I suppose the fact that problems are popping up with more frequency with an 18 year old car should be expected. Even with it's relatively low miles (115,000), time takes it's toll on parts almost as much as miles do. The other day Old Blue left me stranded once again. It appears that my recent repare made over lunch, replacing the ignition module, may have not been the source of my problems after all...even though it started up shortly after the repair. It seems it was gonna be one of them gremlins that would have to be hunted down and killed.
So sitting stranded, I called upon my parent to garner up a friend's trailer to haul it back to his place. In the past, I have also replaced a mass air flow sensor, O2 sensor, and mass air flow relay, all trouble codes that were tripped. Yet looking back, I truly wonder whether or not they were faulty or not. I have also replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, air filter, and gave the car a couple tune-ups already. Toss in a blown head gasket and oil pump pickup that fell off the pump for good measure. I've also replaced the front struts with Koni struts, the rubber bushing for the front sway bar (as they were dry rotted), and two rear sway bar links (as I snapped them on two occasions taking corners hard). Yet even with all those repairs, seldom has it left me stranded. Twice over the passed two years, one of which after a lunch time fix, it got me home and worked flawlessly for about another month or two....actually, those two time stranded in need of towing happened over the past couple months. I now think both incidents were likely related to my current troubles.
Having got my car back down in Adrian, I had my friend look at it, whom happens to be the best mechanic I know. He began trouble shooting and before long found the problem. 6 out of the 8 fuel injectors were bad, one of which was shorting out by apparently grounding on the intake manifold, causing the no-start situation. I ordered up a set of Accel fuel injectors along with an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. I've read mixed reports that boosting the fuel pressure aids these engines. Some claim as high as 15 hp gains, yet in reality I'd be shocked to see a 5 hp gain. Since replacing the injectors requires removing the intake system to gain access to the fuel injectors/rail, I figured I may as well replace other items that could fail, such as the fuel pressure regulator and EGR valve, as both would require tearing the top half of the engine off once again.
These are definitely the times it would be nice to have either my Challenger or Camaro on the road, capable of getting at least 15 mpg, so that I had an alternative means to get to work. Sure, it may not give the car enough oomph to live up to the muscle car heritage, but it would be a cool ride that could sport 300 hp or so and be used as a back up when called upon.
I've began putting money aside for purchase of a new Camaro or Challenger, a 2009 model or so. That being said, I may try and keep this engine in my Formula going as long as I can. Then once getting a new car, build an alternate drivetrain to drop into the Formula so it would become a second dependable/economical/powerful daily driver. As it is, plans for the Camaro are so over the top I'd have to refinance the house to drive it to work for a week, and the Challenger probably wouldn't end up too far behind in terms of it's gas guzzling skills.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
The smokey burnout
Man, it had been a long time. I hadn't even really thought about it to be honest, until last week. I'll drop the hammer quite often in my Formula, take off from a light breaking the tires loose almost daily, but I couldn't recall the last time I put it to the floor from a dead stop and let the tires do their thing. Perhaps the fact that my transmission mount was busted for nearly a month played a small role in it, as your transmission bouncing off the tunnel is like nails screaching down a chalk board to a car guy. I cringed every time I heard it clank off the tunnel. Yet the lack of burnout on my gearhead portfolio seriously predated that.
As one officer called it on a ticket I received a few years ago....ok, like 7 or 8 years ago, what I was looking for was "An exhibition of power." (I need to have that ticket framed). So yesterday, I had to get it outta my system. I was heading towards a freeway to go to some shopping. I spotted a WSU cop car parked just a short distance away, but figured they wouldn't come after me, as trees blocked the show I was about to put on. I got on the ramp, came to a complete stop, then just mashed the pedal to the floor. Smiling ear to ear I thought to myself "114,000 miles, and she's still got the power kickin'." I will have to venture down and check out the nice patches I left, as they give one a sense of pride. Perhaps that mid day burnout is what triggered something in me, that desire to get back working on my Camaro. All I know is that it was fun. haha
As one officer called it on a ticket I received a few years ago....ok, like 7 or 8 years ago, what I was looking for was "An exhibition of power." (I need to have that ticket framed). So yesterday, I had to get it outta my system. I was heading towards a freeway to go to some shopping. I spotted a WSU cop car parked just a short distance away, but figured they wouldn't come after me, as trees blocked the show I was about to put on. I got on the ramp, came to a complete stop, then just mashed the pedal to the floor. Smiling ear to ear I thought to myself "114,000 miles, and she's still got the power kickin'." I will have to venture down and check out the nice patches I left, as they give one a sense of pride. Perhaps that mid day burnout is what triggered something in me, that desire to get back working on my Camaro. All I know is that it was fun. haha
I've rediscovered the Car Guy in me
I'm not sure what triggered it, but last night I found myself deeply involved in working on my Camaro. I suppose it could have been one of many things. Maybe it was the announcement that Dodge is bringing back the Challenger, announced just a few days prior. Maybe it was seeing muscle cars cruising downriver last weekend, as I was down there running errands. Possibly it was the mounting stack of car magazines that I simply haven't had time to read that has me feeling guilty. Whatever it was, I'm glad its back, I'm glad I once again feel like working on it.
Last night I found myself grinding, wire wheeling, and welding on it. First real chance I've had to test out my welder. After some inspection, it seems I didn't do so bad when I installed them over 10 years ago. Some of the welds aren't exactly pretty, but they are hardly gonna fall out while driving down the road. I'll likely clean up the welds, touch on the areas that I missed, and call it good.
