Adding modern technology to classic muscle cars
Southgate Buick GMC does upgrades
The greatest change fuel injection brings to automobiles is ease of operation.
The driver sits down behind the steering wheel, turns the ignition key, the car starts and is ready to drive away.
Contrast that with the days of carburetors, when a cold start with an automatic choke meant pressing the accelerator down to engage the choke, turning the key, being ready to press the accelerator again to help the engine smooth out and waiting until the engine was running smoothly before putting the car in gear. Restarting the vehicle, especially in hot weather, could present further challenges.
While starting one carbureted vehicle I owned, I found that when the engine was hot the best technique was to engage the starter and turn the engine over, release the key and then turn the key for a second time. At that point, the engine would usually start.
In addition, carburetors on occasionally used vehicles such as collector cars may suffer from maladies such as leaks and sticky internal parts that hurt performance.
Southgate Buick GMC recently upgraded a 1966 Corvette roadster with fuel injection. As parts manager Doug Macleod said, “The customer wanted to be able to turn the key and drive.”
The result is a nice, neat installation.
“You’d think it came that way from the factory,” Macleod said.
Another customer who owns a Chevelle wanted fuel injection added to the vintage muscle car, Macleod said.
The car is now so well mannered that the customer’s wife can drive it when she buys groceries.
The ease of operation offered by fuel injection, modern brakes and contemporary handling are factors that help sales of modern re-creations of classic muscle cars. The Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro currently on sale might bear a strong resemblance to their forebears of 40 years ago, but they are as easy to drive as any other 2013 car.
Although some collector-car owners want to add fuel injection to their ride, the complexity of the task often dissuades them. Installing fuel injection means adding a computer, oxygen sensors and other items. Most enthusiasts shy away from installing the wiring needed for a computer.
But Southgate can do the installation whether the vehicle is a muscle car or a street rod under construction.
As for that 1966 Corvette, it originally had a 427-cubicinch big block V-8. Southgate installed a fuel-injected LS3 engine producing 525 horsepower and Tremec TKO fivespeed manual transmission.
The installation involved hiding the engine computer inside the left fender. The only extra part visible in the engine compartment now is the larger fuse box needed for the new electronics.
The increased horsepower necessitated upgraded brakes — Wilwood six-piston caliper units in the front and four-piston in the rear. Rack and pinion steering provided a solid upgrade over the original steering box.
The original analogue gauges have been replaced with digital units that retain the stock look, but work with the modern electronics. Air conditioning was added to boost the comfort of driver and passenger.
Now, all the owner has to do is “turn the key and have fun with it,” said Macleod, adding that the Corvette’s owner is now having the car painted.
In addition to updating muscle cars, Macleod has also been asked to put fuelinjected engines in street rods. However, some people still prefer to use carburetors and Southgate can supply them as well.
The dealership can supply parts for do-it-yourselfers or will install parts if the customer prefers. The dealership keeps abreast of new-part availability, such as the recently released LSX 454 V-8 that produces 620 horsepower.
While Southgate primarily works with Chevrolet and other General Motors engines, it can also supply Ford and Chrysler engines.
For more information about Southgate, call 780-435-4000 or visit the website at southgatebuickgmc.com. Early in the new year, the dealership will launch a new linked site, providing information on GM engines and other parts, at southgatemotorsports.com.