10 Mostly Worthless Factors
1.We've found one of two prototype development mules for GMC's fabled Syclone project truck right in our own backyard. It's in amazing shape with just 8,000 miles on the clock and Calin got to go for a ride in it. Look for a story on this machine soon in ST.
2.Ford F-Series trucks began their 29-year streak as the best selling trucks in America in 1976. Ford sold 663,429 units that year.
3.Welding is the process of melting steel to a white-hot liquid form and allowing it to cool in a single piece.
4.The most common alloys used in automobile production are: 1100, almost pure aluminum used in trim pieces / 3003, alloyed with manganese and magnesium used in sheetmetal / 6061-T6, alloyed with silicon magnesium, copper, and chromium used in frame structures.
5.According to the Used Car Reliability and Safety Guide, 1994 Edition, recall campaign number 87V126000, the late '80s was not a good year for tie rod end nuts on Chevy trucks. You should check yours if you own a truck from that era because one or both of the outer tie rod end nuts may be loose and not crimped properly. Loss of these nuts could lead to tie rod disengagement, loss of steering control, and a big crash. Don't say we didn't warn you.
6.An air cleaner was optional on the 1960 Chevrolet 1/2 ton Delray Series 1100 sedan-pickup, aka El Camino.
7.In '74, Chevy trucks equipped with the 454ci V-8 engine had just 235 ponies under the hood. The 8.5:1 compression cast iron engine's power peaked at just 4,000 rpm.
8.In '79 Chevy created the Royal Knight edition El Camino, a step up above the SS, that added a double-dragon hood decal, larger front air dam, rally wheels, and painted sport mirrors.
9.A turbocharger forces air into the intake plenum of an engine via a turbine, which is turned by gases piped in from the engine's exhaust system. Unlike a supercharger, which is belt-driven, the turbocharger adds no parasitic power losses to the engine.
10.If you feel your brake pedal pulse when you push on it, the cause is one of the following: excessive brake rotor run out or warpage, pad material buildup on rotors, loose calipers, cracked rotors, or excessive front bearing clearance.
Say What?
The staff speaks and you listen. It's that simple. This month's question is:
Do you care if a truck has an engine from another brand between its fenders?
Monica: Personally, I don't mind. Depending on budget, personal preference, and availability, sometimes the best feasible option just might be an engine from another brand. I'm a fan of creativity and innovation over brand loyalty.
Calin: Personally I don't care what engine is used to motivate a Sport Truck, unless the truck is something fairly rare. Case in point, I recently met a guy who has a very nice Syclone S-10 truck sitting in his garage. It has 8,000 original miles on the odometer and every part on it is factory fresh. Now I don't think I would have been as impressed with the truck if he popped the hood and there was 302ci Ford V-8. I think as long as you aren't messing up a matching number collectable pick up then I say go for it. I can picture a driveline lifted from a Ford Lightening stuffed into a Chevy LUV being a fun truck to drive.
Mike: I'll take creative and different over stock any day of the week and twice on Sunday, especially when it comes to engines and especially if it pisses off a collector. The more outrageous the swap the better. If you want to swap a Duramax diesel into a Dodge Ram I say go for it and screw the Cummins lovers out there. I've also got no problem with someone stuffing a Chevy into a Ford because that always causes drama at the local cruise.
Andy: I don't really care what's under the hood if your truck needs something to get it moving down the road. Go nuts and put that small-block Chevy inside a Ford F150. As long as it's loud, fast, and burns my nose hairs I'm excited about it. Perhaps the only time keeping the right brand engine in there is if you're going to do a full on restoration. Then I think you'd be silly to put something in there that's not supposed to be. I'm not so much of a purist to care too much.