After a few hours of working on the car, it was getting to be around 9 pm or so, and I figured it was time to dig into that huge stack of magazines and toss back some Stroh's in the process. I came upon an editorial by David Freiberger in regards to "Cars we let get away." He claimed we've all been there, sold a car that we later wished we had back. He went on to list his top 10 cars he regretted parting with. Well, sorry, but I'm not in that bunch. My first car, a 1989 Firebird with a 305/5speed, it got totaled when a lady failed to stop at a stop sign, t-boned her at 55 mph. So that one didn't really get away, it was sent to the grave. My replacement, a 1969 Camaro (maybe an SS, not sure if its a clone or not), well I've had it for 10 years now. It was the first car I really dug into beyond bolt on stuff I did to my Firebird. A few years later I would get my parents well maintained, very reliable 1990 2 door Buick Regal. Two years ago I donated this car to charity. All I have to say is, what a car! It had the 3800 engine and didn't use a drop of oil. The odometer quit at 71,000 miles, but my best estimates put the mileage in the 250,000-300,000 mile range. After that car, I resorted back to my roots, purchasing another 1989 Firebird, only this time it was the Formula. Sucks that I had to give up the 5 speed, since they never put them behind the 350, but I'll take the bigger engine any day. So in a since, I replaced the one that got away. As for the Regal, well, like most car guys, there was a part of me that missed seeing it go. It had never let me down, was still dependable, but the body was looking a bit rough. I once had visions of fixing it up, adding a supercharger to the engine, painting in a menacing black, and adding some rims. You know, a modern day version of the Grand National. Though I was sad to see it go, it doesn't make the list of cars I wish I had back.
Over the years I also picked up a legit 1970 Challenger R/T with 383 and 4 speed pistol grip. While it has remained parked, just like my Camaro, for around 4 or 5 years, I have refrained from selling it. Even warded off a few attempts by my parents to sell it (it's parked in their garage), and even turned down trades by them, for their 1995 Pontiac Formula, which in all honesty was VERY tempting. In the end though, it would kind of feel like leaving a soldier behind, or turning your back on your child. I simply can't do it. I started the project, and damn it, some day I will finish it. So as you can see, I don't fall into the category of "Man, I wish I had that car back." As I sit here pondering, planning to set aside $100 a week until a new Camaro is available, and if that doesn't happen, then I'm picking me up a new Challenger. Yet at the same time, have no intentions of selling any of my cars I got. 4 cars for one guy, that's not that bad is it? :)
Last night I found myself grinding, wire wheeling, and welding on it. First real chance I've had to test out my welder. After some inspection, it seems I didn't do so bad when I installed them over 10 years ago. Some of the welds aren't exactly pretty, but they are hardly gonna fall out while driving down the road. I'll likely clean up the welds, touch on the areas that I missed, and call it good.
After a few hours of working on the car, it was getting to be around 9 pm or so, and I figured it was time to dig into that huge stack of magazines and toss back some Stroh's in the process. I came upon an editorial by David Freiberger in regards to "Cars we let get away." He claimed we've all been there, sold a car that we later wished we had back. He went on to list his top 10 cars he regretted parting with. Well, sorry, but I'm not in that bunch. My first car, a 1989 Firebird with a 305/5speed, it got totaled when a lady failed to stop at a stop sign, t-boned her at 55 mph. So that one didn't really get away, it was sent to the grave. My replacement, a 1969 Camaro (maybe an SS, not sure if its a clone or not), well I've had it for 10 years now. It was the first car I really dug into beyond bolt on stuff I did to my Firebird. A few years later I would get my parents well maintained, very reliable 1990 2 door Buick Regal. Two years ago I donated this car to charity. All I have to say is, what a car! It had the 3800 engine and didn't use a drop of oil. The odometer quit at 71,000 miles, but my best estimates put the mileage in the 250,000-300,000 mile range. After that car, I resorted back to my roots, purchasing another 1989 Firebird, only this time it was the Formula. Sucks that I had to give up the 5 speed, since they never put them behind the 350, but I'll take the bigger engine any day. So in a since, I replaced the one that got away. As for the Regal, well, like most car guys, there was a part of me that missed seeing it go. It had never let me down, was still dependable, but the body was looking a bit rough. I once had visions of fixing it up, adding a supercharger to the engine, painting in a menacing black, and adding some rims. You know, a modern day version of the Grand National. Though I was sad to see it go, it doesn't make the list of cars I wish I had back.
Over the years I also picked up a legit 1970 Challenger R/T with 383 and 4 speed pistol grip. While it has remained parked, just like my Camaro, for around 4 or 5 years, I have refrained from selling it. Even warded off a few attempts by my parents to sell it (it's parked in their garage), and even turned down trades by them, for their 1995 Pontiac Formula, which in all honesty was VERY tempting. In the end though, it would kind of feel like leaving a soldier behind, or turning your back on your child. I simply can't do it. I started the project, and damn it, some day I will finish it. So as you can see, I don't fall into the category of "Man, I wish I had that car back." As I sit here pondering, planning to set aside $100 a week until a new Camaro is available, and if that doesn't happen, then I'm picking me up a new Challenger. Yet at the same time, have no intentions of selling any of my cars I got. 4 cars for one guy, that's not that bad is it? :)
Friday, June 30, 2006
Dodge Challenger gets the greenlight
From today's Free Press here in Detroit.
