from the crazed staff at Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, your 5.0 and 4.6 Power Source. Thrill to 55 minutes of tire-shredding, power-sliding fun as our editors compare the 2004 SVT Cobra to the hot new 310-horsepower Mach 1 and the 260-horsepower 40th Anniversary GT.

Brought to you by Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords magazine, BBK Performance and Brothers Performance Wherehouse, this awesome dvd also includes Road Course Comparison, On-The-Road Evaluation and of course...Drag Strip Mayhem Served up MM&FF-Style!

Click Here To Purchase Your Copy...

Russell Performance, a leader in advanced fluid transfer systems, now has stainless steel fuel line kits available for 1987-93 5.0L Mustangs (#651104).

The new fuel line kits come complete and ready to run. Built with Russell stainless steel braided hose and anodized aluminum hose ends, they connect the OE fuel filter to the fuel rail for maximum reliability and a professional- looking installation.

The stainless steel outer braid resists abrasion and corrosion, offering maximum protection and reliability. The CPE synthetic rubber liner with a nylon inner braid is compatible with all hydrocarbon and alcohol-based fuels, and helps give ProFlex hoses a temperature range of -40 degrees Fahrenheit to +350 degrees.

All Russell hose ends, like those included in these kits, are precision machined to ensure precise thread engagement and a tight seal.

Russell is best known for supplying its advanced fluid systems for high- performance motorcycle, street, marine and racing applications for more than a quarter-century. Now an integral part of the Edelbrock "Fun Team," Russell has established its own engineering and state-of the-art quality control departments in its new facility in Torrance, Calif.

Russell Performance Products is an Edelbrock company. Founded in 1938 by Vic Edelbrock Sr., Torrance, Calif.-based Edelbrock Corp. (NASDAQ NM: EDEL) is celebrating its 66th anniversary of manufacturing and marketing the highest quality aftermarket performance automotive and motorcycle products. Edelbrock is recognized as a driving force in the $28 billion specialty equipment industry. In addition to four production facilities in Torrance, the company owns and operates a state-of-the art foundry in San Jacinto, Calif., where they manufacture parts for Harley-Davidson and other motorcycles, plus ATVs.

Edelbrock's core product line of performance-enhancing engine, suspension and exhaust system parts, which make up The Total Power Package(R), are made in the USA. Edelbrock is also a manufacturer of racing products and a sponsor of several racing organizations, including NASCAR, the NHRA and the PRO-Edelbrock Race Series.

After their official world-debuts in Detroit on Jan. 4, 2004, Ford will be putting the all-new 2005 Ford Mustang, Ford 500, Freestyle and Mercury Mariner on display for public viewing at the Los Angeles Auto Show beginning Jan. 5. These four vehicles, not previously seen on media days, provide a unique opportunity for the West Coast public to get an up close and personal look at these trend-setting cars.

- 2005 Ford Mustang - The remake of this highly anticipated American icon begins the 40th anniversary of the pony car.

- 2005 Ford 500 - Ford's premier sedan entry, with best-in-class interior and trunk spaciousness and a new body design sets the tone for Ford's next generation of style.

- 2005 Ford Freestyle - Ford's all-new crossover vehicle that brings this practical, stylish segment to mainstream America.

- 2005 Mercury Mariner - This high tech sedan adds to Mercury's growing list of products that incorporate next generation design and technology.

WHEN: January 5-11, 2004

WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S. Figueroa Street

The Ford booth is located in West Hall, booth #W-302

WHO: To schedule a one-on-one interview with a Ford representative, please contact Shand Spencer (310-224-4955, sspencer@paccomgrp.com) or Dan Smith (310-224-4954, dsmith@paccomgrp.com) PRIOR to visiting the auto show.

OTHER: Media information for all Ford and Ford brand vehicles can be found at http://media.ford.com

Street Performance Part Award The first Street Performance Part to receive the Primedia Technology Award is the MetaliCat converter from Bassani Exhaust. These converters are specifically designed to maximum airflow capacity and contain bricks with heavier wash coat loading that are only 3-1/2" long. The combination of this metallic brick technology and unique case construction allows for maximum airflow and maximum horsepower.

Visit Bassani Xhaust online at www.bassani.com or give them a call at 714-630-1821.

Race Performance Component Award The Primedia Technology award for the Race Performance Component goes to Innovate! Motorsports for the LM-1 Digital Wide Band Lambda Meter. This is a fully digital wide-band air/fuel ratio (lambda) meter with built-in data logging (44min, multiple sessions) Auxiliary Inputs and analog outputs.

