Chevelle Performance Projects: 1964-1972

by Cole Quinnell

Overview

The photos in this edition are black and white.

Many Chevelle owners are not content to keep their cars strictly stock. In the time since these cars were built in the 1960s and 1970s, suspension, steering, brake, and engine technology have taken giant leaps forward. Many Chevelle owners want to enjoy all the benefits of modern technology as well as the pleasure of driving a classic muscle car. But for many owners, completing a coil-over shock install, bolting on aftermarket disc brakes, or installing sub-frame connectors is something they've never done before and seems daunting.

In Chevelle Performance Projects, author Cole Quinnell provides comprehensive instruction on upgrades to every component group of the car including chassis, suspension, brakes, transmission, driveline, engine, interior, and electrics. Examples of component installs include HEI ignition, upgrading steering system, tubular A-arms, a 5-speed transmission swap, stiffer coil-over and leaf springs, and much more. Installing a modern GM LS engine is a popular project, and Quinnell covers this complex install from start to finish as well.

This book offers a full range of performance projects from mild to wild, so owners can perform minor to extensive modifications. Similar to other titles in the Performance Project Series, it features step-by-step procedures so owners can complete each project with ease. If you are a Chevelle owner and even remotely thinking of upgrades, this first-ever book on the subject will be a mandatory addition to your library.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781934709795
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	09/21/2012
Series:	Projects Series
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	645,616
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Cole Quinnell has served in a multitude of roles within the automotive industry, including public relations, marketing, and social media specialist. He is also an accomplished magazine editor and writer, penning scores of stories for Hot Rod, Popular Hot Rodding, Muscle Car Review and other magazines. He has served as the editor of 4-Wheel and Offroad Magazine and the editorial director of the Truck Group at Primedia Publishing. As a seasoned veteran marketing and communications professional, Quinnell has worked for Chrysler and Ford. Currently, he is a vice president of Team Detroit, an automotive advocacy program and runs his own public relations, social media, and communications business. He lives in the Detroit area with his wife.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 4
Introduction 5
Chapter 1: Chassis Upgrades 6
Frame 6
Suspension 7
Handling 9
Project 1: Frame Boxing 12
Project 2: Tubular Control Arm Kit Installation 14
Project 3: Mini Tub Kit Installation 17
Project 4: Suspension Kit Installation 22
Chapter 2: Building a Performance Steering System 24
Steering Box 25
Steering Linkage 25
Steering Column 26
Steering Wheel 28
Project 1: Quick-Ratio Steering Box Installation 29
Project 2: Steering Column Installation 32
Chapter 3: Wheels and Tires 35
Appearance 35
Performance 36
Project 1: Wheel and Tire Fitment 39
Chapter 4: Building a Performance Rear Axle 43
Upgrades to Your Original Axle 44
Project 1: Setting Up a Ford 9-inch Differential 50
Chapter 5: Brake Upgrades 53
Performance Factors 54
Proportioning Valve 55
Master Cylinder 55
Roll Control Solenoid 57
Project 1: High-Performance Brake System Installation 58
Chapter 6: Engine Upgrades 62
Ignition System 63
Exhaust System 63
Intake System 63
Cylinder Head and Camshaft 64
Project 1: Performance Ignition System Installation 65
Project 2: Fuel-Injection System Installation 67
Chapter 7: Engine Swaps 70
Gen I vs LS 70
LS Series Benefits 71
Engine Sources 72
Budget Requirements 73
Project 1: LS Engine Installation 76
Project 2: Water Pump and Front Accessories Installation 81
Project 3: Engine Installation 83
Chapter 8: Performance Fuel System 88
Fuel Tank 88
Fuel Line 89
Fuel Filter 90
Fuel Pump 91
Project 1: Fuel Line Installation 93
Chapter 9: Performance Cooling System 96
Overheating Diagnosis 96
Electric Fan 97
Belt-Driven Fan 98
Radiator 99
Project 1: Radiator Installation 101
Chapter 10: Performance Exhaust 105
Headers or Manifolds 106
Tailpipes 106
Exhaust Tubing 107
Mufflers 107
Project 1: Performance Exhaust Installation 108
Chapter 11: Overdrive Transmission Swaps 113
Automatic Transmissions 113
Manual Transmissions 117
Project 1: Clutch Installation 120
Project 2: Transmission Installation 124
Chapter 12: Wiring Upgrades 127
Wiring Harness 127
Battery 128
Starter Solenoid 128
Relays 131
Master Disconnect Switch 131
Project 1: Wiring Harness Installation 132
Project 2: Trunk-Mounted Battery Tray Installation 136
Project 3: Master Disconnect Switch Installation 138
Chapter 13: Performance Interior 140
Seating 140
Safety Cage 141
Dash 141
Sound Deadening 142
Project 1: Roll Cage Installation 145
Project 2: Interior Installation 153
Source Guide 158

Editorial Reviews

"This is a good primer for those Chevelle owners who want to improve their car's performance and an indication of what can be done for those who might be considering the purchase of one. A useful manual." -Classic American, December 2013

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