The Dodge Challenger concept appeared at the auto show in January. (DaimlerChrysler)
BY MICHAEL ELLIS, JOE GUY COLLIER and MARK PHELAN
This comes as somewhat of a surprise to me, Dodge beating Chevy to the punch. As I stated on here recently, all signs point to an announcement by Chevy in the very near future. Hot Rod magazine even reported in a caption in this months issue that it was a go, though nothing official has been released. A quote from Bob Lutz in regards to the Challenger having 25 hp more than the Camaro concept stated "If the Dodge Challenger's 25 horsepower advantage over the Camaro becomes a problem, I would just reply that we have a certified 100 more on tap from the Z06 engine, should the need arise."
Now conisidering the Challenger will likely tip the scales at over 4,000 lbs, where as the Camaro will likely be around the 3,500-3,600 it has been at for years, I don't foresee 25 hp being an issue. That being said, I feel it would be a damn shame if they did not drop a ZO6 in and offer a specialty vehicle. Possibly reserving it for the Z28's only, once again making a unique engine only available in Z28's like the 302 from back in the day. Offer the base engine in the SS versions, and create an RS version that is something more than cheap ass looking ground effects.
The muscle car wars are back, only this time they get 3x the gas mileage while putting up as much or more in terms of power. I think it's about time I start setting aside some money for a down payment on a Camaro.
Here is another article that was in The Detroit News.
The Dodge Challenger concept appeared at the auto show in January. (DaimlerChrysler)Dodge rumble returns
June 30, 2006
BY MICHAEL ELLIS, JOE GUY COLLIER and MARK PHELAN
Muscle car fans, a classic ride silenced since 1974 will roar back to life this weekend.
Chrysler Group is preparing to announce before the Pepsi 400 NASCAR race in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Saturday that it will build the Dodge Challenger, bringing to market as soon as next year a sports coupe to compete against the Ford Mustang.
Chrysler officials haven't announced details, but people familiar with the plans confirmed that the two-door, four-seat concept Challenger unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show will go into production.
Chrysler built the Challenger for only a few years, 1970-74, but the car made a lasting impression.
The concept version's styling borrowed heavily from the classic 1970 Challenger muscle car, with twin hood scoops and a pistol-grip shifter. The concept is powered by a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 producing 425 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission.
"Every NASCAR fan in the country will be drooling over that car," said Erich Merkle, an auto analyst with IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids.
This comes as somewhat of a surprise to me, Dodge beating Chevy to the punch. As I stated on here recently, all signs point to an announcement by Chevy in the very near future. Hot Rod magazine even reported in a caption in this months issue that it was a go, though nothing official has been released. A quote from Bob Lutz in regards to the Challenger having 25 hp more than the Camaro concept stated "If the Dodge Challenger's 25 horsepower advantage over the Camaro becomes a problem, I would just reply that we have a certified 100 more on tap from the Z06 engine, should the need arise."
Now conisidering the Challenger will likely tip the scales at over 4,000 lbs, where as the Camaro will likely be around the 3,500-3,600 it has been at for years, I don't foresee 25 hp being an issue. That being said, I feel it would be a damn shame if they did not drop a ZO6 in and offer a specialty vehicle. Possibly reserving it for the Z28's only, once again making a unique engine only available in Z28's like the 302 from back in the day. Offer the base engine in the SS versions, and create an RS version that is something more than cheap ass looking ground effects.
The muscle car wars are back, only this time they get 3x the gas mileage while putting up as much or more in terms of power. I think it's about time I start setting aside some money for a down payment on a Camaro.
Here is another article that was in The Detroit News.
Muscle car is reborn
Dodge Challenger is back
Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
Chrysler is crashing the muscle-car party with plans to build a production version of the Dodge Challenger coupe that debuted as a retro-styled concept car in January at the Detroit auto show.
The automaker plans to herald the return of the Challenger at the Pepsi 400 in Daytona, Fla., on Saturday, according to people familiar with the plans.
The Challenger concept, a rear-wheel drive coupe, drew raves from enthusiasts for its old-school looks and growling 425-horsepower V-8 engine.
"It's a pure retro car," said Csaba Csere, editor in chief of Car and Driver magazine. "It's a dead ringer for the original 1970 Challenger."
Chrysler plans to build the Dodge Challenger off the same basic chassis as its rear-drive Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Both of those vehicles are built in Brampton, Ontario.
That will save both money and time. The Challenger could go into production by 2008, said one person familiar with the plans.
The Challenger is returning into what may be a new golden age for American muscle cars. The Ford Mustang has become a smash hit since a redesign last year that paid homage to classic versions of the pony car in the 1960s.
General Motors Corp. is widely expected to resurrect the Chevrolet Camaro -- which went out of production in 2002 -- in the next few years.
A striking concept version of the Camaro arguably drew even more attention and praise than the Challenger at the Detroit auto show this year.
Nostalgic made-in-Detroit sports cars are coming back at time when the flagging domestic auto industry could use a little of the old magic.
Chrysler designers drew inspiration from a 1970 Challenger parked in the studio as they created the concept version. Designers hewed closely to the original version but filed off some of the rough edges and added bigger wheels and a more refined interior. The concept sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, six inches longer than the original. And it's two inches wider, making it appear more squat and tough.
"The historical significance of the Challenger takes it back to the days when the Big Three dominated the highways," said Erich Merkle, an analyst with IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids, who has closely followed the Challenger program. "The design represents a place where Japanese competitors can't follow."
Chrysler's top sales and marketing executive, Joe Eberhardt, has said in the past that a production version of the Challenger could be priced slightly higher than the Ford Mustang, which has a starting price of between $19,000 and $26,000 depending on engine choice and other options.
"One of the keys for Challenger will be pricing," Csere said. "It can't be priced too much higher than the Mustang or they won't be able to reach the sales volumes they need."
