Men Love The Big Block Engine
Since the turn of the last century, Americans have been fascinated with cars. I’m not talking about wimpy fuel-efficient, stripped-down cars either (..considering today’s economy, however, that is changing!) What I am talking about is the American love affair with big block engines of mucle cars. Yeah you know, the cars that make a lot of noise and generate a tremendous amount of horsepower. Don’t get me wrong, the “wimpy” fuel-efficient cars of today do have their place in today’s world with the price of gasoline going higher and higher.
Even most classic car buffs can’t advocate trying to drive cross-country in an old gas hog of a muscle car. Most people are now looking at the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs. For an everyday driver to work, I still use my Toyota Pruis (I know…it does sound wimpy) but my budget wins out. It gets over 60 miles per gallon and who can argue with that? It saves me a ton of money at the pump.
Saving money is the ticket during the every day commute, but when the weekend arrives… I want to have fun! On weekends, my favorite thing to do is to jump in my 1968 Chevy Camaro with its powerful big block motor and go wherever I want. To be behind the wheel of such a high performance motor, and the incredible horsepower it produces… you know now why I say it makes a man out of a boy!
It has to be in the genetic makeup of men. We LOVE our big block classic cars that can flat out haul you know what. Personally I love my Chevrolet big blocks! Shoot, I’d take a big block Fords over a modern day hybrid any weekend! Put me behind the wheel of a Chevy 427 big block any day and electricity seemingly shoots down my back from the sheer excitement! It is unreal. In fact, I have a love affair that my wife can’t understand. I love my Camaro. The roar of the engine, the sheer horsepower that it puts out… I’ll admit, I am a pushover. The growl of that big block Chevy engine at full throttle sounds like heaven! It takes me to a place far, far, away!
When the tire burn rubber and squeal (like teenage girls at an Elvis or Beetles concert back in the day), and my muscle car tears up the strip at breakneck speed it gives me a natural high like nothing else. I absolutely love big block engines, but what I like most is the way they take me back in time. Back when cokes were a quarter, and chicks were all over me. When I really think about it, a man’s love affair with the big block motor is like our fascination with certain parts of womans anatomy.. we do like them bigger!
It is so much easier for the shade tree mechanic like me to work on these big blocks of yesteryear in comparison to the computerized car motors of today. High-tech computer controlled engines are becoming the norm in today’s world, taking all the fun out of souping up a car. In fact, it is nearly impossible to work on a modern car without becoming a professional mechanic specializing in electron systems. I am serious, things are looking that way.
That, of course, is the exact reason why I love my old big block engine cars. I love to crawl under the hood and be able to do what I want to the motor. If I want to bore out the engine and add custom aftermarket parts, like the classic car grease-monkey I am, then it is very doable. Tweaking your classic muscle car to drive and sound just you want is very doable for the DIY mechanic like me.
Working on big block engines is not real expensive or very hard to do. Heck, you learn how to customize your own big block engine; you will be amazed at what all you can do. It gives you a sense of self confidence, and brings out a bit of teenage passion that makes the custom ride with a big block engine all the more enjoyable.
Preparing Your Car for Summer Driving
It is common knowledge that we need to keep our vehicle properly serviced for winter.
But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.
Service your vehicle at regular intervals. Doing this can have a large effect on not only performance but resale value also. I kept my last vehicle serviced in acccordance to the manufacturers specifications and when it came to selling it, I got more for it due to its good condition.
It is imporatant to read the vehicle owners manual. This might not be very interesting, but the information is essential for the proper maintanence. You should look through it at the very least!
Your vehicle should be serviced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer to avoid any major problems while out on the road.
When servicing the vehicle, make sure that the air conditioning is checked. This can help avoid a huge repair bill in the future.
The most common cause of breakdowns in the summer is overheating. To avoid this happening to you, you should ensure that your cooling system is serviced and properly filled.
Have your mechanic check all of the belts and hoses for wear and tear. This task can be quickly done and repairs or replacements should not cost very much.
