The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”

The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs. Highlights include:

• An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens

• Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time

• An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel

• Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio

• A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability

• Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”

The new Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminum frame in-house for the first time.

“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.

The post First Look: 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Last time, I’d mentioned that I’d replaced the accelerator pump, the water inlet valve and tried to repair the radiator.

Well, the radiator was a bust and after 40 years of pumping water, it decided to give out.

So, I went to my favorite auto parts store, picked up a new one after Christmas and proceeded.

Soon after I’d taken the old one out, I noticed that the new radiator was about 4” taller than my current one.
It seems that there were two sizes of radiators and I thought I’d had the bigger one but it wasn’t. The auto parts store exchanged the radiator for the smaller one.

As I began to bolt it up, I noticed that the clips and brackets didn’t quite match up. Hmm. I bought some longer bolts, mounted the radiator and connected the hoses again. Since the clips were in a different place, I drilled out new holes so the fan shroud could bolt on without hitting the fan.

After everything was complete, I started it up without any leaks. Just the way I like it.

Solenoid $15

Starter $40

Voltage Regulator $8

Battery $100

2nd Solenoid $15

Thermostat $7

Spark Plugs $30

JB Weld $8

Shocks – $100

Accelerator Pump $7

Water Outlet – $8

Radiator – $239

The post New Radiator for my Project ’72 Ford F100 appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

I love this time of year. Sometimes. Not really a fan of the cold weather but I do love celebrating Christmas with my family and friends.

Each family has it’s own unique and quirky traditions which makes them special. My wife’s family likes to give ornaments as gifts. When they travel throughout the year, they’ll stop along the way and find ornaments from all over the place.

Why ornaments? Why the colors red and green? Here are a few answers to our favorite Holiday decorations:

The Colors Red and Green:
RED symbolizes the BLOOD of Christ, offered in sacrifice for our sins. GREEN is the color of LIFE. EVERGREENS in the middle of winter give us HOPE that new life will come even after the cold of winter.

Ornaments on the Tree:
Dec. 24 was observed on the Church calendar as the Feast of Adam and Eve. In the Middle Ages, there were religious plays called “Mystery plays”. They told story of Creation and Adam and Eve. A PROP for those plays was a Tree of Paradise; a FIR tree with RED APPLES on it. These EVOLVED into our tree ornaments.

Star:
It reminds us of the star that guided the Wise Men to where Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

COLORS of the Candy Cane:
WHITE: symbolizes the Virgin birth and the purity of Christ, RED: symbolizes the blood of Christ, offered in sacrifice for our sins. STRIPES: remind us of the marks from his SCOURGING in his Passion, like it says in Isaiah 53 and I Peter 2, “By his STRIPES we are healed.”

Candles:
Symbolize the fact that Christ is the LIGHT of the World. He DISPELS the DARKNESS of sin.

Enjoy this wonderful time of year and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The post Hey! It’s the Holiday Season! appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

The new Silverado builds on Chevrolet’s 95 years of truck heritage, while raising the bar for full-size pickups. Among the many updates for 2014 are a new trio of powerful, efficient EcoTec3 engines; a stronger, quieter, more comfortable cab; revised steering, suspension and brakes; ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed and true truck capability for towing and hauling.

“Our customers rely on their trucks to meet the day-to-day challenges of earning a living, running a business and taking care of their families,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “Chevrolet is committed to giving truck customers the most-refined, best-engineered pickups in the market.”

The 2014 Silverado will become part of Chevrolet’s three-truck portfolio, designed to let customers select the right truck for their needs. It joins the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD pickups, the ultimate tools for towing and hauling, which were new for the 2011 model year. Chevrolet is also developing an all-new Colorado midsize pickup, which will offer proven truck capability in a space- and fuel-efficient package.

Every detail of the 2014 Silverado 1500 was designed and engineered to meet the exacting requirements of full-size truck customers and to strengthen Chevrolet’s reputation for building the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size trucks – trucks with the lowest overall cost of ownership.

“Don’t let the work boots fool you. Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for full-size and midsize trucks.