Merkle said he expects that the Challenger will only be offered with a V-8 engine, unlike the Mustang, which comes with both a V-6 and a V-8 option. He believes Dodge will sell about 30,000 to 35,000 Challengers beginning in late 2008.
"Essentially it will be a specialty vehicle," he said.
Detroit News Business Editor Mark Truby contributed to this report. You can reach Josee Valcourt at (313) 222-2575 or jmvalcourt@detnews.com.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Formula running much better
Buttoned up most all of my needed repairs, in addition to an oil change. I had ordered up some 8mm Taylor wires, new plugs, MSD cap/rotor, and new transmission mount. I'm not sure what it is, but for some reason I take great pride in making my own spark plug wires. The tune up went fairly smoothly, but I'd still like to kill the person who designed all the bullshit on the passenger side making it a real pain in the ass to get to the front #2 plug. The emissions equipment on my car is about to go, by winter I'll likely yank a lot of the stuff out, most notable the air pump and all the lines. I look at it this way, the car is nearly 20 years old. The number of 20 year old cars on the road is relatively small, so while everybody with newer cars have cars that pollute less, I'll take their added cleanliness and credit it to myself, allowing me to pollute a little more in an effort to make at home repairs much easier on myself. Yeah, that's how I roll! lol
Recently I found I had snapped my transmission mount in half, so I ordered up a performance polyurethane replacement. The job was pretty straight forward, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the repair also fixed an exhaust leak that came about recently. I was aware until crawling under the car for the repair that the exhaust hanger was attached to the tail housing of the transmission. So killed two birds with one stone this time around.
I am still skeptical that there is some sort of fuel issues with the car, possibly the injectors, or maybe the fuel pump going already, though it's not even a year old. Another possibility is a vacuum leak I suppose. As high as oil consumption is getting (thus the need to swap plugs after about 10,000 miles), I really need to pick up that extra engine I have and get started on the bottom end this upcoming winter. I may scale it back a touch, as initially I was gonna shoot for 400-450 hp, but now I'm thinking something in the range of 350 would be fine, as I really want to bump the mpg up a touch to go with the increased performance.
Recently I found I had snapped my transmission mount in half, so I ordered up a performance polyurethane replacement. The job was pretty straight forward, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the repair also fixed an exhaust leak that came about recently. I was aware until crawling under the car for the repair that the exhaust hanger was attached to the tail housing of the transmission. So killed two birds with one stone this time around.
I am still skeptical that there is some sort of fuel issues with the car, possibly the injectors, or maybe the fuel pump going already, though it's not even a year old. Another possibility is a vacuum leak I suppose. As high as oil consumption is getting (thus the need to swap plugs after about 10,000 miles), I really need to pick up that extra engine I have and get started on the bottom end this upcoming winter. I may scale it back a touch, as initially I was gonna shoot for 400-450 hp, but now I'm thinking something in the range of 350 would be fine, as I really want to bump the mpg up a touch to go with the increased performance.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Planned Formula repairs
This weekend I will be doing some much needed repair/maintenance work on my Formula. In addition to an oil change I will be installing new plugs, wires, cap/rotor, and transmission mount. After being left stranded for the first time with this car a few weeks ago it appears that my lunch time fix here at work resolved that issue, a failed ignition module. Even after the repair however the car still appears to have some sort of issues, whether they are ignition or fuel related, I don't know for sure yet. I do know this though, it's getting quite thirsty for oil, using about 1 quart every 1,000 miles. So my tune up about 10,000 miles ago has probably run it's life and the plugs are likely getting quite fouled out.
It's probably been 3 weeks now since I determined what that "clunk" was coming from. I knew before even looking, but just to 100% sure I jacked the car up. Sure enough, the transmission mount was split in half and the transmission was slamming off the top of the tunnel during hard acceleration. I can't imagine my driving style had any impact on it's failure. To date, in relation to rubber components and suspension parts I have snapped two stabilizer links while taking off ramps at good speed and now tore a transmission mount.
I really need to start preparing a block for rebuild for this car, as it's oil consumption seems to be more than just a set of dry rotted valve stem seals or worn valve guides. I suppose this would be a good time to pick up a compression tester and verify it's the pistons/rings while I pull all the plugs, but that would just make too much sense.
I got a pretty good idea as to the type of engine I'd like to build up. I'd shoot for the 400-450 hp range and try to maintain around 25 mpg. In all honesty, with the right components I think it's a very doable goal.
It's probably been 3 weeks now since I determined what that "clunk" was coming from. I knew before even looking, but just to 100% sure I jacked the car up. Sure enough, the transmission mount was split in half and the transmission was slamming off the top of the tunnel during hard acceleration. I can't imagine my driving style had any impact on it's failure. To date, in relation to rubber components and suspension parts I have snapped two stabilizer links while taking off ramps at good speed and now tore a transmission mount.
I really need to start preparing a block for rebuild for this car, as it's oil consumption seems to be more than just a set of dry rotted valve stem seals or worn valve guides. I suppose this would be a good time to pick up a compression tester and verify it's the pistons/rings while I pull all the plugs, but that would just make too much sense.
I got a pretty good idea as to the type of engine I'd like to build up. I'd shoot for the 400-450 hp range and try to maintain around 25 mpg. In all honesty, with the right components I think it's a very doable goal.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Dodge Challenger decision to possibly come by October
Automotive News is reporting that a decision may come about as early as this October as to whether or not the Challenger will be built. As I stated earlier, the Camaro nearly has the greenlight, so one would expect Dodge would enter the ballroom ready to dance, arriving slightly late to the party, yet fashionably late, just like the 1970 Challenger was.
