THE CAGED BIRD SINGS
April 16, 2024
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
TURNED-ON, TUNED-IN ECONOLINE
In an unmarked garage in north central Oklahoma (parked next to an original ’70 Boss 429) sat the Econoline. After moving the dead varmint skeletons and wiping off many years of dust, Kirk’s rolling time capsule was ready to see daylight again. Since the 406 Ford FE big block was no longer “politically correct,” a modern powerplant was decided upon.
FASTER PASTOR
Keith Shuley is a genuine hot rodder and a bona fide car nut. In that respect, he’s no different from any of you reading this article, but what makes him a little different is how he spends his days. Shuley is a Catholic priest and a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, serving as the Command Chaplain aboard the amphibious assault carrier U.S.S. Peleliu, the LHA-5. He spends his days filling the spiritual needs of those sailors, aviators and Marines who help keep our country free. But during his personal time, he fills his own need for speed. What a concept!
The Great 8 at Detroit Autorama 2025
We were back in the Motor City for the 72nd Detroit Autorama, held from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at Huntington Place. Over 800 custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles filled the halls, showcasing everything from high-dollar, jaw-dropping builds to gritty, backyard-bred machines. But the biggest prize? The Don Ridler Memorial Award, aka the Ridler, handed out to the one car that stands above all others for design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dieselsite’s 1992-2000 6.5L Chevy/GMC All-Aluminum Radiator
Brand new! All-aluminum radiator with a 2 row core with 48 tubes per row
If you have a 1992-2000 Chevrolet or GMC with a 6.5L and you’re worried about overheating issues, there’s no reason to sweat it. Our friends at Dieselsite have the solution.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Squarebody trucks have been some of the hottest trucks out there in the collector market for some time, with the next generation OBS trucks (GMT400) not far behind. Don’t just take our word for it. In a 2022 article from Hagerty, Chevy GMT400s trucks have increased in value by 63% over the last three years, while their GMC’s counterparts are up 52%. Overall, these are outstanding trucks however, they do have their issues.
In 1992, the 6.5 L (395 cu in) was introduced to replace the 6.2. These engines had a common issue with overheating. This was mainly due to how the engines were designed, struggling to manage heat, especially when towing heavy loads or in hot weather. Problems with the cooling system, like small radiators or faulty thermostats, made things worse. Despite attempts to fix it in later models, overheating continued to be a big headache for owners.
If you have a Chevy or GMC with one of these engines, and you’re worried about overheating issues, there’s no reason to sweat it. Our friends at Dieselsite have the solution.
Deiselsite’s 1992-2000 6.5L Chevy/GMC All-Aluminum Radiator
Brand new! All-aluminum radiator with a 2 row core with 48 tubes per row. The ultimate in heat exchange, designed to address the overheating issues with the Chevy and GMC 6.5L platform. All connections are TIG welded for superior strength and clean design. Combine with the Heath Diesel Super Cool Kit and Evans Waterless Coolant for the ultimate protection!
In the OE application the heater core fluid returns after the radiator so it never gets a chance to be cooled. Unfortunately, this hot coolant goes right back into your engine. Our fully aluminum radiator features an innovative hot side return port to addressthe issue. This way the hot fluid will return before the radiator so it can be properly cooled, helping with many long term heating issues known to plague the 6.5L engines. A simple change to save you time, money and give you peace of mind!
~To take advantage of this feature simply attach an extra length of coolant hose to your OE return line using a barbed mender, then move it to this new port. Plug up the old port and you’re good to go!
To learn more, CLICK HERE or go to Dieselsite.com
ARTICLE SOURCES
Dieselsite
7400 West Industrial Lane
Homosassa, FL 34448
888/414-3457
