Observations from a civilian at SEMA 2009

DMC94

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In November 2009 I was one of those chosen to go to SEMA as a regular consumer and tweet my observations of some new products and speak to some reps at various booths. That was the assignment for the first day and the other two days we got to be on our own.

Because SEMA takes up the ENTIRE Vegas Convention Center, it is next to impossible to cover all the booths in 3 days much less 2. Soooo in order to look at ALL the booths (since I may never get this chance again), I went up and down EACH aisle and wrote down the booth number of those companies with interesting stuff to check out on there website later. I actually managed to see ALL the booths and even speak to some knowledgeable reps.

So why tell the Viper nation about this so late? First in SoCal late in 2009, early 2010 there were some Act of God rains resulting in flooding in part of my house. Taking care of that took the better part of 3 months between cleaning up, landscaping the area for better drainage and having the backyard fixed up since it was gonna take some major excavation anyway. After that there was some procrastination plus my notes were lost because so much stuff was moved (quickly) secondary to the flooding.

But NOW I have found my notes, tied the booth numbers to companies, and tied the companies to their websites. So each day (roughly) I'll share some of the companies that had products of interest to us Viper folk and you can check out the sites for yourselves. At least since I'm SO late in sharing this, their new products should be on their sites by now.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Wheels

I'll start w/ rims. Even though there is an entire hall filled w/ nothing but tires and wheels - most of them seemed primarily for posing and few were in our size. But a couple of places to check out are already known here: HRE and iForged

from HRE the new 560 series looked good HRE Performance Wheels – 560R Series
another new product that WILL fit (after talkin to the rep), was the Carbon series (CF hub w/ forged aluminum center) :headbang: HRE Performance Wheels – CARBON Series

from iForged - I didn't see anything new per se, but they show a cool yellow Viper on the website as you enter and they custom build rims to suit. Plus they have history here among the faithful iForged Performance Wheels | The next generation in forging technology - Global Site

Keep in mind - I'm comin at this not as an industry insider but a as a fan who just always wanted to see SEMA!
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Wheels II

HRE & iForged were the best rims shown available for our cars but there was at least one useful wheel accessories:

The 'Tire Glove': TM Import-Export Inc. - Home Page of the Tire Glove ™
This looks REALLY useful for storing tires w or w/o rims mounted. There are similar products out there, this is the most inexpensive reusable version I've seen.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Sorry for the delay George - running thru some sites to check for actual Viper worthiness of products - back Friday
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Interior stuff

One thing I found is because our cars are so limited in numbers, those who make ready to fit accessories are rather few. So when it comes to interior pieces most of them have already been seen on our boards already.
MGW LTD., INC. - Viper Accessories
Venzano (for leather interior work - they did my dash, console and door panels in a very close matching to the original finish Quartz Gray leather) http://www.venzanoviper.com/.
Zero Altitude Flight - Home
can all be found w/o going to SEMA. But there were a few in Vegas worth mentioning:

These people all make seat covers in various materials to protect our leather when traveling, racing or daily use:

Wet Okole - they make custom fitted covers of a wetsuit material built to take much punishment and in a multitude of color choices. I have a set on my car
Car Seat Covers | Seat Covers | Custom Seat Covers | Truck Seat Covers | Automotive Seat Covers
Ruff Tuff - custom fitted in a number of fabrics and colors BUT I would try to find an example of their work to see it in action. But their site does allow input of a 94 RT/10 as a choice.
Ruff-Tuff Products, LLC - America's Finest Custom Seat Covers
Coverking - Dash & car covers but only make seat covers for the '98 & 03+ models. Have Wet Okloe type covers and other materials...
Coverking Store
Katzkin - when you want to recover your seats in top of the line leather befitting an exotic (wether your cover them up or not). They DO NOT have the Viper listed as a model on the website so I contacted the West Coast Regional Manager who put in contact with someone in Southern Cal:
Katzkin Leather Interiors | The World Leader in Automotive Leather
Reva Mraz
Office Manager
Coach Auto Restyler, Inc.
1051 N Parker Street
Orange, CA 92867
714-639-8236

