Chevy

Chevy questions and answers

Learn more about the 67 Chevelle

Q: How hard is it to convert a 1954 Chevy truck from a manual to an automatic?
I'm thinking about getting a 1954 Chevy truck that's currently a manual and i'd like to convert it to an automatic can anyone give advise on the cost to do such a thing?

A: It's a lot less costly then trying to change from an auto to a manual. Depending on whether you already have the tranny or not, it's cost will have to be considered. If the truck is a SBC, them there are several transmissions that will interchange. The t350, t400, 200metric which has overdrive, and a 2 spd power-glide. The clutch pedal assembly will need to be removed and all the linkage. The transmission, clutch, pressure plate, shifter, pilot bearing, and flywheel will also need to be removed. You will need the trans., torque converter, flywheel, different front drive-shaft yoke, and possibly the starter and cross-member will need to be replaced. It is easier to add a floor shifter for your auto then to try and change out the steering column and run new linkage. Price wise, your looking at around 500 for labor and at least 1000 for parts. Depending on where you are located the labor could double and depending on whether you want brand new parts or used parts, the price could reach 1500. This is a time consuming job, but not an impossible one. Hope this helps. Christopher

Q: What parts are swappable between chevy motors and oldsmobile motors?
What parts are swappable between chevy motors and oldsmobile motors i would like to know if i can use the exhuast manifold from an 85 buick regal on a 91 350 chevy motor.

A: Chevrolet engine are by themselves, as well as Oldsmobile. that being said some Buick's used the Chev 305 v-8. because of the year differences they are not interchangeable

Q: What is the best way to build a Chevy engine to ensure long life and reliability?
I am extremely hard on an engine. I have blown a few of them before. But I'm an idiot. I don't know how to build engines. In the future, I want to build a Chevy 305 or 350 that can take repeated, sustained abuse (like drag racing, etc). What is the best way to build an engine and ensure that it will last? I have heard of balancing and blueprinting. What else can be done?

A: start with good quality parts for one thing the next thing is to make sure all the parts are compatible with each other if you are not buying a kit. also have your rotating assembly balanced this is one of the major things of keeping any engine alive for long term abuse. next is cleanliness. if you do not keep all the parts clean as you put it together then it wont last long at all this is probably one of the best tips anyone can give you.

Q: What type chevy small block is best for OFFROAD?
I have a 1990 Chevy Blazer. 7 inches of lift and 38inch tall TSL tires. I want to rebuild it but what do I need to shop for in the way of cam and piston? I have built a couple of Drag motors but this needs low end. I plan on using the upgraded stock TBI system.

A: Find a 350 you are willing to make into a 383 stroker. Kits are available anywhere, and not to pricey. The gears are what will make the best difference for you. Stock gears in those were 2:73 gears and if you have put 38" tires on then your ratio is really whack and you have virtually no power. Good Luck. ( I have an 89 with 8" and 44" mickeys)

Q: What is the difference between the new 2010 chevy camaros?
I'm looking to buy a new chevy camaro and saw that there are different types like the v6 and v8 engine but I heard there is a coupe version? I'm not sure!

A: A coupe is a two door car. So all Camaro's are coupes. You have the LS which is the cheap v6 version the 1 LT a nicer v6 version with cloth seats and better rims. The 2LT which adds leather. The 1 SS which is cloth and then the 2 SS with leather. Price is a big difference but I love my moms 2LT.

Q: How many Chevy small block sizes are there and what are they?
I want the put a Chevy small block in my 93 S-10 but want as small a displacement as possible.

A: The original small block was a 262 cid. You may be able to find a few in junk yards. In 1957 came the 283. Various sizes were in production in the sixties. 283, 302, 327, 350. All these had the same external dimensions. The diferences are internal. Now the "Small Block" is made in sizes up to 500 CID. Some of these have larger external dimensions.

Q: Where is the coolant temperature sensor on a chevy l98 350 camaro?
I have a 1987 chevy iroc equipped with the l98 350 engine. Where is the coolant temperature sensor located. It it an easy repair? Do I need to lift the car?

