Lunati Racing And Performance News

NEW Pro Series GM LS Long Stroke Crankshafts

8/4/2009 9:28:47 AM

Much like the traditional Small Block Chevy, GM’s LS platform has amassed an impressive following of performance enthusiasts who are drawn to its outstanding power potential and durability. With the support of aftermarket parts manufacturers, enthusiasts have been able to constantly raise the bar on what was thought to be the power and cubic inch limits of the LS engine. Adding to the fun, aftermarket race block manufacturers have introduced cast iron, aluminum and billet race versions of the LS platform. Several of these race blocks offer big cubic inch capabilities such as the World Products® Warhawk, GM® LSX and the new RHS® LS Race Block. These blocks give racers the chance to raise the performance bar yet again. So what is the limiting factor now from being able to build a big block territory LS engine? No crankshaft company has stepped up to fill the need for a series of forged “off-the- shelf” long stroke LS crankshafts – until now. As an innovator in LS bottom end components, Lunati® has forged a new path in the LS world by developing GM LS Long Stroke crankshafts based on our popular Pro Series™ line. These forged 4340 non-twist steel Pro Series crankshafts are the perfect fit for any high horsepower application and are capable of producing over 500 cubic inches and easily handling 1,000+hp. Several strokes are available, including, but not limited to: 4.250”, 4.325”, 4.425”, 4.500”, 4.525”, 4.600” and 4.625”. Lunati also has semi-finished crankshafts in stock for engine builds that require a 2.200” (Big Block Chevy) pin size or the LS7 style long snout. Like all Lunati Pro Series crankshafts, these new GM LS Long Stroke cranks incorporate micro-polished and lightened rod journals, gun drilled mains, a special nitride heat treatment and a Lunati exclusive counterweight design which greatly reduces windage. Other professional level design features like a fully detailed and profiled finish, ensures that you receive the most capable and strongest crankshaft available. Have questions about what crankshaft is best for your LS build? Give our tech guys a call (662) 892-1500.

Voodoo Engine Break-In Lube

5/11/2009 2:28:43 PM

Over the past few decades motor oils have been reformulated to meet the specific needs of late model engines and the always tightening Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restrictions on emissions. This is great for late model engines with hydraulic roller lifters, but very bad for anyone with an early model, flat tappet equipped engine.

“The problem area for flat tappet engines is that modern motor oils no longer contain adequate levels of manganese, phosphorous and zinc,” states Steve Slavik, Lunati technician. “These minerals are necessary for proper lifter rotation and without them you greatly increase the chance of a lifter seizing up and sliding along the camshaft. This scenario will cause non-repairable damage to the camshaft and lifter faces.”

To resolve this issue, Lunati^® has formulated a flat tappet Voodoo^® Break-In Lubricant that easily blends with modern, non-synthetic motor oils to restore them to flat tappet compatibility. By simply pouring in Lunati’s part #301 lubricant, the necessary levels of phosphorus, zinc and manganese are added back to the oil, ensuring proper lifter rotation. Voodoo Break-In Lubricant is available in a 12oz. easy-to-pour bottle, and should be used in all engine applications when a new camshaft and lifter set is installed.

Lunati® “Cranks It Up” With USCS Sprints In 2009

4/13/2009 4:23:30 PM

United Sprint Car Series will feature Lunati “Crank It Up” Hard Charger prizes, along with various other promotions for the 2009 tour

Lunati, the racer’s choice for internal engine components, has recently entered into a sponsorship agreement with the United Sprint Car Series that includes the Lunati “Award” plus other contingency payouts to the series. Given the perfect promotional match of the two parties, Lunati’s involvement with the USCS is certain to generate excitement among both racers and fans.

Under the USCS sponsorship agreement, Lunati will provide a $50 gift certificate to one lucky racer at each race throughout the 2009 season that will be a Hard Charger “Crank It Up” award. In addition, Lunati will furnish the USCS with $500, $250 and $125 product gift certificates to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place season finishers for the National Series and certificates to the top 10 finishers in the Regional Series. Best of all, it is agreed that Lunati will be named the “Official Crankshaft” that powers the 700+ horsepower racing engines of the USCS sprint cars.

