Automotive FAQ

Question: Well you’re going to have to give us the VIN number off your car to verify for sure what brand 350 you have but I suspect since it is an 80 that its an Olds 350 (5.7L). If it is an 5.0L you’ve probably got a Olds 307 (fairly common option on these cars). [...]

Question: What are the symptoms of a hosed cat converter? Since I had my carb rebuilt it ran lean for a while. I think the exhaust was running way too hot and after a while of driving the mufflers seemed louder than normal. Now the car is stalling all the time [...]

Question: I noticed that on the back cover of Chevy High performance magazine there was an ad by Performance Suspension Technology which displayed a set of KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. It said “…bolt on performance handling with 4 KYB gas charged shocks! Fast and easy to install…” I am currently looking to replace [...]

Question: CI have a problem with cold starts. When I try to start my car cold (a 1986 Monte Carlo SS, 4 bbl carb) it starts hard and then the RPM’s climb up above 2000 and then it drops back down and dies. The next time I try it it does start but [...]

Question: I am shoehorning an SHO V6 into a Fox chassis (’80 Capri) and converting the engine to rear drive. The motor I am using came from a salvage yard. The throttle body was damaged when I got it. Instead of replacing the original throttle body, I am curious if anyone knows of an [...]

Question: I just bought this thing as a second car. My 98 Z28 will not see snow!!. Anyway, I know it needs a tune-up. The engine runs rough. I plan on changing the plugs, wires, distributor, and other things. Driving it home the trans started to shudder in Overdrive. It is fine in [...]

Question: Hey all, I’ve been kickin’ around the idea of replacing the 700-R4 overdrive transmission in my 1986 monte with a 5-speed Manual and I was wondering if anyone knew how much trouble that would be (ie, do I need to change driveshafts, flywheels, etc.). I have a 305 engine in there now, and I [...]

Question: I’m thinking of buying an 80’s Monte Carlo SS.  Did they ever come out with >a 350 ci engine?  What was the horse power rating?  How was its >performance?  How did it handle?  Can it be improved upon?  Where can I >find out more information about this car?
All the the 80’s SS’s that I [...]

Question: I am looking at possibly moving to Southern Maryland in the next few months, and need to know the rules regarding emissions and inspections. Seeing as I have a ‘74 2002 and ‘74 Thing, in most states (Texas especially, since that is where I live now) I would be exempt from most emissions tests. [...]

Question:
I’ve just recently finished rebuilding my 350 motor.  I ran it for 500 miles and varied speed, rpm, etc.  I then changed the oil.   Why is that recommended?
I’ve now got almost 2,000 miles on the motor.  When is it considered “broken in”?  When can I go to synthetic oil?
Answer: I have heard/read different answers [...]