“The designers and engineers who created the new Silverado share this passion for trucks. They have built this truck – and tested it to the extremes – to give customers the right tools for the tough jobs, and they have created dozens of solutions to the challenges truck customers encounter every day.”

2014 Silverado 1500 at a glance

For 2014, Silverado 1500 is designed and engineered to deliver the capability – without compromise – that customers have come to expect from Chevrolet pickups.

Silverado’s exterior design blends strong Chevy truck heritage with a refined, modern aesthetic. The new design is more muscular, more functional and more aerodynamic. A twin-port grille, full-width bumper and dual power dome hood create a strong presence, which is carried through in sculpted body sides and fender flares.

The new Silverado design is about much more than just looks, however. The new front end is engineered to improve sealing for more efficient cooling, while the roof and tailgate spoiler were shaped in the wind tunnel to smooth airflow over the truck for reduced drag. New inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the bodyside, reduce wind noise for a quieter cab.

Under the hood, the 2014 Silverado 1500 features a family of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a V-6 and two V-8s, engineered specifically for use in full-size trucks. All three engines incorporate direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing, a combination of advanced technologies not found in other competitors’ trucks. All three switch seamlessly to four-cylinder operation to improve efficiency during light load driving and all three are engineered provide more power, more torque and better efficiency than the previous versions.

The engine family includes a new 4.3L V-6 that will have ample torque to power a crew cab pickup and tow a substantial trailer, as well as a new 5.3L V-8 designed for more power, more torque and better efficiency than the current version, which is currently the V-8 fuel economy leader. A new 6.2L V-8 is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup.

SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Silverado will be final and available beginning early next year.

The all-new interiors of the 2014 Silverado 1500 reflect the same focus on form and function. The upright instrument panel, six-gauge instrument cluster and multiple storage options are tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers. Controls are functional, logically placed and easy to operate with work gloves on. Rear doors on crew cabs are larger, for easier entry and exit, and rear doors on extended cab models are now hinged at the front for easier access, especially in tight spots.

The new Chevrolet MyLink provides easy-to-use connectivity for the job site or the family vacation, with natural voice recognition and enough ports and power outlets to support multiple devices.

The new truck cab is stronger, with nearly two-thirds of the structure made from high-strength steel for a confident feel and improved safety. Similarly, the main rails and key cross members of the updated frame are high-strength steel with major elements hydroformed for reduced mass and improved strength.

New shear-style body mounts tune out both up-and-down and side-to-side movement for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Extended- and crew-cab models have a third set of hydraulic body mounts to further isolate the cabs. Combined with numerous other acoustic and NVH (noise vibration and harshness) enhancements, the intended result is a solid, refined feel with no loss in traditional truck capability.

The pickup box also benefits from this focus on providing Silverado customers with the right tools for the job. The box is made from roll-formed steel for increased strength and reduced mass, compared with the stamped beds used by major competitors, and it features a range of smart solutions for everyday life.

Silverado’s CornerStep bumper, combined with handholds built into the new box rail protectors, makes it easier to access the box. The bed is also available with new upper tie-down hooks, under-rail light-emitting diode lighting, and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate.

For the first time, Silverado 1500 crew cabs will be available with a longer 6’6” foot box, in addition to the previous 5’8” box, enabling customers to carry more cargo while still being able to park in many garages.

The chassis of the 2014 Silverado includes a number of customer-focused updates. A revised front and rear suspension and wider wheels provide a more comfortable ride and more confident handling. Electric power steering improves steering feel and reduces fuel consumption. New four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife ™ rotors improve brake feel and extend rotor life.

Silverado will be available with segment-exclusive safety features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist. StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all Silverados.

“We have made significant upgrades in the key areas of the new Silverado, and improved almost every detail of the truck,” said Luke. “We think both Chevrolet loyalists and competitive shoppers are going to find a lot to love about the new Silverado, beginning with the very first time they sit behind the wheel.”

