New Raptor Info
We've learned some new details about Ford's F-150 SVT Raptor. Let's start with a confirmation that the truck will be available with a second engine, a 6.2L V-8, "in early 2010," says Ford. This is the long-awaited Boss engine (once known as the Hurricane V-8 before Katrina made the name uncool) that will produce an estimated 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Online sources have quoted figures as high as 425 hp and 425 lb-ft.
We also got our hands on a pricing sheet for the new truck, which starts at $38,995 including destination charges. If you're holding out for the 6.2, it'll set you back another $3,000. Exterior graphics are $1,075, the orange-accented interior costs $395, and the Luxury Package-with stuff like power pedals, 10-way power seats, automatic temperature control, and a Sony stereo with six-disc CD changer-costs $1,950. If you want a nav system, you'll have to pay $2,430 on top of the Luxury Package. Fun can get spendy fast, can't it?
New Tread Lightly! Quick Tips Brochures
Tread Lightly! has produced a new series of 18 brochures offering responsible backcountry use tips specialized for different types of outdoor recreation. New tips for UTV riding, shooting sports, and trail sharing have been created, while existing brochures for four-wheeling, ATV riding, camping, and so on, have been updated and redesigned. The Foremost Insurance Group, which specializes in policies for off-road vehicles, funded the effort. These tips are available in printed format or online; visit www.treadlightly.org for more info.
Valve Stem Correction
A story in our November Drivelines about cracked valve stems had some misinformation, we have since learned. The issue of valve stem wear is still a concern to off-roaders, but the valve stems in question, manufactured by Dill Air Control Products, were made back in 2006, installed in 2006 and early 2007, and then recalled in 2008 after a third-party investigation into the defective stems. While the initial investigation encompassed some 30 million valve stems, the number of valve stems actually recalled was much smaller: 198,000. We should also point out that the numbers on the valve stems that we called manufacturing codes-TR-413CH, TR-414, TR-415, and so on-are actually valve stem sizes that nearly every manufacturer uses, not just the manufacturers mentioned in that item. We apologize for any confusion this created.
Calendar
•Dec. 4-6: Henderson's Fabtech Desert Classic desert race, Henderson, NV. Information: 702.457.5775, www.bitd.com
•Dec. 5: Toys for Tots run, Twisted Trails Off Road Park, Copemish, MI. Information: 231.651.9603, www.twistedtrailsoffroadpark.com
•Dec. 11: Winching and recovery clinic, Hungry Valley SVRA near Gorman, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Information: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Dec. 12: Wheelin' 4 Toys trail ride and toy drive by the Brush Beaters Jeep club, Kansas Rocks Recreation Park near Fort Scott, KS. Information: 660.200.2052, www.brushbeaters.com
•Dec. 12: Beginning off-road 4x4 skills clinic, Hungry Valley SVRA near Gorman, CA, by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Information: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Dec. 12-13: National Off-Road Racing Series championship, San Diego, CA. Information: www.norrs.com
•Dec. 14-15: Getting started off-road 4x4 skills clinic, Hungry Valley SVRA near Gorman, CA by Badlands Off-Road Adventures. Information: 310.374.8047, www.4x4training.com
•Dec. 31: The Dash 200 desert race, Plaster City, CA. Information: Mojave Desert Racing, 626.442.9320, www.mdrracing.com
•Note: If you have a 4WD event you want us to publicize, please send the date, location, a description of the event and contact info-phone numbers and/or email/website address-to Calendar, 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, or email 4wheeloffroad@sorc.com. Please submit your info at least four months in advance of the event due to our press lead times.