she in turn put me in contact w/ someone associated w/ Katzkin who does custom work in SoCal: Dan Borunda - 562-244-3941.
she has already spoken to him and he awaits a call from anyone who wants to talk Viper Seats in leather.
The last company don't make interiors per se but they do SUPPLY the material. So if your custom upholsterer needs a contact for a leather you may have seen but they don't have - check out Coast to Coast Leathers: Coast to Coast Leather & Vinyl :: Exotic, Decorative, Custom Leathers and Vinyl for Every Design Professional.
Oh, another company I found does seat belt re-webbing. We don't think about it much, but if you have it long enough you'll need it - if just for appearances. Check out SEATBELT SOLUTIONS

That's for this edition. There WERE of course several more companies but they specialized mostly in European & Japanese cars.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Suspension & Steering

For many makes & models, the Suspension area is handling Disneyland. For our Vipers, it's pretty much a wasteland. There were only three vendors I came across w/ anything specifically designed for the Viper and none of the products were completely new (altho' I had never seen the third one before):

Energy Suspension - wide range of Polyurethane products, but the Viper section consists of sway bar mounts, and that's it. But if you need poly mounts check out energysuspension.com | Welcome

Eibach - when I spoke to the rep about the spring kit for the pre-96 Viper, he looked as tho' he had heard it all before. Canned response - "we'll make it if you can get 50 people together to make an order". Made me glad I bought mine some time ago. But if you have a 96+, check out the spring kits at:
Eibach Springs : Performance suspension | lowering springs | suspensions | springs | dampers | stabilizers | shocks | sway bars | anti-roll bars | wheel spacer | coil over | engine valves

Ride Tech - air suspension for something other than the truck towing your Viper or the low rider you drive on cruise night. They actually have systems for the 03-06 Viper that when you check out the FAQ section appears to suitable for AutoX or even road racing. Would love to see the system in action. If you want a suspension system adjustable from the cockpit, check out: Suspension Systems :: ShockWaves :: 2003-2006 Dodge Viper - ShockWave Front System - RideTech.com - Air Suspension Specialist

Well for the Viper that is IT for suspension mods. Of course companies that manufacture such items as ball joints and U-joints were there but it's impossible to make those sound ****.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Exhaust

When it comes to SEMA, unless you're into fabrication, Viper exhaust options are next to ZERO!. Edelbrock, who made the headers for my 94, doesn't list the Viper in their catalog anymore. And Borla, who made my cat back system, wasn't there (at least not that I saw). Therefore the only options seen were:

Magnaflow - they have a cat back for the 96 (later years can check the site)
http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/shopdisplayproducts_cars.asp?make=DODGE&model=VIPER&year=1996
Sebring - exhaust parts for fabricators (nuff said)
http://www.sebringtuning.com/
Dr Gas - for exhaust fabrication tech nerds a fascinating company w/ a h/o innovation (x-pipe for example):
http://www.drgas.com/
Stainless Headers Manufacturing Inc. - If you have an interesting project such as stuffing a Viper engine into a Miata and need an exhaust system - these may be the ultimate people to contact. Even though they had a relatively small booth, their expertise was obvious. They also mentioned past experience building a system to put a Viper V10 in an early era Challenger.
http://www.stainlessheaders.com/index.aspx
Jet-Hot Coating - you know them, coatings for all applications - street/ track/ bike...
http://www.jet-hot.com/
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Intake & Related (E85 conversion)

SEMA is not the place for exotics and most engine mods - not enough business. The ONLY intake related modification I saw for our monster V10s was:

Fuel Flex International: A genuine V10 conversion kit to utilize E85 fuel
http://www.fuelflexint.com/index.html

Well that's it for this segment - the next one will be much longer!
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Ignition & other Electrical stuff...

