Right Rod
January 29, 2026
Edit Template
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
2004 NOPI Nationals Atlanta: Storming the Nats Car Show
September 3, 2025
HOLLEY CARB TUNING
March 19, 2024
For-ward Thinking
Those who know Ottawa, Kansas Roger Ward are almost certainly aware of his dry wit, his candid demeanor and his unique ability to create understated cars, one after the other. His talent in applying the most understated details to relatively unsung vehicles provides a lesson for us all that the best way to make a strong statement is to say as little as possible and do it your own way.
While his daily duties revolved around reworked body panels and refining those efforts with a paint gun, his lifelong hobby has focused those skills on a series of cars that exudes the same laid-back character which can be enjoyed in this extremely subtle, yet equally eye-?catching, 64 short-wheelbase Chevy pickup. As with so many trucks of this era, previous owners didn’t worry too much about retaining its pristine originality. Dented and rusty, this truck had been through the proverbial ringer, which made this conversion that much more difficult to achieve. Then again, Ward’s particular talents have made a great deal out of lesser vehicles, so this would simply be another test of his talents and another example of the skills he wields.
CANDY LEXUS
The Lexus IS300 is not only stylish in its outside appearance, but because of its acceptance as a true sports sedan by most tuner enthusiasts, it’s a desirable starting base for creating a potent street performer. This RWD Lexus is factory-fitted with the rugged 2JZ-GE 3.0L DOHC inline V-6 engine, as used in Toyota Supra models in past years and updated with VVT-i Variable Valve Timing. It also features double wishbone front and rear suspension systems, as equipped from the Toyota factory. A limited-slip differential option helps put the power to the ground, and the edgy Lexus body produces an impressive 0.29 coefficient of drag. This is definitely a slippery package with both good looks and ample performance.
FINALLY, A JON MOSS SPECIAL EDITION
Over the years, Jon Moss has been one of the few staunch supporters of the Chevy Bow Tie image, even when there wasn’t much to get excited about. Here’s a guy who took it upon himself to argue the fact that a company such as Chevrolet, which built its considerable reputation on performance and racing, continues its domination within this high-profile segment.
Spotlighter
A Tough Act to Follow
Author
Richard Holdener
Clutches are something enthusiasts can easily take for granted—until one lets go. We all have installed questionable or inexpensive imitation clutches during late-night thrashes. Attention is paid to the power portion of the equation, but power goes nowhere without a clamping force. In fact, the more power you build into that hot street/strip turbo motor, the more likely you are to overpower the stock clutch.
Though clutches rank below power-adders on the desirability scale, they are every bit as important. In fact, you’d be better off not spending the time and money on a trick blower or turbo kit if you do not plan on upgrading the stock clutch assembly. Sure, it is possible on some applications to improve the performance of your motor without a clutch and pressure plate upgrade, but you can only take things so far. Eventually, the engine will let you know by racing to the moon when you least expect it. Your clutch will likely slip under full throttle, and most probably at the highest load. Better hope you have a rev limiter or things can really get ugly.
But have no fear … Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has come up with a variety of effective combinations to cater to the needs of performance enthusiasts and racers. We went to ACT with a 2000 Civic Si equipped with a turbocharged B18C. Our clutch change coincided with an engine mod from the original B16A to the turbo B18C. ACT recommended a powerful, yet streetable combination consisting of a MaXX Xtreme pressure plate, a Performance Organic Street Disc and an XACT lightweight steel flywheel.
The MaXX Xtreme pressure plate was originally designed to deliver maximum holding power, and testing has shown it to work exceptionally well with the Performance Organic Street Disc. According to ACT, this combination has been used successfully on some of the fastest all-wheel-drive turbo Talons in the country. Credit the special performance linings designed to withstand higher levels of heat and abuse. Like many of the Performance Organic Street Discs, ours was modified for quicker shifting.
But have no fear … Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has come up with a variety of effective combinations to cater to the needs of performance enthusiasts and racers. We went to ACT with a 2000 Civic Si equipped with a turbocharged B18C. Our clutch change coincided with an engine mod from the original B16A to the turbo B18C. ACT recommended a powerful, yet streetable combination consisting of a MaXX Xtreme pressure plate, a Performance Organic Street Disc and an XACT lightweight steel flywheel.
The MaXX Xtreme pressure plate was originally designed to deliver maximum holding power, and testing has shown it to work exceptionally well with the Performance Organic Street Disc. According to ACT, this combination has been used successfully on some of the fastest all-wheel-drive turbo Talons in the country. Credit the special performance linings designed to withstand higher levels of heat and abuse. Like many of the Performance Organic Street Discs, ours was modified for quicker shifting.
Topping off our clutch upgrade was an XACT lightweight steel flywheel. While aluminum flywheels are the hot setups for road racing, street motors actually benefit from some added inertia offered by the flywheel. ACT offers both Prolite and Streetlite designs. We opted for the Streetlite, which featured forged chrome-moly construction, precision CNC machining and an induction-hardened integral ring gear. We also liked the fact that it was thick enough to withstand resurfacing, should that become necessary in the future.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Advanced Clutch Technology
206 East Avenue K4
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 940-7555
