Modifying T5 shifters for Hot Rod use
The S-10 T-5 five speed manual tranny is one of the most popular swap for older cars and trucks. The T5 with the is almost a total bolt-in, and offers an overdrive 5th gear. I have one of these transmissions in my ’57 Chevy truck currently and I’m going to be using on in my ’31 Ford. Its pretty much a bolt-in swap, I like to use the clutch disc from an ’86 Chevy...
Chevrolet Small-Block engine
Chevrolet’s small-block V8 is one of the most famous automobile engines in history. Originally called the “mouse motor” for its compact dimensions compared to other V8 engines of the time, production began in 1955 with the 265 inch (4.3 L) engine used to bring performance credentials to the Corvette. The displacement changed over the years, eventually reaching...
How to remove a stuck, rusted in or “frozen” Bolt
Here’s how to remove a “frozen” threaded fastener: Heat the stud red hot with an oxyacetylene torch (use neutral or carbonizing flame) immediately adjacent to the gasket surface. Tap the end of the stud with a hammer. Use a light blow. Let it cool to room temperature. This process causes the stud threads to break loose and shrink. You should be able to grab it with Vice-Grip...
How to Make a “U-Fab” Style 6×2 Carb Intake Manifold
Back in the days before four barrel carburetors, or in days before four barrel carbs flowed enough air to feed a souped up engine properly, hot rodders relied on multiple carbs to feed a hot engine. There were store bought examples of course, but finances often dictated that a little sweat equity and hot rod ingenuity be used to create an log intake manifold suitable for feeding the hopped...
SBC Small Block Chevy Cylinder Head Casting Numbers
Chevy Cylinder Head Casting Numbers Years Casting# CID Intake Exhaust CC Comments 1971-75 330545 307,350 1.72 1.5001 74 1971-73 330862 400 1.94 1.5001 - 1971-76 333881 350 1.72 1.5001 - 1970-80 333882 350,400 1.94...
Mopar Alternator Upgrade
While at the junkyard, if the Mopar you are looking has the standard (not the 100 amp huge mother) alternator, grab that too, along with the plug, harness and voltage regulator. This gives you a much better voltage regulator and a dual field alternator (one field is constant output which works very well with the electronic ignition). Here is a wiring diagram for it: Read More →
Chrysler Electronic Ignition Wiring Diagrams
Here are some useful schematics for the Chrysler Electronic Ignition system. When pulling parts at the junkyard you can use the Chrysler electronic ignition distributors from ’73 until the vacuum advance unit on the distributor disappears should work. Avoid anything from a “Lean Burn” setup completely. You will need to get the distributor, control module, ballast resistor...
Vacuum Gauge Reading for Diagnosing Problems and Tuning Up Engines
My Dad showed my how to do this, and has helped me a couple times since then, so I figured I may post it on my web page. You’ll find this in most older “low tech” repair manuals. Read More →
Mopar Musclecar Body Types and Wheelbase
A Body–1960-1976 Plymouth: Valiant (all), Barracuda (’64-’69), Duster (’70-’76), Scamp (’71-’76) Dodge: Lancer (’61-’62), Dart (’63-’76), Demon (’71-’72), Dart Sport (’73-’76) Wheelbases: 106: ’63-’66 Valiant; ’64-’66 Barracuda; ’63-’66 Dart wagons 106.5: ’60-’62...
Mopar Head Gasket Tech
Recently I stopped by to talk with Steve Carlson, another local Mopar guy. He had the top end pulled off the 440 in his ’69 Road Runner. I learned that the thicker composite FelPro gasket head gaskets lower the compression a half point over the original style steel shim head gaskets. Every B/RB engine built since its inception in 1958 came with steel shim head gaskets regardless of...