Holley Performance, Blackheart Hooker Headers
 

Ok, I'm not sure if I just got an early Christmas present but I was having dinner and someone with a Hooker shirt approached me and asked if I owned the red FR-S. Not sure how to react, I said I suppose so....LOL!!!!

Well it turns out he worked for Holley Performance and Blackheart Hooker Headers. I wasn't sure where it was headed because I had assumed they were a hot rod performance company but he expressed a lot of interest in the FR-S.

Long story short, they asked to use my car for development. I am still uncertain since I've only had possession of my car for only about a month. The guy offered to take me for a tour tomorrow so I'm gonna check it out on my lunch break!!!! At least I hope to see some awesome project cars.

I'll report back after my tour tomorrow!!!! Hoping for great FRIDAY 👍😄

What if he doesn't work for them and want to take you to a back ally and beat you up so he can steal your awesome car then sell it for parts so he can buy drugs because plot twist he is a crack head!!!

Hahahaha jk!

In for updates!!!

LMAO!!!! We will find out tomorrow, he gave me his business card but he did say he would compensate with free product in exchange for letting them use my car....I'll make my decision after the tour and share my experience!!!

They're a little late to the game, but cool that they're interested in the platform I suppose.

If I were you I would request a document signed by both you and them that outlines the expectations of the R&D including how long they're planning to keep your vehicle.

Anyone else want to chime in regarding experiences of letting a company use your car for product development? Curious to hear both good and bad.

Thanks for the feedback. I have not yet agreed though, I would like to take the tour, meet the engineer who will be responsible and I'm sure I will ask all of the above suggestions you had made if they don't' point it out. The guy did briefly say my car would be on the dyno but I'll get all the details tomorrow.

If they or for real and developing headers it not going to be a five minute job. They are going to need considerable dyno time and need to tune car as well as no doubt try several differt variations of header.

for example shiv at openflash just spent two weeks with a guy on dyno and he was just doing further develpment on an existing tunes for his already tested and proven header.

Seems like they are trying to keep up with the Jones...or in this case Edelbrock. Funny how they are interested now that hot rodding big dog Edelbrock is in the mix. I like it, more options!

I would be suspicious. Why would a company that size need to recruit people with cars for product development in a restaurant outside of a normal business environment. Most companies buy the car they want to do R&D with and eliminate any liability associated with borrowing someones car. On the other hand you live in Bowling Green KY where their R&D facility is.

That's what I understood, I'll find out exact details when I go there on my lunch today.

Definitely like the options, I did some research and went on their website and I was shocked how many companies Holley owns. From what it looks like, they seem to be the "Big Dogs" as you called it ;)


Can't wait for the tour!!!

Actually, almost everyone borrows, I have seen posts on FB, social media and other's websites stating looking for vehicles for product development.


YES!!!! I do believe I got an early Christmas present living in Bowling Green. I've past by the facility a few times on passing and never thought I'd get a chance to tour inside. I'm going to have high expectations :)

Ok guys, I took the tour on my lunch and of course had high expectations. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! Long story short, expectations exceeded, I met with the engineer in charge of the project, did the tour and discussed plans.
Starting Monday I will drop off my car and be replaced by a rental car they are providing.
Now I have to see if they will let me shoot photos.

Looks like they came out of bankruptcy a few years ago and were bought out by private equity in 2012. Definitely a big dog though. Will be interesting if they can leverage that expertise and develop a product that can compete with the Ace 4-2-1 header.

Meanwhile in the process, ask about to make catback also