A New Star...

That five-spoked beauty is brand new to the lineup at Vick, and I'm proud to have been involved in getting them made as a VAS exclusive. It's cut for the 4x98mm bolt pattern, and fits Fiat 124 and X1/9 (hub centric!) without modification at 15"x6.5".

We're calling them the "Autostrade", and they're selling for $440 a set for Fiat 124/2000 and Fiat/Bertone X1/9. Can't wait to get a set on my car!

Aaron

The NeXt Big Thing (Warning: X1/9 Content)

I'm monstrously happy to announce the completion of my most recent project: the Prima Brake kit for the Fiat/Bertone X1/9!

This kit utilizes the exact same tried-and-true brake parts (excepting bracketry) as the Prima Brakes for 124, and boasts the same awesome feature-set. The price is a cool $450 under the current sale.

I've already put a set on my X... It's a VAST improvement, if I do say so myself.

Aaron

Next Stop: Prima Brakes!

So, once again I'm thrilled to introduce one of my creations for the Fiat 124... And it's sure to bring the world of classic Fiats to a screeching halt, being modest!

"What's that?!" you say? That, my friend, would be a revolution for your car...

Say hello to an affordable front brake kit! Introducing improved stopping power, reliability, safety, and performance: the VAS Prima brake kit for the Fiat 124 and 2000! For the daily driver, street performance enthusiast, and budget racer... Utilizing Euro parts and the finest American design and workmanship, you can rely on these brakes for years to come; and they won't break the bank.

This is not merely an oversized stock brake system; this is a modern brake system with vastly improved “sliding pin” calipers, and oversized VENTED rotors (also available drilled and slotted). This is the same technology Fiat chose above all others for use on the venerated Nuova 500, which we have now brought to your classic Fiat for an unbeatable price!

Original vintage Fiat brakes utilize archaic and troublesome solid rotors and the “sliding wedge” caliper design, which requires the moving portion of the brake assembly to grind and slide across large steel brake wedges. These surfaces are prone to rust, corrosion, brake dust accumulation, and more, which leads to dragging brakes and horrible, inconsistent brake performance. The most noticeable and hazardous result of this is rapid, uneven braking described as “sawing” at the steering wheel.

Solid rotors and sliding wedge calipers have gone the way of the buffalo, and for a very good reason. Like modern Fiat brakes, the new Prima kit eliminates the many problems associated with solid rotors and sliding wedge calipers, and goes even farther. Prima brakes will perform with grace under the most demanding driving, for both safety and fun!

VAS will offer a full line of inexpensive and easy-to-install replacement parts, which will bring your new front brakes to a swift stop--far into the future.

The highlights:

• Technology of modern Fiats
• Increased braking force
• Increased brake rotor cooling
• Better braking consistency
• Improved caliper design
• Increased brake pad surface area
• Good pedal response
• Streetable pedal travel
• DOT-approved stainless brake hoses
• Available replacement parts!
• Modern braking performance!!
• Low price!!!

I'll now leave you to ruminate on that for a while... Oh, yeah. Surely you're wondering, "BUT HOW MUCH?!" The answer?

$550!!

Booyah.

Aaron

Keeping it Stock?

Briefly, I want to build on my recent post about the history of the Fiat group (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, etc.), and their innovative spirit...

Andy and the VAS Turbo X1/9 w/ Programmable EFI

I often hear from customers who want to keep their cars stock. Upon further probing, I find that most are concerned about retaining resale value. However, as someone who deals with these cars for a living, I can tell you with certainty that tasteful modifications will significantly increase the resale value of most of these cars.

For the few who are concerned about nostalgic appeal, and want to keep their cars stock for the sake of honoring the legacy of those who designed and built it... See below! Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia have always been modifiers and innovators!

The bottom line is: Do you have a one-off X1/9 that Nuccio Bertone custom-built for his wife, with a hand-peened impression of her face in the left-front fender, and form-fit seats made of her favorite small animal hide? Okay, keep it "stock"... But if you have Nuccio Bertone's beautiful design legacy as represented in the factory production Fiat X1/9, honor the man's genius and...

Make it yours!

Aaron

That... Is a Lot of Wheels

As you can probably tell, our first shipment from world famous wheel manufacturer XXR just came in!

I have to say, I'm kind of proud right now. These custom cut wheels were the fruit of my long talks with XXR which ended in them signing us up as their exclusive dealer for vintage Fiat and Alfa wheels.

Now, before anybody has a chance to get the assumption hamster cranking on its wheel, and starts accusing us of using our "Wal-Mart like buying power" to create a wheel monopoly, let me first say... LOL. We are not some nameless, faceless money machine; we are real Fiat enthusiasts. We had to go in on these wheels, and go in deep, for you our fellow collectors. I hope you feel appreciated, y'are!

We're all ecstatic about these wheels, but we have a lot of work to do, so all your pre-ordered sets will be shipping throughout this week.

Aaron

Real World Compression Ratios

From Andy,

There has been a lot of talk about compression ratios and how much is too much. I've done extensive research and built numerous motors, and would like to offer the following as a guide to the mysterious compression ratio.

Andy's Comprehensive Compendium on Compression

Compression ratios can be understood in two different ways: static compression and functional compression. Static compression is based ONLY on cylinder volume versus crankshaft movement. Static compression is fairly easy to determine. Functional compression accounts for cylinder volume, crankshaft movement, AND valve opening. This is how you figure "real world" compression numbers. Because air flows differently into a cylinder at different RPM's, it is very difficult to know your functional compression ratio at every point in the RPM range.