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The Tremec TKO is a great choice for retrofitting into the old muscle cars, but it isn’t quite a direct bolt-in replacement for a four speed. There are a few areas that will require modification and/or custom parts for a TKO conversion into any muscle car.

The Tremec TKO’s three rail internal shift mechanism is positioned at the top of the transmission, making it taller, wider and flatter across the top than most of the old four speeds that were common in the 1960s and 1970s. Some cars such as the 1967-1981 Camaros and Firebirds typically have ample room to install a TKO without any tunnel modifications. Other muscle cars have transmission tunnels that are barely big enough for the old four speeds, and will interfere with the TKO. Body mounts that are in bad condition will make things worse, so make sure your body mounts are in good shape before installing a TKO. Some cars can get by with just dimpling the transmission tunnel in a few areas, but on others there just isn’t any way to get around cutting the tunnel and reshaping new sheetmetal around the transmission. However, the modifications can almost always be covered by the factory carpet, and with a console may be completely invisible from inside the car. Continue reading ‘Tremec TKO Transmissions Part 5 – Will it Fit My Car?’ »

An engine coolant is an important fluid for the car. It performs two primary functions in the car. During hot weather, the the coolants remove heat from the car combustion area to prevent it from over heating. When the weather is very cold, especially for regions that have extreme winters, the coolants prevent the car engine from failing. These coolants usually come in liquid form and are mostly made up of specific fluids. The coolant should be replaced regularly because they enable the engine to function well. Don’t forget that coolants should also be treated regularly as they help eliminate rust and dirt deposits from the engine that help the engine function well.

The first step is to check on the location of their coolant tank. Once the coolant tank has been located, check on the engine coolant levels of your car. This is relatively easy. There are car indicators that show the levels of the fluid in the car. If the levels are too low, then the owner is advised to fill it up. The vehicle owner should also check on the condition of the coolant fluid. Most engine coolant fluids by various manufacturers normally come in different colors. Engine coolant fluid that is in good condition is normally clear based on its original color. This color should be free of dirt and other particles. Engine coolant oil is added to the overflow tank of the vehicle and is sealed thereafter. This prevents any leakages from occurring. Engine coolants are also readily available in all gas stations. The vehicle user is advised to check on these levels when the car is cool, never when it is hot. Continue reading ‘Functions of an Engine Coolant’ »

Spark plugs are important components in system of a car. These plugs enable the proper functioning of a car engine and perform the function of compressing fuels by the use of an electric spark. Although spark plugs wear out gradually, the user should ensure that the plug is of high quality in order to ensure longevity in performance. A car user is advised to take his vehicle for regular engine servicing. Regular engine servicing enables the mechanic to detect on any impending irregularities in the car. The car user is also advised to replace plugs after every two years.

So here is what you do.

Spark plugs are important components in system of a car.

A clear indicator that the car has a faulty plug is when the engine slows down on its performance. This is an obvious sign that it is worn out. Before the user replaces the worn out plugs, they should first check the manufacturer’s description. The manufacturer’s description gives the exact specifications on the original car spark plug and alternative ones in case the user does not find the original type. In order to ensure that the plug is completely worn out, the user should test it first. Testing is normally done by the use of a spark plug gauge. Other areas to check on include plug cables which indicate any splits, cracks, rust in the engine, as well as any other damaged area of the engine. Continue reading ‘How to Test a Car Spark Plug’ »

Car mirrors are probably one of the most frequently replaced parts, because they are prone to be broken – just ask any driver who ever reverse into their mailbox, or glass whose car has been snapped with a baseball bat by a gang of rowdy teenagers. Once a car glass breaks, it’s a common mistake made by many drivers to have the whole assembly mirrors replaced, when all she needed some replacement and minor repair mirror mirror.

It’s actually quite easy to replace your mirrors. The first step is knowing how to find good replacements for them. Some of the best places where you could find replacements mirror is to look online. So if you find yourself need help with this first step, here are some websites you might check: Continue reading ‘How to Find Replacements For A Car Mirrors Glass’ »

Got torn car upholstery? If you do, you would probably think of letting the auto repair guy do the job. Well, that is very convenient-and unfortunately it is very costly, too. Maybe you have not yet considered this, but doing the repairs or reupholstering repair yourself is not as hard as you think. All you need to have is a lot of patience and attention to detail.

