Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[STUDY: Despite insurance breaks, hybrids driven more, cost more to fix, and get more tickets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/study-despite-insurance-discounts-hybrids-are-driven-more-cos/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/study-despite-insurance-discounts-hybrids-are-driven-more-cos/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/study-despite-insurance-discounts-hybrids-are-driven-more-cos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Conventional wisdom is that hybrid vehicles reduce our dependence on foreign oil and emit fewer environment hurting CO2 emissions. When comparing a hybrid to a conventional gasoline-powered model on a mile-by-mile basis, there's some logic to this argument provided the pricing disparity between the two models isn't too broad. However, a new study by Quality Planning shows that hybrid owners drive much more than non-hybrid owners, potentially negating the benefits of the added battery pack and electric motor.

Quality Planning studied nearly 360,000 vehicles throughout 2007 and 2008 to analyze driving habits, and some of the study's findings are pretty surprising. According to the survey, hybrid and non-hybrid drivers have statistically similar commutes, but hybrid owners drive their vehicles 25% more (2,000 miles) in non-commuting scenarios.

Dr. Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning, thinks part of the reason for these findings has something to do with the fact that high mileage drivers are typically more interested in hybrids than infrequent drivers.
"What we don't know is whether owning a hybrid vehicle encourages people to drive more miles each day or take more pleasure trips. High-mileage drivers appear to be attracted to these vehicles, so insurers should take steps to verify the intended use of hybrids and validate actual miles driven wherever possible."
The study also shows that hybrid owners are significantly more likely to receive traffic tickets. According to the survey, Toyota Prius owners received .38 tickets per 100,000 miles driven, versus a non-hybrid average of .23 tickets per 100,000 miles. That's a 65% differential. One possible explanation for the ticket disparity has to do with where hybrid owners live. Quality Planning found that hybrid owners are more likely to live in an urban setting, where tickets are more frequently issued.

If you really want a hybrid and you don't want to hear any more bad news, you should stop reading. QP also found that repair costs are significantly higher for hybrid owners. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, costs 31% more to repair than the gasoline-only model, while repairing the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will reportedly add 45% more cost. A recent report by IntelliChoice that found that, in the long-term, hybrids and diesels are actually cheaper than gasoline-only vehicles.

The text below illustrates how much on a per dollar basis hybrid repair costs for collision and comprehensive coverage versus one dollar for a non-hybrid. The disparity is shrinking every year, but according to QP, hybrids still cost more to fix. Hit the jump to view the Quality Planning press release.

Collision Comprehensive
Coverage Coverage
2006 Hybrid Models $1.16 $1.75
2007 Hybrid Models $1.09 $1.35
2008 Hybrid Models $1.13 $1.17


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX


[Source: Quality Planning via Marketwire]

Continue reading STUDY: Despite insurance breaks, hybrids driven more, cost more to fix, and get more tickets

STUDY: Despite insurance breaks, hybrids driven more, cost more to fix, and get more tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of ownershipCostOfOwnershipgas-electrichonda insightHondaInsighthybridhybridsmaintenancemaintenance costsMaintenanceCostsquality planningQualityPlanningrepair costsRepairCoststicketstoyota priusToyotaPriusThu, 16 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> getting into the used car business?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/i-motor-trend-i-getting-into-the-used-car-business/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/i-motor-trend-i-getting-into-the-used-car-business/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/i-motor-trend-i-getting-into-the-used-car-business/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Motor Trend is lending its name and brand to a certified used car program at Planet Honda in Union, New Jersey. The program is actually "powered by" EasyCare, a company that provides a suite of contract services like maintenance and repair warranties and GAP insurance to new owners. (EasyCare was a Motor Trend "Best Buy" last year.) Formerly called APCO, EasyCare was until last year a Ford subsidiary. As a private company, it still oversees the certified used car programs for Land Rover, Volvo, Mazda and Jaguar, and works with 3,000 dealerships in the U.S.

