July 2023

When this Cole 22 Nighthawk sank after a stormy night, a lot of things needed to be replaced. The fuel tank selector valve was toast, and the original equipment was no longer available for purchase. The owner of this boat decided it was a good time to upgrade to an Eddie Marine Total Flow Control high-volume fuel valve. The three-port model (PN SF-100) used here is a safe and efficient fuel valve that is ultra reliable and will flow 240 gallons of fuel per hour. Operated by a 12-volt motor, it meets all U.S. Coast Guard requirements, including the ability to be manually operated should the motor fail for any reason. A six-port model is also available with fuel return provisions for fuel-injected applications (PN SF-200).

I have been working as a marine tech for about five years now, and one thing I have learned is that you have to be somewhat of a contortionist to deal with some boats. I have learned many things that can make the job a lot less painful. If you find yourself in a situation with your own boat that seems impossible, try calling your local marine shop. Chances are that the experts there will be able to give you some advice to help you through the problem. Meanwhile, here are a few tips to help you out with some common problems you may run into.

There’s no denying that the MerCruiser 496 has been a success. But no one is claiming that it’s a sexy beast. The plastic engine cover has been referred to as a George Foreman Grill or a turtle back. Vortech Engineering thought it could help out in the visual area, and the company’s new dress-up kit is a big improvement.
Included in the kit is a Vortech flame arrestor as well as a new polished billet engine cover that transforms the look of the 496. Maveric Marine had a 25-foot Cole in the shop that was darn good-looking, but the owner hated the black plastic engine cover. As soon as Maveric owner Eric Bortman heard about the new Vortech kit, he made plans to install one.

Dragon Powerboats was founded in early 2002, but the first boat didn’t make its public debut until the 2004 Miami International Boat Show. “I realized there was a higher level of quality and luxury to which performance boats can be manufactured,” said Craig Barrie, president of Dragon Powerboats. This is a pretty bold statement coming from the guy who spent 16 years of his life first as a vice president and then as president and CEO of the famed Cigarette Racing Team. In fact, Barrie was instrumental in the design of some of today’s most popular Cigarettes, including the 35-foot Café Racer, 38-foot Top Gun, 42-foot Tiger and 46-foot Top Gun. That is a pretty impressive resumé for a guy who now plans to build boats of his own.

What makes the Dakota perfect is that you get all the attributes of a full-size pickup in a mid-size package. Even the styling of the new Dakota reminds you that this truck is definitely a member of the Dodge family. The grille is bold and bright, but with more angular shapes than on the full-size trucks. Large quad headlamps, a lower airdam and a giant front bumper say this truck means business. From the side, the Dakota features chiseled quarter panels that flare out to accommodate the standard 16-inch tires or optional 17s on SLT and Laramie versions. In back, the Dakota features “afterburner” taillamps and a sculpted tailgate that finishes the overall design treatment. All in all, it’s quite stylish.

America’s love for the automobile has been evident and strong from day one, ever since the first horseless carriage rolled off the assembly line some 100-plus years ago. The fascination was slow at first for these virtually handmade motorized contraptions, but once they reached production, and Henry Ford made it feasible for anyone to own one, the automobile has helped shape our economy and has influenced the way we live our daily lives. Today, it’s hard to think of life without it.

Since the start of the modern automotive era, shortly following WWII, the SUV has been used for mass transportation, taking people to and from their desired destinations. This began with the early depot hacks, and that has turned into a massive SUV marketplace, complete with blinged-out Tahoes, Suburbans, Explorers and all manner of crossover vehicles made to look more truck-like, and offering two and three-row seating. These larger-than-life automobiles and trucks have made as much of an impact on the truck-buying public as the pickup.

Project ’47 All In has undergone an extensive transformation from a worn-out farm truck to a meticulously detailed pickup. The project features a chassis upgrade with C4 Corvette suspension, a robust 383 stroker engine from Blueprint Engines, and premium components. The restoration process includes a focus on sheetmetal work, from disassembly and rust repair to the final paint job, highlighting the skillful blend of classic design and modern performance.

This article dives into the unique modification of a 1967 Chevy Suburban by Mike Dempsey, who reimagined it into a shorter, Tahoe-styled version. It also features Ken Farrell’s Retro Tek company, which has revolutionized the EFI system to combine the aesthetics of classic cars with the efficiency of modern technology. The article covers various aspects of vehicle modification, including chassis adjustment, engine upgrades, and the integration of advanced fuel systems.

Learn how to upgrade your SUV or truck with a rear seat entertainment system, making long road trips enjoyable for the whole family. Follow our guide as we install the Vizualogic A-2000 9-inch LCD system, complete with wireless headphones and easy-to-use DVD player, ensuring hours of entertainment on the go.