In addition, Lunati track support representatives will be present at selected USCS events during the 2009 tour to offer technical advice and build relationships with the racers & engine builders. All USCS competitors are encouraged to contact Lunati to set-up a Racer Account for all their crankshaft & valve train needs. Well-known for their ability to be an innovative competitor in the performance engine aftermarket, Lunati continues to give back to the racers that support the company’s existence. For more information about Lunati products or events, call 1-662-892-1500 or visit us online at www.lunatipower.com.

BareBones Hyd. Roller Kits now in stock!

3/23/2009 5:25:34 PM

Lunati^® BareBones line of cost-effective cam and lifter kits have now been expanded to include hydraulic roller applications. These BareBones kits are the perfect choice for performance street engine builds. With complete cam and lifter kits starting at just $599.99, these new aggressive hydraulic roller kits deliver more usable horsepower for your Chevy than any other engine upgrade available. BareBones cam kits feature asymmetrical lobe designs, allowing gentler and quieter valve closing and reducing premature valve-train wear. The lobe profiles offer more duration and lift over factory camshafts greatly improving every aspect of an engine’s performance. Matched with the camshaft is a set of high quality Lunati Street Performance lifters, which ensures optimum performance and extended durability.

No other hydraulic roller camshaft package delivers more durability in a street-friendly low-price package than Lunati’s BareBones. Bare on price and big on performance, this camshaft improves throttle response, acceleration, and maintains good engine vacuum on street machines—it’s simply the best value on the market.

Lunati and Dwayne "Big Daddy" Gutridge ready to set records

3/23/2009 3:48:26 PM

Saying you’re going to break a world record in the Drag Radial Outlaw class with one of the smallest cubic inch engine and turbo combos might sound a bit pretentious. Especially in a class dominated by Big Block Chevy and Ford engine platforms. Well known Drag Radial racer Dwayne “Big Daddy” Gutridge of Big Daddy Performance has set a goal for the 2009 race season to do just that by making a 6 second pass on drag radials.

To accomplish this Dwayne will need to make some big horsepower numbers and needs bottom end components strong enough to consistently get him down the 1320. Knowing that not just any aftermarket company’s products are capable of this, Dwayne gave the guys at Lunati a call to help spec out a crankshaft that is up to this world record setting task.

“When Dwayne told us about his ambitious goal for the 2009 race season we knew if anyone was motivated enough to pull it off it would be him,” says Matt Sadler, Marketing Coordinator of Lunati. “After working with some of our in house technicians we have settled on one of our premium crankshafts from the Pro Series line up. These crankshafts have proven themselves time and time again in 2,000+ hp race applications without failure.”

Lunati’s crankshaft line is not just limited to all out race applications. A diverse range of crankshafts are available to meet the needs of engines ranging from street applications all the way to big horsepower race vehicles. Working with racers like Big Daddy helps Lunati to improve its entire line up of crankshafts by pushing each design to its limits. This knowledge can then be applied to the SledgeHammer series (street applications) and other Pro Series crankshafts to ensure they outperform the competition and customers receive the best product available.

To learn more about Lunati line of rotating assembly components go to www.LunatiPower.com or call us direct at (662) 892-1500. Our tech line is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.

Lunati featured in SEMA Heritage

2/3/2009 1:09:01 PM

Why Is This Man Smiling?

It’s been said that Joe Lunati built “some of the ugliest cars ever raced,” but competitors who failed to take him seriously did so at their own peril. Ungainly as it may look, Lunati’s Devin-bodied “Trouble Maker” was a strip terror. He won the Street Eliminator title at the 1964 NHRA Nationals at Indy and repeated the feat in 1966. That would be the last year he raced the Devin, as Lunati entered the emerging Funny Car ranks in 1967 with a Corvair.

Lunati worked for an engine rebuilder in his Memphis hometown during the mid-’60s. After hours, he would grind his own racing cams, and his interest in cam design grew further as he developed a close working relationship with Harvey Crane. Theirs was a mutually beneficial relationship: Crane would send Lunati new camshafts to test on the strip, and Lunati’s race wins helped Crane sell cams.