Oil and fluid changes should be performed every 3000 miles or quarterly.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.
Check your windshield washer fluid levels as these may be a low due to high winter usage.
Tyre rotation should be done every 5000 miles. Any worn tyres should be replaced.
Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!
If you get a broken transmission, it can translate into a very large hole in your pocket. Repairs are expensive but can be avoided with regular servicing.
If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.
Have your car battery inspected for life expectancy during the service.
Check all your lights to make sure that they are all functioning.
Jumper cables, torch, flares, high visability vests and a first aid kit should all be part of your vehicles tool kit.
There are some easy step that you can take to keep your car running smoothly during the summer.
Periodic checks take minutes, but can be a very important in prolonging the life of your car.
Look after your Exhaust System to Ensure Peak Engine Performance
A vehicle is composed of several interrelated systems whose functions are necessary to its efficient performance. One of the systems that are often overlooked but are essentially important to the vehicle’s maximum efficiency is the exhaust system.
The exhaust system has and number of uses. It carries harmful exhaust fumes away from the engine as well as being important in ensuring good fuel consumption. It is also crucial to smooth and satisfactory driving.
What difference does a healthy exhaust system make to the efficient running of your vehicle?
There are a few different components that make up a complete exhaust system and they all have an important and distinct function. The main parts are the muffler, manifold, exhaust pipes and catalytic converter.
The exhuast system is designed to safely channel away waste gases produced in the combustion chambers of the engine, like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, the unburned hydrocarbons, sulfur dioxide, lead and other metals.
These gases can not be sent straight out of the vehicle because they are harmful to both humans and the environment. They must first be cleaned by the catalytic converter. When servicing your vehicle, the exhaust system must be inspected for cracks and damage that may stop it functioning properly.
Exhaust system fall into two categories. These categories are the Dual or Twin Exhaust System or the Emission Control System.
The Twin Exhaust System
A Twin Exhaust system allows for faster expulsion of the exhaust gases. Having a twin exhaust system can have significant effect on a vehicles horsepower, by expelling more of the gases from the combustion chamber at a quicker rate on every stroke.
An Emmision Control System
The purpose of the emission control system is just that; it controls the emissions and exhaust from your vehicle. Some emission control exhaust systems are designed to prevent the formation of pollutants in the engine itself while the other type of emission control exhaust systems turn the harmful gases into harmless ones through the use of a catalytic converter.
Parts of an Exhaust System
1. Exhaust Manifold – this part is attached to the cylinder, usually constructed of cast iron, which is used to conduct the exhaust gases from the combustion chambers to the exhaust pipe.
2. The Catalytic Converter – This component has the job of turning the harmful gases in safe ones like water vapour and carbon dioxide.
3. Muffler – this part helps in reducing noise in the exhausts system. Some mufflers are made of fiberglass to absorb the sound energy as the gases flow through it.
4. Exhaust Pipe – this part carries the gaseous waste out of the tail pipe. It is usually made of steel or stainless steel.
Have your exhaust system checked every time that you have a car service. If there are any damaged parts, get them replaced immediately as they can have a serious effect on performance and safety.
Save Money by Being a Member of an Auto Club
Being a member of an auto club can be a wonderful experience because you get assistance in things that you would not normally be able to achieve yourself. For example: You wish to go on a road trip to Edmonton, but you don’t know the best route to take. Perhaps there is some road construction that could get in your way, causing you to use more gas and costing you more time. An auto club can find this information out for you and tell you what areas to avoid and how to avoid them. In the end, you can save both time and gas, which means you can save money.
There are many ways in which an auto club can save you money. Although you have membership dues that you must pay, the overall savings is quite overwhelming. Take this for instance: Canadian drivers who belong to auto clubs are able to acquire International Driving Permits without having to worry about any type of testing or putting any money into acquiring these permits. Any country that signed the 1949 convention on Road Traffic allows Canadians who have acquired their permits through their auto club to drive in those countries without worrying about testing for the permits.
