Small Block Chevy in a Ford

The hot-rodding scene has traditionally been dominated by the small block Chevy (SBC).  Not to be relegated to duty only among old GM models, it is also a popular engine swap in almost every pre-war make.  Some of this is due to the engines ubiquitous nature – millions of these motors exist and due to the massive aftermarket industry supporting them, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to get big power out of.  This is one of the reasons why the Fords of the 1930s that forego their flatheads are almost always seen wearing a Chevrolet bowtie under the bonnet. 

A little Saturday poetry Jam

Liz Howard, a treasured old friend - that is to say we became friends about half a lifetime ago, not that she is old - is a Canadian poet (and scientist).  And a very good one at that.  She recently made the Canadian short list for the Griffin Poetry prize.  I looked it up and it is a major award. 

Oh, she was also a finalist for a Governor General's Award last fall.  Another major award.  That's right, Liz is a serious force in the poetry world. 

In honour of Liz and her accomplishments, I have written a poem (hopefully this is not a dubious honour).  Since this is a car blog, it is about my car.  Make sense? 

And while I can't even pretend to have any talent in this field, I can probably safely say that it is likely the best poem you will ever read about a 1985 Ford Crown Victoria.  But, maybe have a few drinks before you read it just to be safe.   

The Ford Durango - The Mysterious Truck/Car That Barely Was

Durango.  The word brings to mind a large SUV packed with a family of 12, camping gear for six years and 25 hunting dogs that never fail to track your prey and retrieve your fresh kill - the ultimate tool for conquering all you survey.  These are the remnants of the guts and glory left behind by RAM when it split off to become its own brand.  In fact, it is the only vehicle left standing that represents the quintessential utilitarian side of Dodge.  So it may come as a surprise that the name Durango is not exclusively synonymous with Dodge.  In fact, before Durango was a Dodge, it was a Ford. 

Finalists for the 2015 European Car of the Year

Holy strudel and baguettes!  It's the 2015 European Car of the Year Finalists!

The latest Hoonigan video! Ken Block takes on L.A. with a Monster of a vintage Mustang!

Just cruising around the net today and I happened across the latest Hoonigan production: Gymkhana Seven.  This time everyone's favourite driving ace, Ken Block, is running a (heavily) modified 1965 Ford Mustang throughout the streets of Los Angeles. 

Lincoln gets a cash injection and my new obsession with the Silverado.

So I’ve been quite the lazy blogger.  I’m hoping I can turn this around soon, but I’ve been pretty busy with a million things going on... also I’ve become addicted to the Panther Forum I’ve joined (grandmarq.net).  I’ve had a good time meeting a bunch of folks online who share my (newly developed) obsession with full-sized 1980’s Fords.  For a primer as to why this has happened, check out my last post.  However, my car world still extends beyond 30 year old blue ovals.  Let’s see what’s caught my eye today...

The Big Blue Boat!

It’s been a long time since the last post.  Things have just seemed really busy the last couple of months and I just haven’t been able to get around to writing.  I have been involved in some car stuff though... I just haven’t been able to write about it.

Unusual and Desirable for Cheap

So you're in the market for a car.  But not your daily driver; you want something fun.  Fun and inexpensive. There are lots of obvious choices out there: Mustangs, Miatas, Corvettes, M3's, etc., etc., etc.  But what about the cars that may not be on your radar?  Today, we are going to try to expand our horizons as we review a few of the cars less purchased. 

From Hyundai to Tatra: today's slice of the atuomotive world!

Well my initial intention was to do a bit of an in-depth analysis of Fiat-Chrysler's new long-term plan, but so many automotive journalists have already weighed in that I didn't really think it was worth my time.  Probably the most important thing to remember is tat the company that makes your Caravan (which is slated for the chopping block) also makes Ferrari.  Which means, this new Dodge Challenger Hellcat should be AMAZING (although also not long for a world where fossil fuel preservation is a key issue). 

North American International Auto Show - My Day In Detroit Part 2: The Classics

As we all know the primary purpose of an auto show is for car makers to exhibit their upcoming models, future design trends and technological innovations.  Basically, they want us to get real excited about buying their latest products so they can make money and keep making cars.  Sounds good to me.

But sometimes, if you've been good, they'll give you extra treats.  Of course, these treats are a little old fashioned compared to their flashy new counterparts.  But sometimes, old favourites can really hit the spot.  Here, in no particular ranking, were the top three classics on display at Detroit this year.

New Car Review: 2014 Ford Taurus SEL - The best Chevy Sonic money can buy!

Chevrolet Sonic or similar.  Read: Sub-compact basic transportation.  That was the vehicle class waiting for us to pick-up at the airport in St. John’s, Newfoundland for our one week adventure on the rock.  Not surprisingly, I wasn’t terribly excited about the notion of spending seven days cooped up in a tiny econobox with the wife – not to mention having to transport our vast expanse of luggage to our B&B.  However, we were on a budget and this was the most affordable option for us.  Once more in my life the dynamic tag-team of common sense and price won the day against performance and luxury.  

The Official 2015 Mustang Debut = Early Christmas for me!

It's finally here!  I was so excited this morning that I leaped from my bed and rushed to the computer to see the official pics and info released from Ford.  Well, in all truth I'm not much of a morning person.  But as soon as I got my bearings and ate breakfast (and my wife left for work) I got the computer out.

All Hyped Up for the NEW 2015 MUSTANG!!!!

If you’re like me and you like Mustangs, then you’re probably gearing up for the big reveal of the all new 2015 Ford Mustang on December 5th.  This new generation of the original pony car is setting to shake things up with a turbo option and, a first for the ‘stang, an independent rear suspension. 

Another trip the auctions! What will we not bid on this time?!

When I grew up I was a picky child when it came to trying new things at the dinner table.  Every so often though, I would try something and get a taste for it.  I’m happy to report I have once more indulged in visiting a car auction (again with a $100 spend limit set by spousal imposition).  I went with, Dan, the same car buddy I went with last time.  Only now he was seriously looking to bid on a car. 

Sometimes all you need is a little boost...

We can mostly all agree that more power coming from your engine is a good thing.  That extra go-faster feeling pressing you into the back of your seat as the speedometer goes up and the gas gauge goes down is one of the universal joys of driving a true performance machine. 

Domestic Base V6 Truck Comparo!!

Pick-up trucks can be handy things to have.  Besides being a mandatory tool to have around a job site, non-tradesmen like me find them quite useful for towing a trailer, taking a load of brush to the depot or hauling home the fruits of an afternoon at IKEA.  If your truck has four doors you can even take the family down to Disney World.  However, all this utility has traditionally come at a price... at the pumps.

My First Car(s) and Car Firsts! (Part One)

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canucks!  Hope there was lots of turkey and good brew wherever you were this past weekend!

Today I want to talk about cars that I had historic firsts in.  For those of you who may be more on the conservative side, you can read easy.  The firsts I'm going to be talking about are all PG rated.