A year after he switched to Funny Cars, Lunati was ready to make a career change as well. In 1968, he opened the cam-grinding business that would soon cement his reputation among racers as a provider of high-quality camshafts and other high-performance components.

http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=61155

Private Ownership Benefits Racers In More Ways Than One

1/29/2009 3:13:00 PM

Lunati staff made an interesting discovery at the recent PRI Trade Show in Orlando. They found out that many engine builders, former customers, and potential customers were unaware that Lunati had been restored to private ownership.

Thus they didn’t know the company had returned to its roots as the Racer’s Company, that the original factory-direct purchasing program had been resurrected, or that all the previous benefits of the Racer’s Company were now available to them. These include contingency incentives for the racers, newly trained personnel, and acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and production techniques.

Derek Scott, Lunati’s Director of Operations said, “With the previous ownership, engine builders were unable to deal directly with Lunati, and we just want to get the word out that things are different now. We are actively seeking relationships with qualified engine builders, and we are adding the necessary resources to handle their needs.” To this end, Lunati has appointed a new-account representative, Scott Davis (pictured on the right).

Further, since achieving independent status, Lunati has introduced a new express custom-grinding service, an extensive inventory with parts available when needed, and a personalized, experienced tech support service. This valuable, free service is accessible either by telephone from 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. (CST) or at http://www.lunaticams.com/ContactLunati.aspx

Now, embarking on its fortieth year, Lunati continues to cultivate its identity as the foremost internal engine components manufacturer, providing “Premium products backed by a brand name at a value price.”

2009 Hot Products Brochure is now avaliable online...

12/18/2008 1:02:55 PM

We have been hard at work for the past year designing revolutionary new products and expanding our current product lines to include more applications. To see the latest in internal engine components check out our 2009 Hot Products brochure, which is now available for convenient download in PDF format. New products include: High RPM roller lifters, Street Performance Roller lifters, several new LS camshafts and Ford Modular crankshafts to name a few. For a printed copy simple give us a call at 662-892-1500 and we will mail you a copy free of charge.

Lunati Is The Official Crankshaft of NASCAR Whelen Series for 2009

12/5/2008 2:50:26 PM

Lunati, “The Racer’s Company” for internal engine components, has backed up our company slogan by re-signing as the official crankshaft of NASCAR’s popular Whelen All-American Series for 2009. The Whelen Series has become the pre-eminent racing series for late model racecars and a frequently used racer entry point for many aspiring drivers. The selection of Lunati as the official crankshaft further cements Lunati’s involvement with NASCAR, which began in 2002, and the company’s dedication to this growing racing series and it’s racers.

In addition to the Official Crankshaft connection, Lunati will continue sponsoring the annual Whelen All-American Series Crew Chief Award with a $3000 top prize. This year’s award went to Chad McCoy who helped guide the Philip Morris racing team to the national title in only his second year as crew chief for this very successful team.

“We are excited about the upcoming race season and our continued involvement with NASCAR and its various race series. Working one-on-one with racers is what we live for. We share the same passion for winning as they do and the fact that they are running our parts pushes us harder to supply them with the most advanced components available. We wish the best for all racers and crews in the upcoming year”. – Matt Sadler, Lunati Media Coordinator.

For more information about other Lunati racing sponsorships or our latest innovative products, contact us (662) 892-1500 and speak with one of our veteran racing technicians Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.

To download the full PDF of this press release click "PDF Document" below image.

Lunati Professional Crankshaft Repair Services

12/5/2008 2:39:35 PM

Locating a competent machine shop is plenty difficult and finding one specializing in the technical art of crankshaft repair is truly a challenge. Regardless of whether your requirements are a simple journal repair due to a spun bearing or custom welding to increase journal diameter, Lunati has the precise tooling and experienced technicians to perform crankshaft repair in-house, reducing turnaround time and guaranteeing that your crankshaft is repaired correctly the first time.