Challenger decision may come by Oct.
Bradford WernleAutomotive News / June 19, 2006 - 6:00 am
DETROIT -- The Chrysler group may decide whether to make the Challenger muscle car as early as the end of the third quarter, CEO Tom LaSorda says.
LaSorda on Friday said Chrysler has been flooded with positive responses to the Challenger concept, shown at the Detroit auto show in January."You have to look at the investment, the cost of the program and the margins you can make," he told Automotive News at Chrysler's Auburn Hills, Mich., headquarters. "With something like this, you chase the business case and not the volume."
Chrysler officials have said the Challenger will likely be a lower-volume car with a V-8 engine. It would be built on the same platform as the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger cars. John Wolkonowicz, an analyst for Global Insight, predicts Chrysler will make 20,000 to 30,000 and sell them in the low-$30,000 range.
You may e-mail Bradford Wernle at bwernle@crain.com
In addition, there was a first drive review on ESPN's site.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
2008 Camaro very near production
I spoke with a friend last night at the Detroit Tigers baseball game. This guy works within the ranks at GM and informed me that he believes there is about a 99% chance that the Camaro will go into production. It would be built at the Oshawa, Ontario plant, which recently accepted a change to work rules in hopes that it would lead to $800 million in investment by GM. There are currently weekly meetings taking place between GM here in Warren and Australia, since it will basically be a Holden design upon the Zeta platform. I was told that the CTS, a Buick, Impalla, and possibly a Pontiac (GTO or maybe a Firebird) will all be built upon the platform as well. News to me was that the Monte Carlo will in fact be killed, while the Cadillac CTS will be getting a 2 door coupe model.
The Camaro is currently the hottest item on the agenda over at GM, with hopes of rushing it into production for the 2008 model year. If that happens, I think I'm going to have to start figuring out how I am going to afford a new Camaro. I could hold off one year, thus completing my trifecta of F-bodies, with a 1969, 1989, and 2009 all 20 years apart, which would be kinda sweet. I've always said I'd probably never buy a brand new car, yet a new Camaro would instill such a passion that I think I could be swayed to drop the coinage. I assume that they would likely come out with either a COPO, ZL1, or some other derivative that would have a slightly detuned version of the LS7 with 505 hp, which is what I would simply have to have. So, up for sale could very well be a fully restored 1970 Challenger R/T in order to make way for that new Camaro.
It's kind of ironic, as when I first saw both the concept Camaro and concept Challenger, I awarded the Challenger the winner, hands down. Yet the more I saw each in the magazines I realized something, the Challenger was nothing more than a 1970 Challenger, which I already had. All of the modernization that did to that Challenger I could do to mine, yet I would have one that would continue to appreciate. The Camaro on the other hand, there is no denying it is a modern car with just the right amount of retro styling to show it's heritage. That's when I realized, why would I want a copy of what I had, like I felt the Challenger was? Not to mention, much like my 1970 Challenger, parked next to my Camaro that Challenger looks like somewhat of a boat. Mine weighs in at 3600 lbs, I've read that the new one would tip the scales at over 4,000 lbs. My 1969 Camaro, complete with big block/TH400, weighed in at 3,400 lbs (3,250 when I ran a small block and TH350), I figure a new Camaro would be on par with my 1970 Challenger, coming in around 3,600 lbs or so. Those 400 or so lbs make quite a difference in terms of performance and handling.
While the demand may be minimal, I would gladly order up a new Camaro with manual locks, windows, and seats just to drop a few more lbs off the car. I could car less if it hurt resale value, because in all honesty, it probably wouldn't. There would be a small niche of buyers out there that would search far and wide for the lightest most stripped down versoin of the car available if it ever came time to sell.
Must like back in 1964, Ford beat GM to the punch with the Mustang. Just like 1964 GM is rushing around to launch it's own pony car, a resurrected Camaro. Then, just like when 1970 was approaching, will Mopar step up a few years later with it's own pony car, a new Challenger? There is definitely a Mopar clan out there salivating over a new Challenger, as old Mopars are some of the most valuable collector cars out there at the moment. The second coming of the Muscle Car era is coming, the key difference is this time around they are knocking down close to 30 mpg instead of 10 mpg and are producing more power than even the best years of the 1960's.
ps...make these babies easy to work on so us gearheads can tune them for more power!
The Camaro is currently the hottest item on the agenda over at GM, with hopes of rushing it into production for the 2008 model year. If that happens, I think I'm going to have to start figuring out how I am going to afford a new Camaro. I could hold off one year, thus completing my trifecta of F-bodies, with a 1969, 1989, and 2009 all 20 years apart, which would be kinda sweet. I've always said I'd probably never buy a brand new car, yet a new Camaro would instill such a passion that I think I could be swayed to drop the coinage. I assume that they would likely come out with either a COPO, ZL1, or some other derivative that would have a slightly detuned version of the LS7 with 505 hp, which is what I would simply have to have. So, up for sale could very well be a fully restored 1970 Challenger R/T in order to make way for that new Camaro.