Other ways to save money
There are many other ways in which an auto club can save you money and here they are:
- If you’re wishing to buy a new automobile, consult with your auto club and see what they have to say about that auto. Some vehicles are known for having to undergo repairs when they are not very old and they can tell you what they think about your choice or can make recommendations.
- Some auto clubs also offer special auto and even home insurance to their members. This insurance is rather affordable and both the auto and the home insurance an be paid together in one location rather than having multiple bills.
- Roadside Assistance is something that auto clubs offer their members that is especially helpful. Roadside assistance can save a member from having to pay high towing costs and paying the high fees that locksmiths charge to let you in your car if you lock your keys inside.
- Auto clubs also have agreements with other businesses that allows their members to receive discounts on meals, purchases, and a plethora of other things. This can also include hotel discounts, discount tickets to events, discount tickets to amusement parks, and so much more.
It is quite extensive what the individual auto club will offer you and when you think about it, it is obvious to see how the benefits outweigh the cost of the membership that you must pay. Even if you do not travel a lot, you never know when you might lock your keys in the car, run out of gas, the car breaks down, or the battery dies. You certainly don’t want to have to pay a towing service the outrageous fees that they charge just to go a short distance. However, if you must go a long distance, you do not want to pay that either. The cost of towing can easily exceed the cost of your auto club membership, but certain services have agreements with your auto club and will come assist you when you are in trouble.
Just look at it this way: If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, you do not have to spend a hundred dollars on a hotel room while you wait for assistance. They will be there to help you 24 hours a day 7 days a week and that alone makes being a part of an auto club a great experience.
Buying a Car? Check out My Top 10 Tips
The internet is a great tool for searching for a car to buy. Your can research from the comfort of your home and collect as much information as possible. Print off any low quotes so that you can take them to the dealers and use them as a bargaining tool.
2. FightingChance.com is a great site where you can find new car prices, dealer incentives and the best rebates. It has so much great information and car buying advice, that it is a must for anyone who wants to make considerable savings on the purchase of a new vehicle.
3. You should purchase your new car at or around Christmas time because with everybody buying their Christmas presents, not many of them are looking to buy a new car, and it forces dealerships to up their sales strategies. Salesmen are more willing to haggle down to your prices to close the deal.
4. You can also get a good deal from July to October because that is the time of year when dealerships are trying to get rid of their inventory to make way for the new models.
5. Don’t wait until your current vehicle has died to start looking for a new one. This way you avoid being desperate or in a rush to find a new car. Dealers will pick up on this and try to take advantage of your situation perhaps trying to squeeze more money out of you.
6. Bring your credit score report when going to the dealer to buy a car. It can help you get better rates on car loans.
7. You can avoid a common scam that dealerships pull. You will often hear that your financing fell through and that you have to respond by paying more money on your loan. Don’t believe it. It’s another reason for you to get a copy of your credit score.
8. Dealers may also ask you to re -sign finance papers, claiming that they have found you a better rate. Do not beleive them. It is an attempt to get your financial information. This gives them bargaining power. Get your credit report from equifax. It’s cost about $15, and could save you thousands.
9. Don’t bring in a car for trade in if you still owe money on it. The dealership rarely pays the rest of the loan on time which will result in you having to pay a great deal of late fees to the bank. If you do decide to bring a car in that you owe money on, get it in writing from the dealership that they will pay the balance on the car within 10 days.
10. When buying a car you may find that to get all of the options you want the vehicle might have to be ordered from the manufacturer. The dealer will ask for a deposit. Avoid paying more than $500 and use a credit card if possible as this will protect you in any disputes should the dealer trying to charge you more at a later date claiming a price increase.
What Does Car Insurance Liability Mean?
Liability insurance is very important and most state auto insurance laws require that an individual maintain at least liability insurance on their automobile. What it does is protect you against costs that are associated with the damage and injury of another in an automobile accident in which you may be deemed at fault.