Engineered and validated for demanding customers

Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business. They know trucks inside out – many have owned trucks for decades. They work their trucks hard, under conditions that would shock many car owners. They have tough tasks to do, and they expect their trucks to do them, without complaint. And they expect their trucks to endure – the average age of a full-size pickup is now more than 10.4 years.

The team that designed the new Silverado went to extremes to design a new truck that would exceed the demands of these customers.

For example, GM’s new full-size trucks will undergo more than 6 million miles of durability testing in the torture chambers at the Milford Proving Ground, over the deserts and mountains of Nevada and across the frozen flats of Kapuskasing, Ontario. That’s equivalent to 240 trips around the earth. In addition, the trucks will accumulate more than 7 million real-world miles during final testing, bringing total test miles to more than 13 million.

The increased power, torque and efficiency of the new EcoTec3 engine family resulted from an unprecedented level of computer analysis, including extensive computational flow dynamics, to optimize the burning of air and fuel in the cylinders. More than 10 million of hours of computational analysis went into the engine program. More than 6 million hours – about 685 years’ worth – of analysis went into the advanced combustion system alone.

Even the basics, like the new inlaid doors, were tested to the extreme, with the doors undergoing nearly 150 truck lives’ worth of testing.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will start production in the second quarter of 2013, with other cab styles following later in the year.

Pricing will be announced closer to start of sale.

Additional Details – 2014 Silverado 1500

A modern interpretation of iconic Chevrolet design

For the 2014 Silverado, designers sought to strike the ideal balance between Chevrolet’s deep heritage in full-size pickups and a more modern, refined aesthetic. They also sought to give the new Silverado a more dramatic presence, with a heightened stance and more structural, muscular sheet metal, while also improving aerodynamics to make the new Silverado quieter and more efficient.

“Creating the new Silverado while maintaining its heritage was a challenge, but I am confident that we struck the right balance,” said Kevin O’Donnell, manager for the Silverado exterior design. “The 2104 Silverado will definitely stand out, in terms of both appearance and improved aerodynamic performance.”

The classic two-port Chevrolet truck grille, restyled headlamps and one-piece bumper wrap from fender to fender, giving the truck a wider, stronger stance. The grille of the new Silverado is designed to admit the just right amount of air, and the front is carefully sealed to provide efficient cooling with minimal aerodynamic drag.

A modern interpretation of Chevrolet vertically stacked headlamps includes projector beam lamps on LTZ models. A new hood with twin power domes not only enhances visual presence, but it guides air over the windshield wipers for reduced wind noise.

The more aggressive design continues down the body, with sculpted body sides and prominent fender flares. Available wheel well liners provide a more finished look. Wheels range from 17 to 20 inches in diameter and all are a half-inch wider than before, for reduced tire flex and enhanced cornering and steering. Twenty-two-inch wheels will be available as Chevrolet accessories.

Special attention was paid to airflow over the truck, to improve efficiency and reduce wind noise. Most notable are the inlaid doors, which fit into body sides rather than wrapping over the roof. When combined with new triple door seals, the inlaid doors reduce wind noise and turbulence, helping quiet the cab.

Other aerodynamic details include new cab-to-box seals, shields on the chassis to smooth under-vehicle air flow, and deflectors to guide air around the rear tires. Both the roof and the top of the tailgate were precisely shaped to help manage airflow over the back of the pickup.

Also for 2014, rear doors on crew cab models are larger. The B-pillars were moved forward, the rear seat redesigned and the front seatbacks made thinner, adding about two inches to rear legroom and increasing the ease of entry and exit without adding length to the vehicle. On extended cab Silverados, the rear doors now hinge at the front, from the B-pillar, for easier access in parking lot and other tight spots.

Three all-new EcoTec3 engines

The heart of any truck is under its hood and the 2014 Silverado 1500 offers three new EcoTec3 engines developed specifically for the demands of truck duty cycles. All feature a trio of state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing – that optimize power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

The new trio of engines is designed to match the needs of truck customers, and to provide more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy than previous Silverado engines.

All three engines feature an advanced combustion system for more efficiently turning fuel into work and all three are designed to seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency during light-load driving.

