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. 

Pay Cash and Save!

Canada’s auto finance market is worth $120Billion annually.  That means there are a lot of us that, for one reason or another, cannot afford to pay cash for a car purchase.  Cost of living being what it is, it can be quite difficult to save up $30,000+ required to buy a new car outright.  For a good late model used vehicle it can be the same story, with a total cost in excess of $20,000.  Not many of us have that kind of cake just lying around and if we did, we probably would find better things to invest it in other than a new car (or at least I hope we would). 

Diesel engines, Tesla supercars and going the distance in today's link fest!

Hey, Folks!

Seems every time I do a post, I apologize for not posting. Well, I'm sorry again. Life can get pretty crazy sometimes and things like this can take a seat on the back shelf. Well, I'm going to giver a go again. I'm working on some new ideas, though, with a focus on creating some video content. So this blog will essentially stick to format where I share links that I think are pretty cool and hope others will like too. I may insert some commentary here or there on occasion.

My videos, if all goes according to plan, will consist of my opinions and views on the car industry and general automotive related content (reviews, car tours, top ten lists, etc.). Since videos will be more time consuming, I'm aiming to eventually be doing one a week when I get on my feet. For now though, I'm just going to try and do regular updates here on the blog.

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.   

Tesla Model 3... It's here and it looks mostly finished! All right!

Tesla unveiled its much ballyhooed Model 3 to an invite only crowd and via live stream this past Thursday.  Looks like it will be a winner because as much as I want to hate it, I really want to drive one.  And that’s right, I said ballyhooed! 

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. 

Why You Should Choose The Canadian International Auto Show

This most recent Saturday (Valentine's Day) I had the fortune of visiting the CIAS in Toronto.  As per usual, it was a busy day with lots to see and do.  I was also in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show back in January.  If you've ever gone to Detroit but never to Toronto, here's a few reasons why you might want to consider the Canadian show over the American one.