There are two parts to the policy. There is property damage liability and bodily injury liability. It is pretty easy to guess that property damage liability is going to protect you against any cost and damage that is associated with damaging another person’s physical property and that bodily injury liability is going to protect you against the personal injury inflicted on someone else as a result of the accident.
Usually, there are some numbers that a person may see on their policy. These numbers usually look like this: 50/100/25. Now what this means is that the policy is split up into three different amounts each policy can be different depending on what the individual chose when they opened the policy. In this case, 50/100/25 means that the insurance will pay for the bodily injury of an individual in an amount up to $50,000, will pay for the bodily injury costs on everyone in a vehicle in an amount up to $100,000, and will pay property damage costs up to $25,000.
Every vehicle requires its own level of liability insurance depending on what state you are located in. It is important to know what your state’s auto insurance requirements are so that you have an idea of what you would have to pay in your insurance premium.
The cost
Liability insurance is cheaper than full coverage insurance that also includes damages from theft, natural disaster, and vandalism. Liability only covers costs associated with an accident so that you do not lose your hard earned assets in a lawsuit. There are have been cases in which a person has been sued for more that what they have in coverage, but the liability insurance does lessen the blow. However, a person can pay for different levels of liability insurance to ensure that they will not be “taken for everything they’ve got.” Not having enough insurance can still have a heavy impact on a person’s life when an accident occurs.
No one intends on hurting another and they usually do not purposely engage in an auto accident because there is so much trouble involved, including the possible loss of the vehicle. That is why it is important to carefully assess how much insurance you think you will need. Liability is rather affordable. Some states have a minimum requirement of 20/40/10, but you could carry something such as a 50/100/50 if you think you need it. The cost is still not going to be much.
Just remember
Don’t forget that if you set your limits too low you could be setting yourself up for financial disaster even though you have car insurance. This is to be considered carefully. It is easy to make the decision to save money by paying the lowest premium possible, but paying the lowest premium possible could later result in the loss of your assets. It is also important to remember that liability just covers bodily injury and property damage. If a tree falls on your home during a wind storm, it is then time to assess your options. However, liability insurance will protect you from those nasty lawsuits that may come your way as a result of an accident. That in itself makes it more than worth the money because you have the peace of mind that most or all your assets are protected.
Tips on How to Buy Impounded Cars
Individuals who are planning to buy impounded cars can benefit from some basic pointers. Impounded car auctions basically share the same concept as with other auctions. Still, being equipped with the right knowledge can walk you through finding a good deal.
If you want to buy impounded cars, then you are up to a pleasant surprise. Impounded cars are significantly more affordable and the bids start at a very low price. You would be surprised at how cheap they are. But this does not correspond to a car that is out of shape and worn out.
A lot of impounded cars that are being auctioned are actually great finds. Buyers would be amazed to find cars that are in excellent condition. The good thing is that the starting bids are very low. So it is safe to say that impounded cars on auction are not some kind of junk. They are still very much worthy of people’s time and money in more ways than one.
Impounded car auctions have very low starting price for various vehicles. However, a good find may attract more bidders causing the price to increase significantly. If you think that you are no longer getting a good deal and the price for the car you had placed your bid on is already high, do not attempt to outbid the highest bidder anymore in this case. Remember that the reason you are buying a vehicle in such auction is to get the lowest possible price for a car you want.
When choosing to buy impounded cars, it is best to check out the car in all its aspects including its history and background. It is also helpful to be well-informed about the top considerations in buying a used car – like what particular specifications should be noted and checked.
Make sure that all your questions concerning the car had been properly and appropriately addressed. Remember that you are buying a vehicle and you deserve value for your money at all cost. In order to understand the people and how the auction goes, learn the lingo being used, the terms and the rules of the auction.
To buy impounded cars, you have to contact your local police for information regarding the dates of auctions. Sometimes the dates, location and time are being announced in local papers or in some websites.
