Editor’s Note: In 2015, we looked back at the best aftermarket parts of all time, commemorated 60 years of small block Chevy performance, and went Back to the Future to celebrate the iconic movie’s anniversary. We said goodbye to Roscoe P. Coltrane and hello to a whole new generation of Camaros. Jeff Gordon retired. Volkswagen cheated. And BIGFOOT had a midlife crisis. Yep, there was plenty to write home about–or at least write about. Here are our most-popular, most-read vehicle features of 2015.
Project Thunderbolt V8 Miata
You don’t simply drop a V8 engine into a Mazda Miata.
There’s a lot more to it, and Tom Tharp took us through his entire Mazda Miata LS engine swap via this detailed video series. From the disassembly and removal of the old Miata powerplant, to the procurement of the engine and associated parts, to the LS install, break-in, and dyno-testing, this 13-part video feature is detailed enough to use as a blueprint for your own swap project.
You’ll see more from Tom at OnAllCylinders in 2016.
Video: Inside Ken Prather’s Mid-Engine V8-Powered 1962 VW Microbus
Speaking of engine swaps, what would possess someone to stuff a blown Chevy 355 inside a 1962 Volkswagen Microbus? We got answers when we interviewed Ken Prather about his ’62 V8 Microbus. You’ll have to click if you want answers.
The Good Kind of Misery: Elmer Bischoff’s 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS
Expect the unexpected.
Those are words to live by for anyone who has dug into a new project vehicle. More often than not, you’ll encounter unexpected problems along the way. These problems can lead to stress, frustration, and even misery. Elmer Bischoff experienced plenty of the latter as he built his 1970 Chevelle SS, but the final results were well worth it. Read for yourself and see.
Ride Shares: Charlie Keel Battles Cancer, MS to Build Brilliant 1968 Dodge Charger
Take one look at Charlie Keel’s 1968 Charger, and you’ll be impressed.
Listen to the story behind it, and you’ll be absolutely amazed.
Keel built the Charger while battling kidney cancer and multiple sclerosis. Although you may be tempted to ask how he was able to do it, Keel is quick to point out that his love for cars (and wrenching on them) actually helped him get through some of the tough times. Like all the fans who voted Keel’s Charger the #1 October Fan Ride on Summit Racing’s Facebook page, you have to appreciate and respect that!
Revisionist History: Terry Stinehelfer’s 1962 Buick Skylark “GSX”
The badging said GSX.
The license plate said GSX.
But there was no GSX in 1962.
When we first saw Terry Stinehelfer’s ’62 Skylark “GSX” at Summit Racing’s Super Summit show back in June, we knew something was up. We waited patiently for Stinehelfer to return to his car, so we could call him on it. He shared the story behind the one-off ’62 GSX here.
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