BARKER WITH A BITE
April 2, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
BAD BOWTIE
Some guys love their Chevys so much that they’ll go out of their way to flush out and record every bit of their cars’ histories. Such is the case with Gene Lavine of Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Lavine is 65 going on 35. A car guy since he was 16, he served his country as a jet fighter pilot and then went on to fly for the Federal Aviation Administration. He also has a Ph.D. and now is vice president of a company that manages collections for more than 30,000 businesses.
REDEEMING THE FORGOTTEN Y-BLOCK
When Ford introduced its Y-block engine in 1954, it labeled the engine the worthy successor to the venerable Flathead. The Flathead gained a loyal following of hot rodders and racers, but the big Cadillac overhead-valve V-8 and Oldsmobile’s Rocket 88 were stealing Ford’s thunder in terms of power, so something had to be done, and Ford decided to respond. The answer was a clean-sheet V-8 design, featuring overhead valves and improved cooling compared to the old Flathead. It was dubbed the “Y-block” because of the way it looked and because of its deep skirt and tall cylinder heads.
TPI: TODAY’S PERFORMANCE INCREASE
There are few modifications that can be made to an engine that can give both increased performance and better fuel economy. In these days of increased gasoline prices (nearly $4.50 per gallon), fuel mileage is an important consideration for vintage trucks that owners consider their daily drivers. For many reasons, vintage pickups are becoming not just weekend toys but also weekday workers. And one of the best ways to increase both performance and mileage is with an electronic fuel-injection system.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Canton Racing Products’ Universal 1-1/4 Qt. Aluminum Coolant Expansion Fill Tank
Optimize Your Engine Cooling with the Universal Aluminum Coolant Expansion Fill Tank
If there's one thing we can't stress enough, it's the importance of keeping your engine cool. That’s why we’re pumped about the Canton Racing Products Universal Aluminum Coolant Expansion Fill Tank. This baby is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to optimize their vehicle's cooling system.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photos Courtesy of Canton Racing Products
Essential for Any Ride
Let’s get into it. This 1-1/4 qt. universal fill tank is designed to work seamlessly with just about any vehicle out there. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or pushing your car to the brink on the track, this tank ensures your engine stays cool and performs at its peak.
Top-Notch Construction
We’re talking high-quality aluminum here, folks. This tank is lightweight yet incredibly durable. The corrosion-resistant construction means it’s built to last, even in the harshest conditions. And let’s be real—the sleek, polished finish adds a touch of style that’ll make any engine bay look killer.
Improved Cooling Efficiency
The Canton Racing Products fill tank is all about maintaining proper coolant levels and preventing air pockets. It ensures efficient coolant flow, which helps reduce the risk of overheating and costly engine damage. With its universal design, it’s easy to install in a wide variety of vehicles.
User-Friendly Design
Canton gets it. They’ve designed this expansion tank with user convenience in mind. The included mounting hardware and straightforward instructions make installation a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a weekend warrior, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to add this component to your ride.
Peace of Mind on the Road
At the end of the day, investing in the Canton Racing Products Universal Aluminum Coolant Expansion Fill Tank gives you peace of mind. It’s a reliable, high-quality addition to your vehicle that helps ensure your engine stays cool and runs smoothly.
So what are you waiting for? Enhance your vehicle’s cooling system today. CLICK HERE to head on over to Canton’s website and get yours NOW!
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