Most car owners would not think twice on spending some money for their car’s engine and exterior. It is ironic because it is in the interior where a car owner really gets in touch with the car. When you go on a road trip, the main part of the interior that makes you comfortable is the upholstery, so why not make it the very best it can be?

Now, let’s say that you want to upgrade your upholstery to give your interior a more elegant look or want to have aging upholstery repaired or replaced. What are you going to do? Continue reading ‘Things to Know Before Considering a DIY Auto Upholstery Repair’ »

What records should you maintain to ensure your truck is maintained in good condition at all times? Read ahead for some answers.

You should keep track of the date on which you carried maintenance activities in your truck. Further, you should also keep track of the dates on which various repairs were carried out on your truck. It is preferable to maintain this information in a computer file where you can record not only the date but also the nature of maintenance activities or repair work done. This will help you determine whether the quality of work done was good or bad. Continue reading ‘Maintain Notes About Your Truck Maintenance Record on Your Computer’ »

Mopar is basically short for Motor Parts, the motor parts and service branch of Daimler Chrysler American brands Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep. The term was originally used by Chrysler during the 1920s and has been used ever since. Mopar parts are manufactured by the same teams that also created Dodge Chrysler or Jeep. The Chrysler group LLC is an American vehicle creator that is situated in Detroit. It is located in the suburb of Auburn Hills in Michigan.

It was on June 1st that Chrysler LLC decided to sell a few assets and operations to the Chrysler Group LLC. The internet has many places where you can buy Mopar parts and accessories. Look for a company that also provides a skilled after sales team. However this is not always possible especially as some Mopar parts are extremely rare. Continue reading ‘Mopar Parts at Wholesale Prices Using the Internet’ »

Welcome to a briefly informative auto repair troubleshooting article. There is extreme consumption of time and money, if you are not ready for the auto repair shop. The vehicles of today are extremely complex, it takes training and skill to properly diagnose your vehicle. There are ways of educating yourself for the dreaded auto repair visit; therefore automotive diagnostic troubleshooting is essential information to obtain. Make sure the information you are receiving is credible. In this article I will examine general diagnostic troubleshooting and some procedures that follow.

Diagnostic trouble shooting for auto repair takes equipment, education and pure skill. Knowing a honest and reliable auto technician can be a great commodity. Having some general diagnostic knowledge will keep you from being ripped off and may help you to stay out of the repair shop. The Internet is rich with information and can help you in diagnosing your vehicle for repair, which will save you time and money. Remember this does not make you qualified for auto repair, but will help you to briefly understand what is involved. Continue reading ‘Auto Repair Help Troubleshooting – Using General Diagnostics’ »

I bought our Austin Healey at the end of 2005 to add to our classic car fleet. I have owned (and still own) a number of classic cars including an Austin Healey Sprite but this was our first foray into Big Healey ownership.

They are very robust cars based on a strong steel chassis with a fairly lightweight body, 3 litre engine with four speed gearbox with overdrive. They were raced and rallied to great effect in the 1950s and 1960s and one of the contributors to this success was their roadholding. The cars have fairly basic suspension based on a rigid axle and a pair of cart springs with lever arm dampers giving it a firm ride with very little body roll and are fairly low to the ground. Herein lay my problem. Continue reading ‘Improving the Ground Clearance on an Austin Healey 3000’ »

When you decide to upgrade your auto upholstery or repairing the present upholstery, do not skip the research phase. You may think of doing the repairs or reupholstering repair yourself. It most likely is not as easy a process as you think, so be ready to have a professional do the job for you.

Even though a lot of thought and work is given to the engine and the outer part of your car, the interior is where you normally come into contact with your auto. The upholstery is the main thing that gives you the comfort in your journey helping you to enjoy the experience driving to the fullest. Continue reading ‘Auto Upholstery Repair – Do it Yourself and Save’ »