It's kind of ironic, as when I first saw both the concept Camaro and concept Challenger, I awarded the Challenger the winner, hands down. Yet the more I saw each in the magazines I realized something, the Challenger was nothing more than a 1970 Challenger, which I already had. All of the modernization that did to that Challenger I could do to mine, yet I would have one that would continue to appreciate. The Camaro on the other hand, there is no denying it is a modern car with just the right amount of retro styling to show it's heritage. That's when I realized, why would I want a copy of what I had, like I felt the Challenger was? Not to mention, much like my 1970 Challenger, parked next to my Camaro that Challenger looks like somewhat of a boat. Mine weighs in at 3600 lbs, I've read that the new one would tip the scales at over 4,000 lbs. My 1969 Camaro, complete with big block/TH400, weighed in at 3,400 lbs (3,250 when I ran a small block and TH350), I figure a new Camaro would be on par with my 1970 Challenger, coming in around 3,600 lbs or so. Those 400 or so lbs make quite a difference in terms of performance and handling.
While the demand may be minimal, I would gladly order up a new Camaro with manual locks, windows, and seats just to drop a few more lbs off the car. I could car less if it hurt resale value, because in all honesty, it probably wouldn't. There would be a small niche of buyers out there that would search far and wide for the lightest most stripped down versoin of the car available if it ever came time to sell.
Must like back in 1964, Ford beat GM to the punch with the Mustang. Just like 1964 GM is rushing around to launch it's own pony car, a resurrected Camaro. Then, just like when 1970 was approaching, will Mopar step up a few years later with it's own pony car, a new Challenger? There is definitely a Mopar clan out there salivating over a new Challenger, as old Mopars are some of the most valuable collector cars out there at the moment. The second coming of the Muscle Car era is coming, the key difference is this time around they are knocking down close to 30 mpg instead of 10 mpg and are producing more power than even the best years of the 1960's.
ps...make these babies easy to work on so us gearheads can tune them for more power!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Long term car projects
Back in college I always wondered how car restoration projects took people so long. I would constantly read in magazines about projects that took 5-10 years, sometimes even longer. Me, well my Camaro saw a complete ground up restoration while I was in college. From start to finish it took about 5-6 months. That entailed removing every bolt, stripping the body to bare metal, rewiring the car, rebuilding the engine, the transmission, and basically every other component on the car. We're talking the whole 9 yards.
Now here I am, some years later, out of college with a full time job, a house, and much different responsibilities. I find both of my cars in non-running condition, both torn apart to the point where finishing either one seems far down the road. Here I am, both cars having sat for about 5 years with only moderate progress. In my defense, my life did take somewhat of a detour when I moved to Detroit. Living in an apartment building, 9 floors up with nothing but a parking garage throws a serious wrench in restoring cars. I found both of my cars now back down at my parents house, mostly just collecting dust...aside from the occasional weekend when I ventured down to work on them, well, I should say the Challenger at that point.
For the first time in my life I was living the true big city life. Well, as close to big city life as is offered in Michigan. For all of its downfalls, I have always seen something magic in Detroit. My feelings for the city and the region could be best explained by driving up I-75 south of Detroit. Passing through the River Rouge complex, giving you a glimpse of what built Detroit, what built Industrial America, then as you crest the overpass, then you see the city of Detroit, Windsor, and "The Bridge," all of which were the result of industrialism. Detroit has a crudeness, a blue collar attitude about it that most gearheads would truly understand and respect.
So anyways, my situation changed when I bought a house in Detroit and built a new garage. With this house came the added expenses, lacking were the funds to get back to work on the car(s), so still they sat. It took me nearly a year before I had anything beyond an extension chord out to my garage for power. Things are rolling along now however, with it completely powered up, a gas line out there awaiting a furnace by winter, an extra pipe to run cable out there, a work bench, air compressor, my tools, and recently purchased welder complete with gas setup. So the shop itself is ready to go. Yet the house still commands priority. Today I worked on painting the trim on the garage, one or two more weekends and it will be complete. Once that is done it will be time to start on my rear deck, as I've gone without one since shortly after I moved in, when I tore down the death trap the previous owner had built. A deck wouldn't be such a priority if it wasn't for the fact that my house is raised about 3 foot above the ground, so currently I have one helluva drop off making the read exits unusable.
I have find time now and then to make small amounts of progress on my Camaro, which is now where my focus will remain. I have removed the steering column, the steering box, and front brake system, complete with master cylinder and lines. I plan on replacing all components, upgrading each one. For the steering, I will be replacing the box with a rack and pinion setup which will be both more precise as well as much lighter. The brakes will be a 4 pistons setup, likely manual, for much better stopping power. Before, my brakes could be downright scarey once the vacuum canister ran out of reserve, as it was time to put some serious muscle into the pedal at that point and start praying. I also began grinding down my welds from many years ago when I installed new floor pans. I want to retouch on them, por-15 the intior, then should be good to go. I'm not sure whether or not next summer would be a realistic goal for it to be back on the road or not, but it is the most realistic game plan I have had in many years. I need to start setting target dates to have certain portions of the project completed by. Those timelines are usually a waste anyways, as the dates will come and pass and the work won't be completed. I'll just play it by ear and hope for the best. In the mean time, don't expect a whole bunch of activity until fall rolls around, when upon this blog should really come to life.
Now here I am, some years later, out of college with a full time job, a house, and much different responsibilities. I find both of my cars in non-running condition, both torn apart to the point where finishing either one seems far down the road. Here I am, both cars having sat for about 5 years with only moderate progress. In my defense, my life did take somewhat of a detour when I moved to Detroit. Living in an apartment building, 9 floors up with nothing but a parking garage throws a serious wrench in restoring cars. I found both of my cars now back down at my parents house, mostly just collecting dust...aside from the occasional weekend when I ventured down to work on them, well, I should say the Challenger at that point.