Lunati’s crankshaft repair services incorporate state-of-the-art welding technology that ensures total crankshaft integrity and the ultimate in durability. Lunati offers everything from the welding and repair processes noted above to crankshaft straightening, repair of thrust surfaces and balancing. We understand your racing and performance needs and can help determine the exact modifications and repairs required for your application. With 25 years of experience, no company is better prepared to perform your crankshaft repairs and get you back in the running fast.

If you are in need a crankshaft repair services give Lunati a call today (662) 892-1500 to speak with one of our technicians about what steps can be taken to solve your crankshaft troubles.

To download this full press release in PDF format select "PDF Document" below image.

Lunati Special Holiday Hours

11/26/2008 10:58:53 AM

Valued Customers,

November 27th and 28th we will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

December 23rd we will be open until 12:00 (CST).

December 24th, 25th & 26th we will be closed for the Christmas Holiday.

December 31st, January 1st and 2nd we will be closed for the New Years Holiday.

Besides the above dates, or normal business hours apply: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.

Thanks,

Lunati LLC

(662) 892-1500

Super Chevy Magazine - Project American Heroes 427 ci LS Engine Build

11/7/2008 2:25:08 PM

Project American Heroes is a collaberation between leading automotive performance companies and Super Chevy magazine to support the USA Armed Forces. To power this '69 Camaro the guys at Turn Key Engines built a 427 ci LS7 and outfitted it with complete Lunati rotating assembly (part number EA035-427).

We were very proud to be a part of this engine build and want to personally thank all US soldiers for the dedication and service!

Click "Full Article" to view the entire story in a pdf format.

Video: See the unvealing of Project American Heroes here

Chevy High Performance - BBC 496 ci Engine Build

11/7/2008 1:30:07 PM

Chevy High Performance magazine builds up a 496 ci BBC based on the moto "There is no replacement for displacement". With the use of a Lunati BBC Pro Series Rotating Assembly (part number EA496FMTD) the guys at Westech Performance produce 780 HP!!!

Click "Full Article" to view entire story in pdf format.

Chevy High Performance Online Article

Chevy High Performance - LS1 383 Engine Build

11/7/2008 1:12:14 PM

Chevy High Performance magazine and editor John Nelson use Lunati engine components to build a bullet proof LS GEN III 383 ci engine. Products used include our LS Pro Series Crankshaft and I beam connecting rods.

Click "Full Article" to view the story in a pdf format.

Chevy High Performance Online Article

Lunati® Online Web Store - Open For Business

8/14/2008 2:12:05 PM

On July 24^th, 2008Lunati^® released its online web store to the public, marking the first time ever racers have been able to purchase Lunati products factory-direct from the convenience of their home computer. This new feature gives visitors the flexibility to research and purchase Lunati products online - ranging from Voodoo^® Camshafts to complete SledgeHammer^® Rotating Assemblies and everything in between – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lunati’s informative website contains many sections which racers will find very useful. There is a dedicated technical information section covering many automotive topics including: camshaft degreeing, camshaft terminology, verifying valve train geometry, connecting rod installation and helpful piston calculations. Each one of these topics, and many more, are explained in full detail to aid do-it-yourself customers. Another popular section of the website is Lunati’s camshaft recommendation form, where individuals can submit their engine and vehicle information to a Lunati Customer Support Professional for camshaft advice. Visitors can also access all of Lunati’s new product press releases and weekly sales specials through the homepage.

www.LunatiPower.com and Lunati’s existing Customer Support Line offer two solutions for racers looking for the best internal engine components available. Whether you shop online using our secure checkout feature or speak directly with one of our technicians, you won’t regret choosing Lunati, The Racer’s Company.

Lunati® BareBones Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam and Lifter Kits

5/21/2008 8:27:06 AM

Lunati BareBones is a new line of affordable cam and lifter kits—basic cam kits to support the successful, premier Voodoo range. Barebones is the perfect choice for high-performance street and mild race engines. Starting at just $106.39, these new aggressive hydraulic flat-tappet cam and lifter kits deliver more usable horsepower for your Chevy or Ford than any other engine upgrade available. Barebones cam kits feature asymmetrical lobe designs, allowing gentler and quieter valve closing and reducing premature valve-train wear. Matching the camshaft with high quality lifters ensures optimum performance and extends durability. No other hydraulic flat tappet camshaft delivers more durability in a street-friendly low-price package than Lunati’s BareBones. Bare on price and big on performance, this camshaft improves throttle response, acceleration, and maintains good engine vacuum on street machines—it’s simply the best value on the market.

