Lane's SCA - 2006 SPC Rally (7)

TMW dyno services in Joliet IL is one of our favorite places to visit whenever we're in the Chicago area. Their shop has seen hundreds of runs by many a Saturn strapped down to their dyno.

Tom W and Rich N hosted a social gathering at the shop on Thursday evening. There was plenty of food, beverages, and lively conversation - and maybe even a little bit of stupid driving in the parking lot. We had a great time, and it was very relaxing after all the track time.

The party went on past dark, and then it was back to the hotel for us. After a night's sleep usually reserved for the comatose, we'd be back at the dyno shop for tomorrow's event.

Club members were back to the shop on the morning of Friday, August 4. This was the day where each car would get strapped to the dyno to see actual torque and horsepower numbers.

You can speculate or guess all you want when it comes to how changes to the vehicle affect its power output. But the dyno will always tell you the truth.

Unfortunately, the rain that the area received the day prior also brought with it some damage caused by lightning. Part of the dyno sensing equipment was not working properly, and replacement parts would need to be ordered. There was some disappointment, but it also meant that we had time for an unexpected opportunity that would later present itself...

But for now, there was more socializing and general discussion. The main topic of the day ended up being what many of us have learned from many years of modifying these cars.

At the left is Deebs, with a pose right out one of his favorite shows, King of Cars. Additional photos:

Chop, from King of Cars - original photo
Photo at left, with some modifications

If you're not familiar with the origin of the club's use of the phrase, "98!", click HERE for some history.

Tomorrow's event-of-the day was scheduled to be held at Saturn of Joliet. Sales manager Mike L stopped by the dyno shop with his Corvette, and had a great idea of how we could spend the remainder of our day. With the dyno equipment in non-working order, we didn't hesitate to hop in our cars and follow him to a garage just a half mile down the road...