A: COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR 1989 Chevrolet Camaro 5.7L FI 8cyl The Coolant Temperature Sensor is located: Under hood, center, upper engine area, rear of water outlet, mounted in intake manifold

Q: The steps for replacing the instrument cluster on my Chevy?
I have a 2003 Chevy Venture. The temp gauge for this thing is no longer good. I got a replacement instrument cluster from Ebay and I want to replace the old one. If you are a mechanic, can you please send me the detailed steps to change the instrument cluster please.

A: You can check with autotronics.com or instrumentcluster.com. I believe on the GM, the instrument cluster has to be reprogrammed after installing it. Autotronics offers replacement instrument clusters for GM and Ford for $205.00 includes shipping.

Q: What front wheel drive transmission can handle a Chevy 350 small block?
I am trying to make my own chevy of sorts. I am trying to transversely mount a chevy 350 in a smaller vehicle making it rear engine rear wheel drive chevy.

A: Look for one out of an old Oldsmobile Toranado, that would bolt right up!

Q: Is there a website detailing how to replace a Chevy truck alternator?
It would be helpful if there were some photos in addition to detailed directions. This is for a 1998 Chevy Cheyenne Thanks!

A: The best thing to do would be to grab a Haynes manual for your car. It will give you detailed instructions, pictures and even tell you what tools you'll need. I've been using them for years and always recommend it. Books are only about $10-15.

Q: How to fix a broken brake line on a Chevy Cavalier?
My brake pad went to the flor and the fluid comes out the right back, I think its rusted .Mines a 1998 Chevy Cavelier, do i need to do it my self or tack it to geroge?

A: You have to cut a foot or two of the rusted line out of the brake line and replace it with a new section of line you buy at the auto store. The ends of the line remaining on the car have to be single or double flared using a tubing flaring tool after you slide a female brass fitting on the line. Total cost of the job with brake bleeding is about $300. http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010686/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2010686/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=brake+line+flaring+tool http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=10826&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=1488&iSubCat=1489&iProductID=10826

Q: What is the correct wiring information to a 1994 chevy suburben manufacturer stereo?
We are trying to install a cd player to a 1994 chevy suburben. My husband isnt sure about the wiring since hes never installed a stereo to an older model car.I need to know what all the wires mean btw husband already has cut wires....

A: http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/GM/Suburban.html

Q: What causes my Chevy Suburban to be squeaky when on the road?
I have a 2000 Chevy Suburban and I keep hearing a squeaky/ squealing sound when diving. First it started from the left from passenger tire. Now I hear the squeaking all around the Suburban it squeaks and squeals all the time no matter how fast or slow you go. The only time you don't hear the noise is when its parked or at a light. We have had new tires put on it and have had the brakes done recently. What could be causing the suburban to sound so bad.

A: Yes, it could be wheel bearings, rear end, or transfer case if its a 4x4. But also check your fan or brakes. Do you you ride your brakes down a hill? If you downshift it into 3,2, 0r 1 it will save all of your drive train parts,. Just a tip to prevent more stuff.

Q: Where is the fuse box located in a 1988 Chevy Blaser S10? What is the best way to get to it?
Is there a manual way to open the back gate and window?? I didn't get an owners manual with this Chevy Blazer.

A: I have 1987 and the fuse box is under the dash on the drivers side.

Q: What are 1979 Chevy Silverado pickups going for these days?
I want to buy a '79 Chevy shortbed pickup, but I need to know what deals are good. Does anyone know of any websites that will let me see what they should cost? KBB will only go 20 years back and I do not want to be in any club or have to pay for anything to find out. If you do not know of any sites, do you know what they are running for in your town or in your local papers (and if so, what town it is). Thanks for your help.

A: A truck that old wont have any value via "the books". They'll estimate its book value and how many miles it'll have on it. Price for one would be really low. You'd have to find a person with one and see how much they'd sell it to you for. Because as I said going off book value you shouldnt pay more then 200 dollars for one. But if you go find one with 200 in your pocket and the person your buying it from has put some work into it. They could jack the price up. I have a 78 malibu book value is about 100 dollars. But all the work I've put into it I could easily get 8,000 for it. Plus the milage is a big factor too. I've seen a few in our local news paper (Little Rock, Ar Gazzette) but they've had work because one guy was asking for 3,500 for his. Another guy was only selling the motor out of his for 200. So you see where I'm going. Hope it helps.