“We believe these engines are the most technologically advanced engines ever offered in light-duty pickups, and they are specifically designed for the way customers use trucks in the real world,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager.

“EcoTec3 engines offer technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our engines, for every one of our customers,” said Lee. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most advanced technology regardless of trim level.”

To provide the dependability and low cost of ownership that truck customers count on, all three engines feature a work-tested, race-proven overhead valve design that is light and compact, and has inherently low friction for improved fuel efficiency. All three feature aluminum blocks and heads for lower weight. (For more details, see the accompanying EcoTec3 Engines release.)

The new engine family includes:

• A new standard 4.3L V-6. Its large displacement delivers the torque to power a crew cab and pull a substantial trailer, yet it can seamlessly shift into four-cylinder mode under light loads for improved efficiency.
• A new 5.3L V-8. It is engineered to provide more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy that the current 5.3L V-8, making it an excellent choice for mainstream customers.
• A new 6.2L V-8. It is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup. Like the other two engines in the family, it can seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode under light load conditions for improved efficiency in daily driving.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 is engineered to further improve efficiency by enabling the engines to operate in four-cylinder mode more of the time. For example, transmission and exhaust mounts tune out vibration that can occur when the engines are in four-cylinder mode, and an active exhaust system fine tunes backpressure and the exhaust note for smoother, quieter operation. Models with the 6.2L V-8 feature active noise cancellation to further quiet the cabin during four-cylinder mode.

All three engines feature a six-speed automatic transmission with gear ratios and shift schedules optimized for performance and efficiency. The transmissions feature Auto Grade Braking, which downshifts on downgrades to help reduce brake wear. Due to the added torque of the new V-8 engines, new 9.5- or 9.76-inch rear axles are used.

“Not only did we work to improve the horsepower, torque and EPA fuel economy estimates of all three EcoTec3 engines, but we worked hard to improve real-world efficiency as well, especially when towing and hauling,” said Lee. “We look forward to journalists and other third parties having the opportunity to test our trucks head-to-head with the competition in real world conditions.”

More comfortable, more functional interior

With crew cabs now accounting for more than two-thirds of light-duty sales industry-wide, pickups are increasingly becoming multi-purpose tools, used to run a business or earn a living during the day and transporting friends and family during the time off. To accommodate those needs Silverado designers sought to craft an interior that was quieter, roomier, more comfortable and more functional, without making it look like the interior of a car or crossover.

The result: an all new interior that sets a benchmarks for full-size trucks.

“Changes to the exterior of the 2014 Silverado can be described as evolutionary, but the updates to the interior are dramatic,” said Helen Emsley, Silverado design director. “The meticulous attention to detail and the steps we took to ensure optimal driver and passenger comfort and convenience, are reflected in the fact that the new interiors rated off the charts in customer clinics.”

The upright instrument panel with its six-gauge instrument cluster is tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers, and most models also include a 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center displaying vehicle and infotainment data.

Controls were located with the use of reach curves, and important controls were place closest to the driver and grouped functionally. Knobs, buttons and interfaces are large, easy-to-read and easy to operate, even with gloves on.

For example, Silverado retained the traditional column shifter, with tap-up/tap-down and tow-haul functions integrated into the lever, because it clears space in the console and is easy to operate, even with heavy work gloves. Similarly, the available integrated trailer brake control is mounted high and to the left of the steering wheel, where the driver can more naturally reach for it.

The result is a simple, well designed instrument panel – one in keeping with the ways customers use their full-size trucks.

Silverado’s available MyLink infotainment system is designed to be easy-to-use, highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices. It features natural language voice recognition that allows customers to place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. There are no key phrases to remember and no need to look at a screen.

MyLink also can be operated via large, clearly labeled knobs, through integrated steering wheel controls, or through the touch screen on models with the eight-inch screen.

The system also can store up to 60 favorites including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media – a convenient feature for small businesses or owners who travel frequently.

All models also have extensive interior storage, tailored to the way customers use their trucks. Multiple USB ports, along with 12-volt and110-volt power outlets, help connect multiple devices.