For the first time in my life I was living the true big city life. Well, as close to big city life as is offered in Michigan. For all of its downfalls, I have always seen something magic in Detroit. My feelings for the city and the region could be best explained by driving up I-75 south of Detroit. Passing through the River Rouge complex, giving you a glimpse of what built Detroit, what built Industrial America, then as you crest the overpass, then you see the city of Detroit, Windsor, and "The Bridge," all of which were the result of industrialism. Detroit has a crudeness, a blue collar attitude about it that most gearheads would truly understand and respect.
So anyways, my situation changed when I bought a house in Detroit and built a new garage. With this house came the added expenses, lacking were the funds to get back to work on the car(s), so still they sat. It took me nearly a year before I had anything beyond an extension chord out to my garage for power. Things are rolling along now however, with it completely powered up, a gas line out there awaiting a furnace by winter, an extra pipe to run cable out there, a work bench, air compressor, my tools, and recently purchased welder complete with gas setup. So the shop itself is ready to go. Yet the house still commands priority. Today I worked on painting the trim on the garage, one or two more weekends and it will be complete. Once that is done it will be time to start on my rear deck, as I've gone without one since shortly after I moved in, when I tore down the death trap the previous owner had built. A deck wouldn't be such a priority if it wasn't for the fact that my house is raised about 3 foot above the ground, so currently I have one helluva drop off making the read exits unusable.
I have find time now and then to make small amounts of progress on my Camaro, which is now where my focus will remain. I have removed the steering column, the steering box, and front brake system, complete with master cylinder and lines. I plan on replacing all components, upgrading each one. For the steering, I will be replacing the box with a rack and pinion setup which will be both more precise as well as much lighter. The brakes will be a 4 pistons setup, likely manual, for much better stopping power. Before, my brakes could be downright scarey once the vacuum canister ran out of reserve, as it was time to put some serious muscle into the pedal at that point and start praying. I also began grinding down my welds from many years ago when I installed new floor pans. I want to retouch on them, por-15 the intior, then should be good to go. I'm not sure whether or not next summer would be a realistic goal for it to be back on the road or not, but it is the most realistic game plan I have had in many years. I need to start setting target dates to have certain portions of the project completed by. Those timelines are usually a waste anyways, as the dates will come and pass and the work won't be completed. I'll just play it by ear and hope for the best. In the mean time, don't expect a whole bunch of activity until fall rolls around, when upon this blog should really come to life.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Full review of concept Camaro
Nothing real surprising from the review, the only question left is "Will GM build it?" Ironically, at the North American Autoshow this past January, I was initially more impressed with the concept Challenger. After the awe-factor resided though I realized something, the Challenger is cool in much the same way that Ford's GT is cool. It screams nostalgia, yet is hardly ground breaking in design. In fact, the Challenger is essentially a copy of my 1970 Challenger. The Camaro on the other hand took the classic lines of my 1969 Camaro, the meshed them with cutting edge lines a la Cadillac styling. The more I have seen the two in magazines, the more I have realized that I do in fact like the Camaro much better. So much so that it may be the first car I'd be willing to lay the cash down to buy new.
Auto news
MARK PHELAN: Exclusive Camaro test drive
GM needs this car to pump up excitement, sales
May 16, 2006
Email this
Print this
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
Build it.
That's all I can say after 40 minutes driving the ravishing Chevrolet Camaro concept car around General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford.
The head-turning new sport coupe can't hit the road soon enough. GM has not officially decided it will build the Camaro, but the legendary car's powerful appeal, the adrenaline shot it will give Chevrolet and conversations with a number of GM executives are enough to convince me only a catastrophe will keep this car off the road.
You don't spend this much time nailing every detail -- from the growling rumble of the exhaust to the light and easy feel of the clutch pedal -- if you're not serious about a car.
And the Camaro is serious fun. Its unique design may set the tone for other Chevrolet cars, boost sales and add excitement to GM's most important brand.
The sensuous and threatening-looking coupe will be a welcome addition to Chevrolet showrooms. That was apparent even in the handle-with-care driving mandated by the fact that this is a show car, built for looks not speed.
Despite that, the Camaro felt very polished. The power steering is direct and responsive; the brakes are firm with good pedal feel, and the six-speed manual transmission was more precise than some production cars.
"We spent a lot of time on the sound of the exhaust," GM concept car engineer Kris Hess said as the Camaro's 400-horsepower V8 burbled to life on the test track in Oakland County for my drive. "We have a lot of performance fans on the team that did this car."
The concept's classic wasp-waisted shape, flared fenders and eager forward-leaning grille made the Camaro a hit when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Camaro was introduced in 1966 as the answer to the Ford Mustang and went through several generations before production ended in 2002.
"We set out to capture the essence of the Camaro," said Tom Peters, who led the design team that created the concept in Studio X, a secret den below the design building at GM's technical center in Warren. The concept's styling borrows elements from the classic 1969 Camaro, the 2005 Corvette and the YF22 jet fighter's rounded cockpit.
Crowds packed Chevrolet's stand to admire the Camaro at the show, but almost nobody got close enough to see that the concept's interior is equally appealing and well executed.
The big, chrome-rimmed speedometer and tachometer perfectly complement round brushed-metal dials for climate and audio controls. Door and dash insets the color of burnished copper match the faces of four small rectangular gauges -- fuel, battery, oil and water -- set in the center console just ahead of a round aluminum shifter knob.
Even if everything goes flawlessly, the Camaro isn't likely to hit the streets before 2009, and the production model will not be identical to the concept.
There's no magic or sleight of hand involved in making the case for the Camaro.
The concept uses GM's new Zeta global architecture for rear-wheel-drive cars, which goes into production in Australia this summer and should form the basis for several big, powerful sedans and coupes in North America.