FOR COMPLETE PRODUCT INFORMATION CLICK ON FULL SPECS OPTION BELOW THE PRODUCT IMAGE.

Lunati® High RPM Hydrualic Roller Lifters - SBC, BBC, LS1

5/21/2008 8:27:01 AM

If there is one performance limitation to hydraulic roller lifters it is the maximum rpm capability they can maintain in race applications. The internal hydraulics of standard roller lifters are susceptible to pumping up around 6200-6500 RPM, causing horsepower robbing valve float along with the possibility of severe valvetrain damage. At this point there are two options for racers: 1) Switch to a solid roller setup, which requires various upgrades and routine maintenance or 2) Upgrade to a Lunati High RPM lifter and get the RPM capabilities similar to a solid roller with the long, maintenance free life of a hydraulic roller.

These aren’t your “I just want to cruise around town going the speed limit” kind of valvetrain parts. We are talking about a hydraulic lifter that can withstand 10 million (you read that right) cycles on a Spintron (valvetrain dyno) and operate in RPM ranges over 7000 RPM. What makes these lifters able to excel in areas where competitor’s hydraulic lifters would have failed? Because we only use the best of the best and cut no corners to ensure our customers get what they pay for. The construction begins with a Lunati propriety steel alloy body that is completely micro polished for a smooth microstructure finish. This finishing process reduces friction between the lifter and lifter bore, and works in conjunction with a precisely controlled internal oiling system and strict internal tolerances. These revolutionary hydraulic internals can withstand elevated valve spring pressures, up to 575lbs., that would make our competitors tremble. We didn’t stop there with the innovations. We then incorporated a .750” diameter lifter wheel which is .050” larger than “leading” competitor’s products to give you the most out of your aftermarket camshaft profiles.

In stock now for Small Block Chevy, Big Block Chevy and GM LS1/LS2/LS6 owners who want the best captured link bar style hydraulic roller lifters available for their race application.

FOR COMPLETE PRODUCT INFORMATION CLICK ON FULL SPECS OPTION BELOW THE PRODUCT IMAGE.

Lunati® Pacaloy Beehive Valve Springs LS1/LS2/LS6

5/21/2008 8:26:58 AM

Recent advancements in the aftermarket valvetrain industry, such as highly developed valve springs, have allowed for the development and use of more aggressive camshaft profiles for performance vehicles. Over the span of a year Lunati worked side by side with PAC engineers to build a valve spring that is custom tailored to the LS engine family and its specific valvetrain characteristics. The outcome is our Lunati® LS-series Pacaloy valve springs which are a perfect example of sophisticated engineering that has worked its way from concept, to testing and then into the hands of racers.

The two areas that make our Lunati Pacaloy Beehive Springs so advanced is the proprietary Pacaloy material and beehive spring shape. Pacaloy technology was chosen by Lunati based on its high strength characteristics, superior alloy properties and proven real world durability versus other available materials. A typically Pacaloy valve spring can handle a load 5 times as long as spring constructed from an O.E. style material. This gives you exceptional fatigue resistance and long life out of your performance valvetrain set up.

With a superior material chosen, it was then time to determine the most efficient spring layout. After extensive testing, a beehive shaped spring was selected because of its several performance benefits. First, this design reduces the overall mass of your valvetrain (more RPM capability) by allowing for the use of a smaller and lighter valve spring retainer. Second, the ovate wire shape utilized in this beehive design distributes stress more evenly through the wire cross sections, making the valve spring more stable under demanding conditions. Finally, the thinner cross-section wire offers more coil bind clearance and allows for higher lift camshafts or aftermarket rocker arms.