A new high-wear seat cloth that is more durable and easier to clean is available and the front seats have more durable dual-density foam for improved comfort and longer life.

The goal, in each case, was to create a level of comfort and convenience usually associated with upscale cars, but tailored to the way customers use actually use their trucks.

Strengthened cabs and frames

Truck customers have the highest expectations when it comes to durability and capability – they need to know that one of the most important tools in their toolbox is going to withstand the daily punishment of their work and their active lifestyles. And they expect their trucks to last – the average truck on the road is now more than 10.4 years old.

To ensure that the new Silverado is up to the challenge, key elements of the updated frame, including the main rails and major cross members, are made from high-strength steel and hydroforming is used to improve strength and reduce mass of the front of the frame.

The cab structures are all new, and incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels. Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody in anticipation of new shallow-offset crash tests. In all, about two-thirds of the cab structure is made from high-strength steels, for a quieter ride, a more confident feel and enhanced performance on new, tougher government and industry crash tests.

The mounts that isolate the cab from frame have a major impact on both noise and vibration in the passenger compartment. All Silverado models now have shear-style mounts, which isolate both up-and-down and side-to-side movements, and extended- and crew-cab models have additional hydraulic mounts to provide further isolation. The result is a truck that feels much quieter, more refined and more solid than previous models.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 also features a roll-formed steel pickup box, which is lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional stamped steel boxes used by major competitors.

The use of high-strength steels and other lighter materials such as aluminum hoods, engine blocks and suspension helped offset the mass of new features such as stronger cabs, wider wheels, a larger battery and larger rear axles for V-8 Silverados. The 2014 Silverado continues to be lighter than comparable models from a key competitor.

More confident ride, handling and braking

The suspension, steering and brakes of the 2014 Silverado 1500 have been extensively updated to for a quieter, more refined ride and confident handling and braking.

The coil-over-shock front suspension features aluminum upper and lower control arms on many models that are both lighter and stiffer than previous components, along with front springs are up to 30 percent stiffer than those on current models, for more confident handling.

The rear suspension continues to use two-stage multi-leaf springs, for an optimal balance between a smooth ride and load carrying capability. The spring bushings have been revised for an improved ride, and both front and rear shocks feature a twin-tube design with new valving to improve damping at low speeds, for a smoother, more controlled ride. Z71 models use monotube Rancho shocks for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 features new all-electric variable-assist power steering, which improves overall vehicle handling and reduces steering effort at low speeds. Because there is no engine-driven pump, electric power steering also reduces fuel consumption and eliminates the maintenance associated with hydraulic power steering.

Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife ™ rotors are standard. The rotors feature a hardened and strengthened surface that resists rusting, potentially doubling the life of the rotors and improving vehicle appearance. The brake pedal feel has been improved as well.

Silverado also features Auto Grade Braking, which uses the engine and transmission controls to slow the vehicle on a long downgrade, helping maintain vehicle speed and reducing the need for the driver to use the brakes.

Smarter pickup box

For 2014, Silverado even makes the pickup box smarter. A CornerStep bumper and built-in hand grip pockets in the new bed rail protectors make it easier to step up into the bed and access items.

The tailgate features an internal torsion bar that reduces the effort to raise and lower the tailgate, while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion when opening the tailgate. A locking feature, two-tier loading and a box lamp are standard. Available features include upper tie-down hooks that make it easier to secure cargo, and LED lamps under the bed rails that make it easier to see items in the bed.

The pickup box is available in three lengths – 5’8”, 6’6”and 8’. Crew cab models add the 6’6” box as a new option in addition to the 5’8” box. Extended cab models come with 6’6” boxes and regular cab models are available with 6’6” or 8’ boxes. Customers who tow will appreciate the four- and seven-pin trailer connector located in the rear bumper.

Z71 for off-road capability

For owners whose work or recreation takes them off road, Z71 returns as a unique model, available in LT and LTZ trim. For 2014, Z71 includes monotube Rancho shocks, front tow hooks, a transfer case skid plate and unique 18- or 20-inch all-terrain tires. The Z71 package also includes Hill Descent Control. Engaged by the driver using a button on the instrument panel, it uses the anti-lock braking system to enable a smooth and controlled descent in rough terrain.