The Camaro's engine, transmission, brakes and most other major components are off-the-shelf technology, ready to run today, but ready to mate high-horsepower performance with 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, GM said.
GM executives have told workers in at least two North American assembly plants -- Oshawa, Ontario, and Wilmington, Del. -- that they're in the running to build the Camaro.
So the decision to build it comes down to a few questions: Will people buy it? How can GM build it profitably? What will it cost?
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told Automotive News that GM won't build the Camaro unless it can sell 100,000 a year.
To reach that goal, Chevy will have to offer a less-expensive V6 model in addition to the V8, said Jim Hall, vice president for industry analysis at the Southfield office of consultant AutoPacific.
Even then, it's unlikely Camaro could beat the popular Ford Mustang's $19,115 base price, he said.
The Zeta family of cars features an independent rear suspension, a more-expensive layout than the Mustang's trusty old live axle.
Nobody at GM will touch the price question, but it's clear Chevrolet doesn't need -- and probably couldn't sell -- another high-priced, low-volume image car. The Corvette fills that role beautifully.
Chevrolet accounts for around 60% of GM's annual sales in North America. Adding a couple of exciting and profitable cars to Chevy's lineup would go a long way toward curing what ails GM.
The stylish 2008 Malibu sedan -- unrecognizably different from today's mundane model -- set to debut next year may be the first of those cars. The Camaro could be the second.
Build it.
Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.
Auto news
MARK PHELAN: Exclusive Camaro test drive
GM needs this car to pump up excitement, sales
May 16, 2006
Email this
Print this
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
Build it.
That's all I can say after 40 minutes driving the ravishing Chevrolet Camaro concept car around General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford.
The head-turning new sport coupe can't hit the road soon enough. GM has not officially decided it will build the Camaro, but the legendary car's powerful appeal, the adrenaline shot it will give Chevrolet and conversations with a number of GM executives are enough to convince me only a catastrophe will keep this car off the road.
You don't spend this much time nailing every detail -- from the growling rumble of the exhaust to the light and easy feel of the clutch pedal -- if you're not serious about a car.
And the Camaro is serious fun. Its unique design may set the tone for other Chevrolet cars, boost sales and add excitement to GM's most important brand.
The sensuous and threatening-looking coupe will be a welcome addition to Chevrolet showrooms. That was apparent even in the handle-with-care driving mandated by the fact that this is a show car, built for looks not speed.
Despite that, the Camaro felt very polished. The power steering is direct and responsive; the brakes are firm with good pedal feel, and the six-speed manual transmission was more precise than some production cars.
"We spent a lot of time on the sound of the exhaust," GM concept car engineer Kris Hess said as the Camaro's 400-horsepower V8 burbled to life on the test track in Oakland County for my drive. "We have a lot of performance fans on the team that did this car."
The concept's classic wasp-waisted shape, flared fenders and eager forward-leaning grille made the Camaro a hit when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Camaro was introduced in 1966 as the answer to the Ford Mustang and went through several generations before production ended in 2002.
"We set out to capture the essence of the Camaro," said Tom Peters, who led the design team that created the concept in Studio X, a secret den below the design building at GM's technical center in Warren. The concept's styling borrows elements from the classic 1969 Camaro, the 2005 Corvette and the YF22 jet fighter's rounded cockpit.
Crowds packed Chevrolet's stand to admire the Camaro at the show, but almost nobody got close enough to see that the concept's interior is equally appealing and well executed.
The big, chrome-rimmed speedometer and tachometer perfectly complement round brushed-metal dials for climate and audio controls. Door and dash insets the color of burnished copper match the faces of four small rectangular gauges -- fuel, battery, oil and water -- set in the center console just ahead of a round aluminum shifter knob.
Even if everything goes flawlessly, the Camaro isn't likely to hit the streets before 2009, and the production model will not be identical to the concept.
There's no magic or sleight of hand involved in making the case for the Camaro.
The concept uses GM's new Zeta global architecture for rear-wheel-drive cars, which goes into production in Australia this summer and should form the basis for several big, powerful sedans and coupes in North America.
The Camaro's engine, transmission, brakes and most other major components are off-the-shelf technology, ready to run today, but ready to mate high-horsepower performance with 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, GM said.
GM executives have told workers in at least two North American assembly plants -- Oshawa, Ontario, and Wilmington, Del. -- that they're in the running to build the Camaro.
So the decision to build it comes down to a few questions: Will people buy it? How can GM build it profitably? What will it cost?
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told Automotive News that GM won't build the Camaro unless it can sell 100,000 a year.
To reach that goal, Chevy will have to offer a less-expensive V6 model in addition to the V8, said Jim Hall, vice president for industry analysis at the Southfield office of consultant AutoPacific.
Even then, it's unlikely Camaro could beat the popular Ford Mustang's $19,115 base price, he said.
The Zeta family of cars features an independent rear suspension, a more-expensive layout than the Mustang's trusty old live axle.
Nobody at GM will touch the price question, but it's clear Chevrolet doesn't need -- and probably couldn't sell -- another high-priced, low-volume image car. The Corvette fills that role beautifully.
Chevrolet accounts for around 60% of GM's annual sales in North America. Adding a couple of exciting and profitable cars to Chevy's lineup would go a long way toward curing what ails GM.
The stylish 2008 Malibu sedan -- unrecognizably different from today's mundane model -- set to debut next year may be the first of those cars. The Camaro could be the second.
Build it.
Contact MARK PHELAN at 313-222-6731 or phelan@freepress.com.
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