From 1979 to 1987, the Chevy El Camino slimmed down like a carb-conscious dieter but kept its charm. The “Black Knight” morphed into the “Royal Knight,” and the engines were all about sipping fuel while still packing a punch. The V8s flexed their muscles, but the V6s were the real MVPs in fuel economy. As for transmission, everything went floor-mounted, making gear changes feel like a dance move. By ’82, Chevy added a diesel engine, perfect for those who love conserving fuel and collecting repair bills!
Posts Tagged: Chevy
This 1948 Studebaker Commander is the ultimate classic car makeover, swapping out its old engine for a revved-up Chevy 305 V8 with enough chrome to blind astronauts. It’s like giving Grandma a new hip and a pair of roller skates! Bolted to a 700R4 automatic transmission, this beast cruises with overdrive finesse. Riding on a Camaro sub-frame with Mustang II-style steering, it’s all set to outmaneuver its vintage buddies. Simply put, it’s a vintage classic with a modern twist that’ll make you laugh all the way to the car show!
Chevrolet’s small block engines, led by Ed Cole’s 265 cid V8, have been roaring through history since 1955, starting with the Corvette and Bel Air. Known as the “Mighty Mouse,” this engine quickly became a race circuit favorite. From the 283’s groundbreaking 1 hp per cubic inch to the legendary 350, these engines have powered everything from sports cars to boats. Although U.S. production ceased in 2003, the versatile small block, still available in crate form from Mexico, continues to make waves.
Named after a speedy antelope, the 1958 Chevrolet Impala danced onto the scene like an Elvis impersonator at a sock hop. As a posh cousin to the Bel Air, it flaunted a snazzy design with horizontal headlights and triple tail lights—perfect for attracting envious gazes. Under the hood, it offered a smorgasbord of engine choices, from a peppy Blue Flame six to a hearty 348 V8. With its jazzy interiors and “eager-to-please” handling, this car was the bee’s knees, helping Chevy reclaim the sales crown.
Doug Bolton, a young hot rodder and Chevrolet enthusiast, was on a quest for the ultimate engine in 1970. With Roy Price Chevrolet just around the corner in Bountiful, Utah, Doug didn’t have to look far. He needed a Bow Tie powerplant that screamed speed, and naturally, his project car became the proud host of the fiercest engine Chevy had to offer. This 4,300-mile unrestored 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 is now hailed as the finest of its kind on the planet, a testament to Doug’s impeccable taste in muscle cars.
Chevy’s small block saga continues with the M-code 350, famed for powering everything from hefty K-series pickups to motorhomes, boasting a respectable 160 bhp. The L83-350 made ’82 Corvettes roar with its cross-fire fuel injection, though ’83 took a pit stop. Enter the L98, flexing up to 245 bhp by ‘89 with a snazzy rear axle tweak. Not to be outdone, the L05 found its way into everything, from the Suburban to the Hummer H1, until replaced by the LT1’s swan song in ‘96.