Z71 also includes unique 18-inch wheels (optional on LT, standard on LTZ) and unique interior trim, including brushed metal sill plates, a technical finish on interior trim pieces and Z71 graphics on the instrument cluster.

Standard on Z71, and available on other Silverados, is a GM-exclusive automatic locking rear differential, which reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.

Advanced safety features

As mentioned above, the 2014 Silverado 1500 has an all-new cab, with approximately two-thirds of the structure built from high strength steels. It helps protect occupants in the event of a crash and enhances performance on new, tougher government and industry crash tests.

Silverado continues to offer a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist, head curtain side airbags with rollover protection and OnStar.

New for 2014, Silverado will offer several segment-leading features. Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift into another lane, via an audible warning or the available Safety Alert Seat. Also available is Forward Collision Alert, which monitors the space in front of the vehicle via a camera, and warns the drive if he or she is getting too close to the vehicle ahead.

Other available safety features include front and rear park assist, a rear vision camera mounted in the tailgate and spotter mirrors that make it easier for drivers to see objects in the blinds spots.

The post First Look: 2014 Chevy Silverado appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Ford’s new Fiesta, which breaks cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will redefine the small car with a projected best 40 mpg-plus fuel economy rating, an exciting new look, and special features and technology that make it the most fun-to-drive car of its size.

“Customers want cars that are expressive and fun while offering class-leading fuel economy,” says Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Fiesta delivers all the excitement drivers are looking for in a car we believe will raise the bar even higher for small cars in North America.

“Our goal with this Fiesta was to take a car that was already a leader in fuel efficiency, performance, connectivity and personality, and make it even better,” Fields adds.

Fuel efficiency and fun
The most dramatic and distinctive Fiesta to date will deliver the best miles per gallon among its rivals, led by Ford’s patented new 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine. This landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International’s International Engine of the Year Award in Europe, is expected to deliver more than 40 mpg.

With that, Fiesta is projected to be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid subcompact in America, and stands as a shining example of Ford’s commitment to provide consumers with the most fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and trucks.

While the diminutive size of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost saves cash at the pump, it doesn’t hold anything back on the road. At 123 horsepower for each liter of engine displacement (the engine’s size), the 1.0-liter EcoBoost delivers more power for its size than a Lamborghini Aventador (at 108 horsepower per liter).

EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford’s strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines. Ford’s leadership with EcoBoost has resulted in more than 125 patents on the technology. Currently, more than 500,000 vehicles have this engine and by 2013 more than 1.3 million will have EcoBoost.

Small is smart
In addition to its new EcoBoost engine, Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that give drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.

A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. Fiesta still features SYNC® AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta, which allows drivers to access and control Ford-approved smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls while on the go, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.

Ford’s MyKey® is a new feature on Fiesta, which enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

“This car was built for the digital generation,” says John Schneider, Ford chief engineer, Upperbody Electronics. “With Bluetooth® connectivity and MP3 capabilities, tech-savvy people who use social media to be constantly connected with the world around them won’t be slowed down when they get in this car.

“It has always been the belief at Ford that entry-level drivers deserve the best technology,” Schneider adds. “We launched SYNC AppLink on Fiesta, and now transitioning to MyFord Touch with this new touch screen enables us to go further in our quest to give drivers the best in in-car electronics.”

Built to excite the right-brain driver
Proving to be every bit as creative as its owner, the new Fiesta will offer custom exterior design graphics and sexy new color options. The redesigned exterior boasts a sporty new grille that reflects the new face of Ford.

Inside, things are just as expressive. The cell phone-inspired dashboard and available leather steering wheel and seats amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and get on the move. A selection of ambient lighting options allows Fiesta drivers to set just the mood they want. Also available is a new Sony HD audio/satellite radio with eight premium speakers for drivers to more fully appreciate their music.

