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SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW
There’s a lot to like about vintage engines. Just the sheer fact that it isn’t a small-block Chevy is enough to inspire many hot rodders. Now, don’t get us wrong; the small-block Chevrolet is nothing less than awesome, but it is also the default engine of most hot rodders. Often, there is no thought involved as many rodders simply want the 350/350 treatment. That’s probably fine for most hot rodders, but there has been a real resurgence in putting vintage motors in vintage hot rods, and we love the concept. The Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Buick Nailhead and Hemi are all great candidates for powering a vintage hot rod. Parts are still available for most of these engines, some being tougher to find than others. A surprising amount of speed equipment survives for these engines, too, and companies like Offenhauser still produce a lot of vintage speed equipment.

Good As Gold
Tech presentation is something anyone can do to his or her existing Camaro, since it takes no special skill, yet the results are worthwhile. Those are the rewards of personalizing a cool Chevy, and it’s what drives us in the first place to tackle such jobs.

IT TAKES A KEEN EYE
Tucked away in rural Northern New Jersey is a collection of some insanely cool hot rods and I know the mildly insane guy that built ‘em. I’m proud to say I knew Lance Sorchik even before “Jersey Suede” hit the road. It’s hard to believe 45-years have passed since that fateful day when a “mild-mannered” guy stopped by our Rodder’s Digest Magazine booth at the 1982 Nats East carrying a portfolio of his artwork.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dieselsite’s 4R100 Transmission Cooler Bypass Delete Kit
Author
The AutoBuilder Staff
From 1999-2003 the Ford 7.3L Automatic Transmission (4R100) had an external cooler bypass tube that redirected transmission fluid from the pump output back to the return line of the transmission. The bypassing of the cooler was supposed to happen until the fluid reached operating temps. Unfortunately, these bypass tubes commonly fail preventing transmission fluid flow to the cooler. Another design flaw is even when operating perfectly, the bypass never fully closes, meaning not all fluid is ever sent to the cooler, ever.
The result: transmission overheat.
Many delete kits are available on the market that eliminates the bypass tube and the common failure. However, these kits do not address the restriction in the banjo bolt. If you look at the cut away photo of the banjo bolt, you can see the spring and check ball which restricts about 75% of the fluid flow to the cooler. The spring and check ball was designed to allow the proper function of the cooler bypass tube. Once the bypass tube is deleted, this check ball and spring are no longer needed.

Key Features:
- Enhanced Cooling: Continuous fluid flow reduces temperatures during heavy use.
- Durability: Precision-engineered for daily driving, towing, and off-road challenges.
- Easy Installation: DIY-friendly design for quick setup.
- Wide Compatibility: Fits Ford Super Duty trucks and vehicles with 4R100 transmission.
CLICK HERE to learn more or go to Dieselsite.com
ARTICLE SOURCES
Manufacturer
Dieselsite
888-414-3457
7400 West Industrial Lane
Homosassa, FL 34448


