Gear Jammers: How Different Driveline Combinations Affect Your Gearing Selection
Back in the day, the common way to select rear end gears for a car was downright simple: In an automatic, whatever ratio was in the transmission, was in the […]
Big Inches & Big Power: A Simulated Look at Maximizing Acceleration with Chevy Performance’s ZZ632 Big Block
The big news in Bowtie land these days is Chevrolet Performance’s monster ZZ632 tall-deck big-block crate engine that can make 1,004 hp on 93 octane gasoline. Everybody is buzzed about […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Modern GM Transmission Upgrade Options for an LS-Swapped 1970 Chevy Nova
I’m looking into which late model overdrive automatic would be the best choice behind the 6.2L LS in my ’70 Nova. Chevrolet Performance has just announced availability of the 6L80E […]
Mailbag: Are Detroit TrueTrac Differentials Compatible with Factory Electronic Traction Control Systems?
Q. I want to improve my Ford F-150’s off-road performance by adding Eaton Detroit Truetrac differentials front and rear. Are these differentials compatible with my factory electronic traction control system, […]
Mailbag: Should I Use a Lockup or Non-Lockup Torque Converter with a 430 hp SBC Stroker & 4L60 Transmission
Q. I am choosing a torque converter for my 1970 Nova with a 430 hp 383 stroker and a 4L60 transmission. I see lockup and non-lockup options. My understanding is […]
Beware the 13mm Square Drive Drain Bolt: A Mechanic’s Horror Story (Read On…IF YOU DARE!)
It was a dark and stormy afternoon. Lightning crackled across the sky, briefly overpowering the cacophony of howling winds and driving rain slamming against the garage door. …But the bad […]
How to Install a LubeLocker Differential Cover Gasket
OK, so this walkthrough of how to install a LubeLocker differential cover gasket is going to be pretty short. But…that’s basically the whole point. That’s because anyone’s who’s fiddled with […]
The Inch-Pound Torque Wrench: A Toolbox Hero for Leak-Free Valve & Differential Cover Gaskets
Like so many of our other automotive maintenance adventures, this one started with a few drips of oil on our garage floor. A quick inspection of our engine bay revealed […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: The Best Flexplate for Mating a 1994 5.7L LT1 to a TH400
I have a 5.7 LT1 from a ‘94 Trans Am I want to mate it to a ‘79 TH400 transmission. What flexplate do I need? This has been a very […]
Location, Location, Location: Swapping Mounts to Find the Best Engine & Transmission Position
Everyone’s heard the old real estate mantra “Location-Location-Location.” And while that’s obviously important in the property game, that pithy statement also holds true for a car’s engine and transmission—even if […]