BLUE OVAL IN A BOW TIE
April 1, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
’88 Blown GMC
In Hawaiian, “wiki wiki” can mean “hurry” or “fast,” depending on its use and interpretation.
New Zealand-born transplant Kim Greenwell’s Kahului, Maui-based black-on-black, 1988 GMC Sierra 1500 is definitely “wiki wiki” with its 500-plus-horsepower, Whipple-supercharged 383 small-block stroker. Greenwell’s basic intent was to build a stock-bodied hot rod pickup that he could use to advertise his automotive repair business, Kiwi Car Care. “I was looking for a nice, straight, rust-free truck that I could paint black,” says the Kahului automotive repair shop owner. “This truck was perfect. It was low mileage, and the price was right. But the brown color definitely had to go!” That’s not the only thing that got changed. “I kept the outside of the truck as stock as possible, but under the hood it’s a true sleeper.”
’CUDA HUNT
Craig Hammon is the type of guy who can cherish the best of the old times, while also being able to appreciate the benefits of these new times. This versatility is apparent when one learns not only of his choice of car, but how he came to own it. It seems that Hammon has always wanted a Plymouth ’Cuda. And while this is not an unusual thing in and of itself (we would love to have one, too), when it came time for him to really get serious about buying one, he looked to the Internet. More precisely, Hammon went looking for his dream car on eBay.
Bluebird of Speed
Roadsters have an appeal that’s hard to beat—especially ’32s. No matter where you go, they’re all the rage. It’s not just the hand-built one-offs we’re talking about either; it’s real street roadsters that scream at the heart of cool. For instance, take a close look at Chris Boutilier’s slick ’32. Chris has managed to blend the past with the present, while adding his own pizzazz. His roadster not only looks right, but it also drives like a dream and easily wins awards when he chooses to show it off.
Spotlighter
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