Planet Honda - a three-time Honda Excellence Award winner - has been named a Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealership. That means it has a vehicle certification program approved by MT and provides "a noticeably better buying and ownership experience." Now, not only does Planet Honda guarantee the quality of the vehicle, but buyers will also get other EasyCare services like paintless dent removal and 24/7 concierge service with the car.

There are three MT Certified Advantage dealerships as of now, and probably more on the way. Sounds like a fine idea; after all, if you have the brand equity, no reason not to cash in on use it. If this does well for them, we just hope they don't pull a Ferrari and keep squeezing the licensing teat until every possible appliance has been sprayed with the Motor Trend logo. You can read the press release on the program after the jump.

Continue reading Motor Trend getting into the used car business?

Motor Trend getting into the used car business? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcar buyingCarBuyingdealerdealershipetchondalifestylemaintenancemarketingmotor trendmotor trend certified advantageMotorTrendMotorTrendCertifiedAdvantageused car dealerused carsUsedCarDealerUsedCarsSat, 24 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo bringing back free maintenance program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/volvo-bringing-back-free-maintenance-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/volvo-bringing-back-free-maintenance-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/volvo-bringing-back-free-maintenance-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's our pleasure to announce that the economic downturn is responsible for something you might actually want, other than cheap gas: Volvo is offering free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles on all 2009 models. Volvo ran the program most recently until 2006. But with sales in the tank, Volvo dealers have been pleading with Volvo to bring it back in a bid to get more customers. Volvo higher ups finally agreed, and dealers think that this will help a potential customer choose Volvo over another make, especially a domestic, if she knows she won't be on the hook for creaks and leaks. BMW, Land Rover, MINI, and Saab also have free maintenance programs, and VW has started the program for its 2009 models. Now if only Volvo offered the S60 Concept with free maintenance...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volvo bringing back free maintenance program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingdealersfreemaintenancevolvoTue, 23 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Cost of vehicle maintenance is escalading]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/cost-of-vehicle-maintenance-is-escalading/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/cost-of-vehicle-maintenance-is-escalading/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/cost-of-vehicle-maintenance-is-escalading/#commentsFiled under: ,



The pains many automobile owners are feeling at their local service station isn't just at the pump -- prices for general maintenance is also increasing. Petroleum based products, such as oil and tires, are heading north with the price of gasoline. Demand for steel has also pushed up prices on various automotive parts. That means consumers are seeing larger bills from their auto repair specialists, even when their exhaust doesn't require three people to install. Instead, many are choosing to squeeze pennies and skimp on elaborate repairs in order to stay on the road. AAA says in 2008 the average vehicle owner will spend $8,121 to operate their automobile. That is up nearly $300 from last year. The only ease in operational expenses could come from the insurance industry. As costs increase, people drive less and less, which should subsequently lead to fewer accidents and lower premiums.

[Source: Detroit News]

Cost of vehicle maintenance is escalading originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAACost Vehicle MaintenanceCostVehicleMaintenancemaintenanceserviceService CostServiceCostThu, 29 May 2008 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler planning stand-alone service centers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/chrysler-planning-stand-alone-service-centers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/chrysler-planning-stand-alone-service-centers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/chrysler-planning-stand-alone-service-centers/#commentsFiled under:

As Chrysler moves ahead with its "consolidation strategy" (a.k.a. Project Genesis), it's apparently had enough foresight to realize that shutting down dealerships seriously handicaps your ability to service your customers. According to Steven Landry, Chrysler executive vice president of North American sales, the company's solution will be "stand-alone service stores" -- it is easiest to think of them as dealerships that have closed, but the service department still remains open.