For more information on this product go to www.innovatemotorsports.com or call them at 949/388-4442

Complete List of 2003 Primedia Technology Award Recipients

Award: Street Rod Product
Product: Side Winder Electric Fan Kit
Company: Mattson's Radiator Inc.
Address: 10529 Beach Blvd. Stanton CA 90680
Website: www.mattsonsradiator.com
Phone: 714/826-0357

Award: Street Performance Part
Product: MetaliCats
Company: Bassani Xhaust
Address: 2900 E. La Jolla Anaheim CA 92806
Website: www.bassani.com
Phone: (714) 630-1821

Award: Race Performance Component
Product: LM-1 Digital Wide Band Lambda Meter
Company: Innovate! Motorsports
Address: 27132-A Paseo Espada, #401 San Juan Capistrano CA 92675
Website: www.innovatemotorsports.com
Phone: 949/388-4442

Award: Restoration Part/Product
Product: New Magnum
Company: Specialty Wheels Ltd.
Address: 19310 N.E. San Rafael St. Portland OR 97230
Website: www.specialtywheelsltd.org
Phone: 503/491-8848

Award: Off Road Truck/SUV Part
Product: Skyjacker Z-Link Performance Package
Company: Skyjacker Suspensions
Address: 212 Stevenson Street West Monroe, LA 71292
Website: www.skyjacker.com
Phone: 318/388-2608

Award: Jeep
Product: Edelbrock EFI kit for AMC V8
Company: Edelbrock Corp.
Address: 2700 California St. Torrance, CA 90503
Website: www.edelbrock.com
Phone: (310) 781-2222

Award: Sport Compact Car
Product: Prodrive Active Shock Technology
Company: Prodrive USA
Address: 17395 Daimler Street. Irvine, CA 92614
Website: www.prodrive-usa.com
Phone: (949) 757-1799

Award: Truck
Product: 1998-2004 Ford Ranger 3.0L Whipple Supercharger System
Company: Whipple Superchargers
Address: 3292 N. Weber Ave. Fresno CA 93722
Website: www.whipplesuperchargers.com
Phone: (559)442-1261

Award: American Motorcycle
Product: HLY-6000 Custom Instrumentation
Company: Dakota Digital Inc.
Address: 4510 W. 61st St. N. Sioux Falls SD 57107-0256
Website: www.dakotadigital.com
Phone: 605/332-6513

Award: Lowrider
Product: Chrome FX Paint
Company: ALSA Corporation
Address: 2640 E. 37th Street N. Vernon, CA 90058
Website: www.alsacorp.com
Phone: (323) 581-5200

Join the "MM&FF Flight to Fun Ford Phoenix" for the FFW at Firebird on Friday, November 21.

Those wanting to join in the Flight to Fun Ford Phoenix need to register on line at www.brothersperformance.com. It is very important to pre-register so that we have an accurate count of how many cars will be participating. Those making the run with MM&FF to Phoenix will need to meet between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM at Brothers Performance Warehouse in Corona, CA. The cruise will be heading out at 9:00 AM sharp! Our hosts will be providing coffee & donuts to charge up everyone's "internal batteries", and door prizes to wake everyone up, plus a lucky few will be able to get two pulls on the Brothers Performance Warehouse dyno while we are gathering! Be there early to sign up for the drawings of door prizes and dyno pulls! Be sure to show up with a full tank of gas on board!

The route will take us east on the "91" out of Corona, to I-10 east and then it is a straight shot to Phoenix. There will be a lunch and gas stop along the way. Maps will be provided prior to leaving Corona.

That afternoon we will be pulling into Phoenix and heading over to All Mustang Performance for a fun rest of the day! All Mustang Performance will welcome the cruise to Phoenix with a car show, open house, and bar-b-que to feed the hungry travelers after their long trek across the desert! Then that evening the guys from AMP will lead the way as we continue the cruise to the local Hooters for more fun with the locals and other Mustang enthusiasts! This one is not to be missed and is a great way to start off the inaugural Fun Ford Weekend at the Firebird in Phoenix.

Starting point:
Brothers Performance Warehouse (NOT BBK!)
2012 Railroad St.
Corona, CA 92880
800-486-2681
www.brothersperformance.com

Ending point:
All Mustang Performance
4366 East University
Phoenix, AZ 85034
800-454-8387
www.allmustang.com