Big on safety
This continues to be a small car that is big on safety. Fiesta offers the following standard safety features:

• AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control
• Dual-stage first-row airbags
• Driver knee airbag
• Side-impact airbags
• Side-curtain airbags
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System Child-safety rear locks
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer
• Improved side-impact safety capabilities

Fiesta ST pushes performance
Fiesta ST is Ford’s newest contribution to the world of hot hatches.

A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine propels Fiesta ST with an anticipated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, Mini Cooper S makes do with 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft.

Unlike the competition, Fiesta ST doesn’t simply look like a performance car; it’s got the guts to back it up.

Fiesta ST may be born with racing DNA, but there’s no price for that performance at the pump. Available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in North America and with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is projected to achieve up to 34 mpg.

The post 2013 Ford Fiesta appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Ok, so last month, I replaced the thermostat, fixed a little crack in the radiator, replaced the shocks and fixed a small gas leak by replacing the accelerator pump.

Well, where should I start.

When I first bought the truck, I noticed a small gas leak on a housing near the carburetor. When I’d start the truck, sometimes it would leak and sometimes it wouldn’t.

So, I replaced the accelerator pump, put the 4 bolts back in, reconnected the throttle bar and it didn’t leak.
A couple weeks later, it started leaking again. The bolt on the bottom left had wiggled loose and was allowing the truck to leak gas again. So, I took them all out, put some threadlock on the threads and bolted the part back on. Fired it up and it didn’t leak gas. Gotta keep my eye on that.

But, I did notice water leaking out of a housing where the thermostat mounts to the block.

I went to town and picked up the new housing. I took the old one off, which had two bolts and disconnected the hose from the radiator. Sure enough, it had cracked at the bottom. I bolted the new one on, attached the radiator hose and fixed the problem.
I started it up and went over to the Ag Barn in Smyer where my girls’ show pigs are.

Truck ran great, but started over heat. I’ll have to get a new radiator. AND, I realized that when the previous owner took the transmission shift off the column and put it in the floor that the gears didn’t quite feel right. See the diagram below:

My ‘65 Land Cruiser is opposite. Is the shifter link backwards? Adios.

 
Here’s a look at what I’ve replaced so far:

Solenoid $15

Starter $40

Voltage Regulator $8

Battery $100

2nd Solenoid $15

Thermostat $7

Spark Plugs $30

JB Weld $8

Shocks – $100

Accelerator Pump $7

Water Outlet – $8

The post Gas Leak, Water Outlet… appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Mercedes-Benz debuted the new electric vehicle at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

The SLS AMG Electric Drive offers an incredible 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, and reaches 60 miles per hour in less than 3.9 seconds, making it incredibly fast and powerful. As a fully battery-powered vehicle, the V8 engine was removed and replaced with four electric motors, one for each wheel.

According to the automaker, the vehicle’s batteries offers drivers a range of about 150 miles of mixed driving. Charge time reportedly takes more than 20 hours with an ordinary outlet, but Mercedes-Benz has plans to offer a quick-charge KERS option which takes approximately 3 hours.

Currently, plans to market the SLS AMG Electric Drive have only been announced for Europe, but a U.S. launch may not be far behind.

Now that you’ve seen this amazing vehicle, what does it cost you ask? $537,930. Yep. Supercar…check. Electric vehicle…check. Astronomical price tag…check. Will I see one in the Lubbock or Midland/Odessa area…maybe.

The post 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

New Shock

Ok, so last issue, I explained my starting issues and told you about replacing the spark plugs, the thermostat and fixing the little crack in the radiator.

This issue, we take on the shocks and a small gas leak.

The shocks in the truck are shot! Seriously, I can make the truck sway back and forth just by pushing it at the top of the cab from the driver side.

I know it may come as no surprise to you but changing the shocks on this old truck were pretty easy. Shocks are an essential part of the truck and affect driving performance and road handling capabilities.

Let’s start on the drivers side. First, I had to jack up the truck and remove the wheel so we could expose the shock. Next, I used a wrench and a vise grip to unbolt the shock and remove it from the I-beam.