While the first stand-alone service store is still about two years from opening its doors, Chrysler is in active talks with a handful of other retailers about the strategy with customer service as their goal. "If we all of a sudden go from 80 stalls to 40 stalls we don't want to do our customers a disservice," says Landry. "You need to have the right number of stalls." Funny, any woman at a professional sporting event could have told you that.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Chrysler planning stand-alone service centers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler llcchryslergroupChryslerLlcMaintenanceService CenterService StoreServiceCenterServiceStoreWarrantyFri, 18 Apr 2008 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[For the OCD in you: Ownersite lets you track vehicle history to a tee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/for-the-ocd-in-you-ownersite-lets-you-track-vehicle-history-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/for-the-ocd-in-you-ownersite-lets-you-track-vehicle-history-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/for-the-ocd-in-you-ownersite-lets-you-track-vehicle-history-to/#commentsFiled under:

Before I owned the '99 Alero, there was the '94 Protege. I had a habit of keeping the receipt for every drop of gas I put in that car. They were all stuffed in the glove box with the intent that I would plot a nice graph showing the Protege's gas mileage over time when it came to sell. Well, the Protege died a sudden death, so the car was never sold and the receipts went in the trash, but I've always liked the idea of tracking my vehicle's history for the benefit of the next owner and, ultimately, my own wallet.

We found a site that lets you do just that called Ownersite. Its founder and CEO is Steven Eppinger who used to own and run F150Online.com before it was sold to Internet Brands back in April. Truck owners have been known to keep very detailed records of their beasts, which was a fact that led Eppinger to start Ownersite as his next venture. It does what you'd expect it to - allows for tracking your vehicle's mileage, maintenance, mpg, repairs, etc., but we've found it goes many levels deeper than other vehicle history tracking software and sites. For instance, it also monitors recalls and TSBs issued by the NHTSA and immediately alerts you if any affect the vehicle your driving.

[Source: Ownersite.com]

Continue reading For the OCD in you: Ownersite lets you track vehicle history to a tee

For the OCD in you: Ownersite lets you track vehicle history to a tee originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceownersiteremindersservice historyServiceHistoryvehicle trackingVehicleTrackingTue, 14 Aug 2007 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Cambridge engineers develop "talking" Fiat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/cambridge-engineers-develop-talking-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/cambridge-engineers-develop-talking-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/cambridge-engineers-develop-talking-fiat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Who would have thought that Pixar would turn out to be a prophet of the automotive industry? In creating its talking automobiles for the computer-animated film Cars, the Disney-associated studio might have done just that, as a group of engineering students in England have demonstrated.

The team at Cambridge developed a "talking" car of their own. Based on a Fiat Stilo, the prototype is capable of telling mechanics what's working and what's not. By transmitting radio signal tags, engine components can inform workshop staff of the working condition of specific parts, as well as identifying parts that haven't received recall work yet and what parts are worth salvaging should the car be heading for the scrap yard.

According to Prof. Duncan McFarlane, the team is discussing selling the technology to "a number of firms", and we hope that the feature gets adopted fast. This is one piece of tech that really speaks to us.

[Source: Auto Express]

Cambridge engineers develop "talking" Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambridgefiatmaintenancepartsradiostilotagstalkingMon, 02 Jul 2007 21:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 301: Part II of our front suspension/steering refresh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/27/autoblog-maintenance-301-part-ii-of-our-front-suspension-steeri/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/27/autoblog-maintenance-301-part-ii-of-our-front-suspension-steeri/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/27/autoblog-maintenance-301-part-ii-of-our-front-suspension-steeri/#commentsFiled under:



With Part I out of the way and the front end of our Buick Roadmaster in pieces, the next logic step is to start putting things back together. In this installment, we'll get the control arms buttoned up, and pay some loving attention to the steering gear. Click through for more grease-under-the-fingernails goodness.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Part II of our front suspension/steering refresh

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Part II of our front suspension/steering refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ball jointdrag linkgarageidler armmaintenanceprojectroadmastershockspringsuspensiontie rodTue, 27 Mar 2007 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 301: Front suspension/steering refresh, Part I]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/autoblog-maintenance-301-front-suspension-steering-refresh-par/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/autoblog-maintenance-301-front-suspension-steering-refresh-par/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/autoblog-maintenance-301-front-suspension-steering-refresh-par/#commentsFiled under:



Suspension components, charged with providing articulation while withstanding a constant beating from rough roads, live an incredibly tough life. Proper maintenance that includes regular lubrication helps, but once the odometer clicks over the sixth digit, it's often time for some fresh components. While the slow onset of wear might mask any issues, all it'll take is a spin in a newer vehicle or a look at the tread wear pattern to get some perspective on the problem.

