Barely Legal
I've been a reader on and off over the years, mostly while I was overseas, and while I have a great respect for your magazine, there's one thing that has always plagued my mind. There's almost always an article on a vehicle with an engine swap, and yet I never see it mentioned that most engine swaps that are showcased are actually illegal. Granted, there are some states that have no emissions laws. But there are ones that say something like, "See it on the road in Southern Cali," when there's no way it would pass emissions or any inspection. I don't mean to knock any of these drivers, or the amazing cars they put together, but I think it's pretty misleading to see all these projects you can do, which will ultimately get you in trouble. Paying off an emissions shop to "pass" you, isn't a feasible answer either; it just makes the cops even more pissed off.
I think it'd be great to see an article such as one that was done years ago, about legal upgrades, what swaps are legal and which aren't.
Just a suggestion, of course.
Andrew
Via the Internet
When you're as awesome as we are, the laws of mere mortals cease to apply to you. We can drive down the street clubbing baby seals with leaky barrels of used oil and no one can even touch us. It's good to be the kings of sport compact culture!
Deuce-Tastic
I just finished reading your Mail Sack section (December issue) whilst using the restroom (or, as you people seem to be so fond of saying, "dropping the deuce") and I have to wonder-what the hell is the SRT-4 guy's problem? People who get pissed off about other people ragging on their rides are uptight and probably have something akin to a yeast infection. Why take it seriously if you own a nice car? I don't know how you could be a subscriber to Super Street, read the magazine every month and not catch on to the fact that SS holds nothing holy. I can understand why the guy with the Aztek flipped out, however. If owned that thing I'd be cranky as hell, too.
Love your magazine, and love your new sister publication even more. Project Car rules, and if I weren't a straight, married man I'd be giving you guys a call (just kidding, you probably have enough man-stalkers as it is). Keep up the great work!
Erik Larsen
Via the Internet
"Dropping the deuce" will forever be a classic, but it's time we came up with something new. How about "launching the brown rocket?"
Teacher's Pet
Whats up, guys and gals over at Super Street? I've been reading your magazine since I could read. I'm in the 10th grade and just got my first car: a '94 Nissan Sentra. I have to tell you guys that you got me in trouble by making a magazine that I could not put down. I was sitting in class reading one of your issues and the teacher took it away and slapped me with detention. I think he was a Hot Rod fan. Thanks for the great magazine.
Jerry Arnold
Via the Internet
Does your teacher have a gray beard and an unhealthy love of Hawaiian shirts? If so, he most definitely is a Hot Rod fan.
Can I Have Your Job?
My name is Cameron, and I am a student at the University of South Alabama. Right now I am majoring in mechanical engineering because I like cars so much. I am thinking of changing my major to communications to do print journalism though, and I would still like to work with cars. I am still unsure of what I want to do, and being an avid reader of Super Street, I thought maybe you could help me. What kind of things does your job consist of? Why do you like doing it? What kind of salary would I be looking at? I just want basic information like that, and if you could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated.
Cameron Adkins
Via the Internet