Next, I put the new shock in place and tightened up the nut. Once it was all in place, I put the tire back on, lowered the jack and was done with the front driver side!

Since the front was so easy, I moved to the passenger side and repeated the process.

Next up, the rear shocks. Once again, jack it up and remove the lug nuts and tire. Once those are off, unbolt the shock from the top mounting bracket and the bottom bracket. Slide on the new one, bolt it down and boom your done!

Last, I noticed a small gas leak when I started the truck a few months back. Sometimes it would leak and sometimes it wouldn’t.

I described the part to the guys at the auto parts store and showed them a picture on my phone. They recognized it as an Accelerator Pump.

It was pretty easy to take off and install and no more gas leaks. Adios.

Here’s a look at what I’ve replaced so far:

Solenoid $15

Starter $40

Voltage Regulator $8

Battery $100

2nd Solenoid $15

Thermostat $7

Spark Plugs $30

JB Weld $8

Shocks – $100

Accelerator Pump $7

The post Shocks & Accelerator Pump appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

For the first three-four months, the 390 V8 engine was running and I was able to make some adjustments to the carburetor and clean it up a little.

Then, I ran into the Rat’s Nest(s) that forced me to take a look at the wiring around the battery and solenoid, which were keeping it from starting.

See the bead of JB Weld on that lip?

First, I replaced the solenoid and couldn’t get it to start. Next, I replaced the starter. Still, not starting. Third, came the voltage regulator. Nothing. Fourth, was the fuseable link that attached to the solenoid. Nope. Fifth, I bought a new battery. Heard a click but nothing. Sixth, I bought a 2nd solenoid and mounted it to new holes drilled in the firewall. That got the engine started!!

Ok, so after I got it running, I took it for a little drive down the country road I live on. The engine ran good for about a couple miles until the radiator cap started whistling. I immediately took it home, let it cool down, and noticed that there were some bubbles of water fizzing from a broken seal on the radiator.

Two different sizes of BRAND NEW Spark Plugs for this truck!

I went to my favorite auto parts store and bought some JB Weld and a new thermostat.

After she’d cooled down, I mixed up the JB Weld, and put a nice coat on the entire seal from one side of the radiator to the other. I took a paint brush and slowly applied the mix until the seal was completely covered with JB Weld.

Next, I took the radiator hose and the 90 degree joint off the engine block and popped out the thermostat. It was old and corroded looking. I put the new thermostat in, mounted the 90 degree joint back on the engine block and attached the hose.

When I bolted everything back together, I got a funny feeling that the thermostat didn’t quite fit in properly.

I fired up the engine and a minute later, it started leaking water at the 90 degree joint.

I took it off, applied a little adhesive spray to the new thermostat and it locked into place.

After that, I took all the spark plugs out. Little did I know that this engine had TWO different sizes of spark plugs and I purchased the wrong size the first time. I went back, exchanged them for new ones and put them in.

The truck runs nicely now and sounds pretty good! In the future, I’m going to have to replace the shocks, tighten up the steering, buy some new tires and get a few things that will help clean it up. Overall, I’ve enjoyed this project and have had a good time getting this old truck cleaned up. Adios.
Here’s a look at what I’ve replaced so far:

Solenoid $15

Starter $40

Voltage Regulator $8

Battery $100

2nd Solenoid $15

Thermostat $7

Spark Plugs $30

JB Weld $8

The post Starter, Battery, Spark Plugs… appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Cars that competed in this race:

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
$56,000  – 580hp

2013 Ford Shelby GT500
$55,000 – 662hp

2012 Jaguar XKR-S
$133,000 – 550hp

2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
$383,000 – 691hp

2012 McLaren MP4-12C
$231,000 – 592hp

2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series
$106,000 – 510hp

2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition
$98,000 545hp

2012 Porsche Carrera S
$97,000 – 400hp

2013 Subaru BRZ
$28,000 – 200hp

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/the-world-s-greatest-drag-race-2-.html

The post Motortrend’s World’s Greatest Drag Race 2! appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.