Get more information on how to buy impounded cars by reading my blogs.
Revealed – How to Get up to 60% Off the Price of a New Car
An amazing discovery has just been revealed by the world famous Dr Suzanne Gudakunst…
How you can buy exotic cars from as low as $299 per month!
Dr Suzanne Gudakunst is well know both on TV and the internet for her revolutionary weight loss program; however very few people know that she regularly buys luxury cars at up to 60% off the retail price.
No car salesperson would ever want you to discover the secret that allows you to do this with every car purchase.
This secret works on ANY CAR, from your average family sedan to the most exotic and expensive cars such as Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. And you usually only need to do 1-3 steps to take advantage of this powerful secret.
This secret has recently been used by Dr Suzanne to purchase 6 expensive cars (worth over $1,000,000) for only $300,000. That’s a 70% saving on brand new 2008 model cars.
However the secret doesn’t just work for buying expensive luxury cars – it can be used to buy any vehicle, even a mid-range family car or sedan.
So, at this point it’s only fair to ask “How did Dr Suzanne discover this?”
The answer is quite simple…
Whilst Dr Suzanne makes over $45,000 each and every day on the internet (yes, she is very wealthy!), she does not believe in paying $1 more than you need to.
Her discovery began when she was shopping around for a Rolls Royce. She had a “sixth-sense” that the salesman was simply not telling her the truth.
So she began compulsively investigating all the deals she could possibly find elsewhere and online, and in the process she started to see a clear pattern:
To her horror, she realised that whenever someone purchased a new car they were being cheated out of $10,000′s – every time!
Dr Suzanne then got really “ticked off” and this drove her to an even DEEPER investigation, far, far further until she had a stack of facts, figures and even methods that allowed her to get one over on the car dealerships (for a well-deserved change!)
As they say, the proof is in the pudding, so it was time to put her secret discovery to the test in a real situation.
And the results? She discovered that by using the “Secret” she could get a Lamborghini for only $1,160 per month, and a Rolls-Royce for a measly $600 a month! The prices on these new cars could also be reduced by anywhere from 30% all the way up to 90%!
Now it was time to test her secret method on what you would consider “normal cars.”
And guess what: * * * The SAME Secret held TRUE! * * *
Dr Suzanne now had, according to experts at buying cars below wholesale prices, possibly the greatest car buying secret that has ever been discovered.
Having achieved such outstanding results personally, Dr Suzanne decided to share her secret with some close friends to see if they could replicate the success.
And guess what…it worked just at it had done on luxury cars!
A very good friend of Dr Suzanne’s (who is also an online marketing multi-millionaire) wanted to buy this year’s Lamborghini Murcielago – a car worth $412,700.
After applying Dr Suzanne’s secret he was able to get it for NO Money down and just $1,300 a month! The fact is: Regardless of how much you make (or like most of us, how little!) it doesn’t matter.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “a penny saved is a penny earned,” so saving $250,000 on a luxury car is like earning an extra $250,000.
Or, for the rest of us, what if you saved $15,000 on your next car purchase, or $400 a month on payments?
You can choose if you would like to pocket the extra savings you will make (some would say the wiser option) or get the car that you would really like (I say this is the obvious option!).
Whatever you decide, rest assured that with a little effort on your part you will never have to pay the retail price of a car again.
Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency Without Damaging It
There are many fuel saving devices available nowadays, and some of them not only don’t work, but can also cause damage to your car.
After evaluating and testing more than 100 alleged gas- saving devices, the Environmental Protection Agency has found only a few that improve mileage and none that do so significantly.
The gas-saving products on the market seem to fall into clearly defined categories. These include, but are not limited to: vapour-bleed devices, liquid injection devices, ignition devices, fuel line devices, mixture enhancers, internal engine modification devices, fuels and fuel additives, oils and oil additives, and driving habit modifiers.