Keep It Clean Wiring :: Home Page
If you can believe the site – full wiring harness kits + MULTIPLE options available +...
Billet wire management systems – clean up + upgrade cleanly
Billet door loom kits (hide wires running thru door jam)
Billet push buttons
Push button starters
Billet Firewall ports
Modular Door contacts
Modular wire separators
+ all the wires, tools and electrical wiring accessories need to install…

The Hoffman Group - Autoloc
Bear Claw latches (act as door poppers)
Lambo door kits (& ‘worse’) (sorry – don’t kill the messenger)
Door Poppers (spring loaded)
Flush mount antenna kit (‘disappears’ when not in use) – ooooh
Axess touch Pad – programmable/ coded & wire to suit

In short (too late) – electronic toy store for car customizers. But the flush mount antenna looked REALLY nice while still having the range of a real thru the fender antenna versus the lower range hidden versions

Wired Rite Product Portal
wire management systems – not as flashy as Hoffman website but worth examining if installing accessories and need to clean up the spaghetti.

Powermaster
Alternators (up to ’96)

Solid State Digital Video Recording Systems and Cameras | ChaseCam
Yes they do more than make track camera systems. New product introduced at SEMA: Chase Commander Datalogging system w/ track mapping capabilities thru GPS. Also new DashWare which allows customizable gauges to show data from Chase Commander.

Backup Camera Solutions from MITO Corporation Excellence in Electronics for Auto, Car, Truck, SUV, RV and Boats
license frame back-up camera system (if you’re feeln techy)
Rear view mirrors w/ Homelink – allows mirror to be programmed for garage door opener and up to 3 remote operations. Also rear view mirros w/ built-in rear view camera systems.

Hot Rod Calc
Hot Rod Calculator – ‘Street & Strip ET predictor calculator

Auto Meter - Gauges
Gauges, gauges, gauges – but you knew that. Also have datalogging systems
 
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02 Graphite GTS

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Hey D !
Haven't seen you guys in quite a while ! I hope all is going good.
This is a very cool thread with some cool products. I hope there is more to come.

Lance
 
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DMC94

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Yo Lance:
Yeah it's been awhile. In fact, I missed last years Viper Control clinic because we were on our way back from SEMA at the time!
There are still a NUMBER of categories and products to go. I intend to have everything in before the next SEMA convention :lmao:.
Hope to see ya'll at VOI 11.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Engine Management systems

NO Tuning (at SEMA) found but several datalogger systems – good question is …do these work w/ Chrysler OBD port?
Innovate Motorsports Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio Tuning
LM-2: Digital Air/Fuel Ratio Meter
OT-2: Wirelessly connects your iPhone or iPod Touch to your vehicle. When used with the free Logworks Mobile app, the OT-2 transforms your iPhone into a wireless:
· Gauge or digital dash
· Data logger
· Dyno
· OBDII Scan Tool
· Efficiency Meter

DrewTech: Vehicle Diagnostic, Scantool, PassThru (J2534), and OBD-II Hardware
Dash-Daq XL – Touchscreen Datalogging w/ digital gauge capability/ 5 different ways to display/ capability to design your OWN gauge display/ add-on GPS function/ OBDII diagnostic capability… The XL is the newest version w/ the widest range of options

Zeitronix : Wideband Engine Datalogging Systems and Accessories
Parent company of Drew Technologies?
Zt-2 wideband datalogging system can communicate w/ Dash-Daq to provide further info other than that from the OBDII port (I think). Even a bundle listed w/ both Zt-2 + Dash-Daq XL!

PLX Devices Inc - USA
Kiwi – Datalogger w/ OBDII scan capability (of course), real time dyno, customizable display AND the capability to send ALL this data to your iphone or Droid!!

Home - Palmer Performance Engineering, Inc.
DashCommand – see Kiwi. Would be interesting to compare capabilities vs price between the two software packages.