So what does that mean for LS owners? The Lunati Pacaloy Beehive Valve Spring is a must have item if you want the best performing and longest lasting valve spring available. These springs are ideal for street/strip vehicles and offer an affordable solution to upgrading your factory valve springs.

FOR COMPLETE PRODUCT INFORMATION CLICK ON FULL SPECS OPTION BELOW THE PRODUCT IMAGE.

Lunati® Returns to Its Performance Roots

5/21/2008 8:26:56 AM

It is impossible to overstate Lunati’s importance when it came to making power in the early days of racing. When the company first began grinding cams in the 1960’s, word quickly spread among racers everywhere that a Lunati camshaft meant power. And now Lunati announces a return to its roots to support racers like never before, thanks to an infusion of energy and resources from its new ownership group.

Lunati has always been known as a company willing to embrace technology in order to bring performance enthusiasts the best possible internal components for their engines. But now Lunati will add to that with its renewed emphasis on supporting racers and helping them find Victory Lane no matter what they are racing. Lunati has been purchased by an exclusive ownership group made up of industry and racing veterans dedicated to providing racers with cutting-edge technology at affordable prices. They understand that the foundation has already been laid with Lunati’s history of excellence in motorsports and intend to use that as a base for even greater success on the race track.

The first step will be to immediately implement a program to greatly expand Lunati’s technical, manufacturing and engineering resources. Lunati will not only be able to produce more advanced products but also to help the customer find the right products to best meet their needs. This includes Lunati’s diverse - and rapidly expanding - product line of performance camshafts and related valvetrain products, pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts and engineered rotating assemblies. The goal is that every customer will receive personalized service and the right products that will help them find unmatched performance on the track. This is what makes Lunati “The Racer’s Company.”

Lunati also pledges to support racers in other ways. Because we understand that a racer never has enough time and simply cannot afford to wait on parts, Lunati is expanding its inventory to virtually eliminate backorders and dramatically decrease the time between when parts are ordered until they are in the racer’s hands. Also, to help make engine builder’s lives a little easier, an express custom cam grinding service will be made available.

Finally, Lunati will increase its support of racers on the track by increasing its contingency and racer-support programs with many of the top racing organizations in the country. Lunati will also have support personnel available to help racers at major racing events across the nation.

We welcome your questions and thank you for helping make this information available to the public.

VooDoo® Solid Flat Tappet Camshafts

5/21/2008 8:26:52 AM

The Lunati® signature Voodoo® technology is now available in solid flat tappet camshafts. Race proven Voodoo® profiles incorporate over 39 years of valvetrain research and development, producing the best all around camshaft to date. These aggressive solid flat tappet designs feature an asymmetrical lobe shape with slower closing sides that set the valve down easily to reduce noise and premature wear of the valvetrain. Combine this with fast valve opening ramps and you have increased area under the curve, improved throttle response and engine vacuum, all while maximizing horsepower and torque.

Currently, these camshafts are available for Small and Big Block Chevy engines with Small and Big Block Fords soon to follow. Other Voodoo® valvetrain components such as our new Roller Rocker Arms and Pacaloy Valve Spring Sets give engine builders and racers a solid foundation to stay ahead of the competition in both technology and performance.

FOR COMPLETE PRODUCT INFORMATION CLICK ON FULL SPECS OPTION BELOW THE PRODUCT IMAGE.

Voodoo® Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms

5/21/2008 8:26:47 AM

The newest addition to the always expanding Lunati® line of performance oriented valvetrain products are Voodoo® Roller Rocker Arms. These aluminum roller rocker arms are the product of extensive testing, including special deflection and bend tests along with high RPM simulations. Voodoo® Roller Rockers feature unmatched attention to detail such as high-quality aircraft grade aluminum bodies, extra-large trunnions and bearings which allow these rockers to outperform competitors in both power increases and durability. Proven to endure more than 100,000 miles of elevated engine speeds, Voodoo® Roller Rockers are perfect for any enthusiast looking for a replacement rocker arm that will far exceed the quality of their O.E.M. units as well as competitors’ versions.

Click Here For Available Applications