The EPA evaluates or tests products to determine whether their use will result in any measurable improvement to fuel economy. However, the EPA cannot say what effect gas-saving products will have on a vehicle over a long period of time. It is possible that some products may harm the car or adversely affect its performance.
For example, if an “air bleed” device actually adds significant amounts of air to the air-and-fuel mixture, it may cause an engine to misfire, a condition which greatly increases the potential engine damage or mechanical failure. This is especially likely to happen on cars manufactured between 1974 and 1982, because their carburetors are pre-set for a maximum amount of air to be burned with the fuel. “Air-bleed” devices will not work at all on many cars manufactured after 1982, because these cars have “feedback” carburetors that automatically adjust the air-and-fuel mixture rendering the device useless.
There are too many factors that affect fuel consumption such as driver’s habits, condition of the vehicle. Because of this it is hard to believe the claims many of these product manufacturers make.
In one case a consumer sent a letter to a company praising its gas-saving product. But what was not mentioned in the advertisement was the fact that the consumers vehicle also had an engine tune-up at the time the device was installed.
There are also cases of manufactruer’s claim that their device is approved the a government body. This is never true. No government body would endorse one of these devices. At best it would have been tested by the EPA and then they should be able to show the official test results.
It is possible that you already are using one of these fuel saving devices and are not entirely satisfied with it. If this is the case then your should ask for your money back. Reputable companies offer money back guarantees. If your have trouble getting a refund then you should contact your state consumer protection agency.
Regular maintenance and servicing is one of the best way to ensure that your vehicle is running at it’s maximum fuel efficeincy. You can find out service intervals by looking in the vehicle manual.
Three simple steps that will help improve gas mileage in all vehicles:
Getting a tune-up.
Checking tire pressure.
Take out any unnecessary objects from your trunk to rid your vehicle of excess weight.
Touring Costa Blanca? Renting a Car is a Must
If you’ll be visiting the Costa Blanca in Spain then the best way to get around is by car. It will give you the ability to come and go as you please and you’ll be able to visit areas that other forms of transportation don’t reach. Don’t think that traveling on a budget prohibits you from renting a car; in many cases it comes out to the same or even cheaper than taking taxis, busses and trains. Here are some tips to renting a car in Costa Blanca.
Rental Locations
If you’ll be arriving by air then you’ll probably be arriving at the Alicante airport. There are several agencies located at the airport including Hertz, Europcar, Avis as well as other Spanish and European rental companies. Renting a car at the airport can be the most convenient especially if you’ll be departing from the Alicante airport.
There are also car rental offices in Alicante as well as other larger Costa Blanca cities such as Benidorm. This may be more convenient for you if you won’t be renting a car until later in your vacation. Prices at some of these in-town agencies may save you money so it’s worth checking into. Many of them offer a drop off and pickup service so it can be just as convenient as renting at the airport.
Booking your Rental
Make sure you reserve a car rental before leaving on holiday. Usually, the further in advance you make your booking, the better deal you will find. Not only will it save you money but during the peak season many agencies will be sold out.
The best place to compare prices is the internet. Websites give you the ability to compare prices and amenities of various agencies during the time you wish to rent. You can also reserve a car through a travel agent which can find you a deal especially if it’s booked as a package with air and hotel. Also look at individual rental websites; some agencies have the best deals on their own sites.
Consider Extras
The price that is quoted to you does not include some other “hidden” costs. This includes taxes and other fees. In most cases you’ll need insurance for your rental. Check beforehand if you think your own insurance or your credit card carries car rental insurance. There are usually different amounts of insurance so think about what you’ll need since sometimes the cost of full coverage can double the rental cost.
Other things to consider are amenities, such as air conditioning and automatic transmission. Air conditioning is a must in the summer months but not necessary the rest of the year. If you don’t know how to drive a manual then make sure you pay the extra for an automatic.
With all of these considerations, it will be well worth the cost. Renting a car is the only way to tour the Costa Blanca.