Fortunately, for most of us, like-new handling precision can be restored with a few hours, a couple hundred bucks of parts (and maybe that much again for some specialty tools), and a skinned knuckle or two. We're going to tear into the front end of our 155,000-mile Buick Roadmaster to show you how it's done, and it might get some mild upgrades while we're at it.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Front suspension/steering refresh, Part I

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Front suspension/steering refresh, Part I originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alignmentball jointdrag linkgaragemaintenanceprojectroadmastershocksspringsteeringsuspensiontie rodMon, 26 Mar 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford officially extends oil change interval to 7,500 miles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/22/ford-officially-extends-oil-change-interval-ot-7-500-miles/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/22/ford-officially-extends-oil-change-interval-ot-7-500-miles/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/22/ford-officially-extends-oil-change-interval-ot-7-500-miles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford has been studying the question of when to suggest oil changes, and they've hit upon 7,500 miles for 2007 and newer cars. Not only are modern oils better, modern engines are also better. You don't have carburetors metering poorly on winter mornings, tolerances are a lot tighter, and operating temperatures are typically a little hotter, helping to cook off the junk that accumulates in the oil. Some manufacturers use a sensor to monitor the health of the oil and light a service lamp when it calculates change is required. Ford contends that its customers prefer a set amount of miles between changes. The automaker also cites the environmental benefits that come from less waste oil, monetary savings, as well as extensive tests as positive aspects of the new recommendation. I'm convinced that the only reason to suggest changing the oil at 3,000 miles in a modern car is to sell more oil. Perhaps an air-cooled Porsche would stress dino juice more, and could sensibly require changes at 3K, but you can stretch to drain intervals that would make your father gasp and clutch his chest by running modern oils in your modern engine. Of course, your driving pattern has a lot to do with it, as well. If you're in town for short hops, you'll require a shorter drain interval than the guy running Mobil 1 for his highway commute and changing the oil at 25 kilomile intervals (raising my hand).

[Source: AP]

Ford officially extends oil change interval to 7,500 miles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7500drainFORDgarageintervalmaintenancemilesoiloil changeOilChangerecommendationrepairservicetechupkeepThu, 22 Mar 2007 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Toolkit Upgrades Round Two - more fun toys]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/18/toolkit-upgrades-round-two-more-fun-toys/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/18/toolkit-upgrades-round-two-more-fun-toys/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/18/toolkit-upgrades-round-two-more-fun-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A while back, we expounded on some simple items that brought more joy to the automotive arts. Spring is just around the corner, and we've compiled a big ol' list of things to address in celebration of the Vernal Equinox. Unpacking the tools from their long winter nap is a ritual here, and it's like reconnecting with old friends. Off we go.

Continue reading Toolkit Upgrades Round Two - more fun toys

Toolkit Upgrades Round Two - more fun toys originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto repairAutoRepairetcgaragehot roddingHotRoddingmaintenancerepairtechtoolsSun, 18 Mar 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[SAM is looking for a few good OBD II ports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/11/sam-is-looking-for-a-few-good-obd-ii-ports/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/11/sam-is-looking-for-a-few-good-obd-ii-ports/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/11/sam-is-looking-for-a-few-good-obd-ii-ports/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For those of us who like to service our own cars, being able to retrieve the OBD-II codes is important. There are various readers on the market, with some more capable than others. Of course, once the codes are retrieved, you need to know how to interpret them. The common misconception is that the on-board diagnostics will tell you exactly what's wrong. The truth is, codes may be set that call out a particular component or system which are symptoms, not causes. To really get to the root of the problem, you need to interpret the information coming from your vehicle's computer. That requires years of experience and knowledge of of how everything interacts.