At least 3 of these systems (from Innovate, PLX Devices & Palmer) are designed to send the info to your iphone and/or Droid. Would be interesting to know if any Viper owners have used any of these dataloggers yet.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Brakes

As usual there are more companies around that can repair, replace and/or upgrade our stopping power components - but these are the ones I came across:

StopTech : Balanced Brake Upgrades
‘Big Brake Kits’ for stock and larger wheels.
Stainless Steel Lines & Street Performance Pads
Power Slot Slotted Rotors (and offer Cryo Treatment) (for 2003+)

Classic Tube - PreBent and Custom Stainless and OE Brake Lines and more...
StopFlex Stainless Steel Rear Lines (92 – 02)

SSBC :: SSBC Performance Brake Systems
aka Stainless Steel Brake Corporation
Brake Rotors & pads. Also have other accessories such as adjustable proportioning valve.


BrakeQuip Brake Hose Manufacturing Systems; Professional System
Brake Line and Hose manufacturing systems (including stainless steel brake hose parts) for the professional or serious home restorer. Check out the EZiBend system for DIYers.


Short list but some useful info for tools and upgrades...
 
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DMC94

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Heating & Cooling

More varied choices for resto mod and rod builder crowd, but some items of possible interest to keep em cool, especially during track days…

The Hoffman Group - Zirgo Cooling Products
wide range of products – may be geared more toward custom builders tho’
Cooling Fans – not vehicle specific but have ultra thin designs in different diameters if need to change. Also have adjustable temp switches to even control fan speed.
UltraCool coolant additive – also for racing use
Overflow Tanks – even have modular design version to customize own size.

SamcoSport USA - The World Leader in Performance Silicone Hose
Silicone Coolant hoses – great, have ‘em on my bike!
Coolant hose kit listed

Perma-Cool, 35 years of Cooling
Oil, Fuel & Transmission filter & cooling products. Not vehicle specific but engineered for various HP applications
Oil filter relocation kits listed (ck threads on filter first) – including dual filter conversion kit.
 
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DMC94

DMC94

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Transmission & Drivetrain

Not much that's Viper specific, BUT if you have a newer snake or wondered if you could have sequential shifting or paddle shifters, there were a couple of interesting choices...

ACT / Performance Clutch Kits, Clutches and Flywheels
NEW Twin Disk Clutch kit that they VERY anxious to talk about & show to Viper owners 2003 - 06. Got to sit in the mock-up using the clutch – very smooth and VERY little effort. IF interested, IM me for phone number and (non-public) extension. (Not sure it’s made it to the website yet)
rep/ engineer
(Geoffrey Jerko)
(661) 940-7555 x119 (extensions are secret per Geoff)

http://www.bmracing.com/bmracing/default.html
Nothing new noted.. but they have the
Short shifter – one of the first ones to hit the market way back when (have one in my 94)

Paddle Shifters, Sequential and Electronic - ASaP
Nice idea – DIY ‘flappy pedals’ (to quote Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson) or sequential shifter. One downside – it’s appears to be either the floor shift OR the paddle shift, you can’t have it all. Still looks cool if you’re into techno stuff. Of course, if that was the case we woulda bought a Porsche, Ferrari or even a Vette versus a Viper! Worth lookn at the site tho' just to check it out.

Welcome to Zingology Manufacturing LLC - Providers of Sculpted Accessories for Vehicles Differential diff covers cover - Dana Spicer AAM Chrysler Ford 30 35 60 30 35 44 60 70 80 7.5 8.0 8.8 9 inch F350 F450 12 Bolt " 8.2 10 8.5 10 8.875 12 9.5 14 10.
OK, this kinda screams trailer park, but some of these are very well made and detailed – Differential covers!! I wonder if they can do one w/ Sneaky Pete? (Of course, if someone can see your diff cover, you’re doing something wrong)
 
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