Or, you could just go see SAM. SAM stands for Smart Auto Management, and it's like a mechanic and an ATM rolled into one. The kiosk systems are going in at assorted chain-service shops and independent facilities. You drive your ailing car in, pay the $15 fee, plug into SAM and get a printout that is written in English even your ten-year-old will understand. Some of us will soldier on with our code readers and mental Rosetta Stones, but for folks looking for a quick answer to the "is this going to be expensive" question, SAM may be your man.

[Source: engadget]

SAM is looking for a few good OBD II ports originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>check engineCheckEnginediydo it yourselfDoItYourselfgaragemaintenancemechanicrepairservicetechSun, 11 Feb 2007 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[While my wallet gently weeps: What it costs to own a late-model Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/09/while-my-wallet-gently-weeps-what-it-costs-to-own-a-late-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/09/while-my-wallet-gently-weeps-what-it-costs-to-own-a-late-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/09/while-my-wallet-gently-weeps-what-it-costs-to-own-a-late-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ferraris have often been compared to beautiful women. Like some of the aforementioned companions, they can become high-maintenance over time. Sure, the first couple of years of getting to really know each other are fun (or, in the case of the Ferrari, under warranty). But once the honeymoon is over, however, you might find that your bank account is getting more attention than you are, and that maybe this endeavour is a little more than you bargained for.

Sports Car Market has a story covering the first 6 &frac12; years of the life of a very-well-maintained Ferrari 550 Maranello. It began life as a $225,000 plaything for a successful real-estate investor in California. The well-documented repair history takes you through 36,000 miles of Ferrari ownership, and illustrates why owning a Ferrari means so much more than being able to simply buy one in the first place.

On the surface, it seems amazing just how much money has been spent on maintaining, personalizing, and repairing this vehicle. It's really all relative, though. For someone of considerable wealth, covering the maintenance costs of a Ferrari is no different than a person of average means picking up the tab to maintain his or her Toyota, Ford, Honda, or Chevy. The Sports Car Market piece is interesting because it provides such an unusually comprehensive look at one particular exotic's total cost of ownership. Make sure you read it through to the end for a great quote from one of the subject car's owners, which helps put it all into perspective.

Like we said, everything's relative.

[Source: Sports Car Market Magazine]


Continue reading While my wallet gently weeps: What it costs to own a late-model Ferrari

While my wallet gently weeps: What it costs to own a late-model Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expenseFerrarimaintenanceMaranello 550Maranello550repair historyRepairHistorySat, 09 Dec 2006 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part IV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/09/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-iv/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/09/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-iv/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/09/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-iv/#commentsFiled under: ,



A plan is finally in place for rebuilding the broken Tremec T56 transmission from our 1996 Impala SS; now it's time to carefully assemble some components in such a way that it'll survive the sort of abuse that we dish out every time the car hits the racetrack.

Follow along as we walk through the process of building a six-speed manual trans, and hopefully you'll realize that it's a fairly straightforward task when armed with the proper service documentation and a handful of tools.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part IV

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part IV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Dec 2006 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garageimpalamaintenanceprojectrebuildSSRt-56t56transmissiontremecviperSat, 09 Dec 2006 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part III]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-iii/#commentsFiled under: ,



When we last visited this project*, we'd torn down a couple of Tremec T56 transmissions - the F-body/Viper hybrid that was making nasty rock-crushing noises from under the floorpan of our Impala SS, and one from a Chevy SSR that was presumably still in good working order, and perhaps could serve as a source of spare parts.

So, where do we go from here? First, it's important to understand what failed in the broken transmission, and why. Next, we'd like to figure out how to prevent another occurrence, because transmission replacement is not an enjoyable recreational activity. Finally, we'll hopefully build a stronger gearbox that can survive 600+ lb-ft of torque on the input shaft and a couple tons' worth of mass on the other end.

*Yes, that was several months ago. Welcome to the real world, where projects don't move in nice, neat one-month increments.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part III

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part III originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garageimpalamaintenanceprojectrebuildSSRt-56t56transmissiontremecviperFri, 08 Dec 2006 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Nostalgia - Flexstones and Flatheads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/nostalgia-flexstones-and-flatheads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/nostalgia-flexstones-and-flatheads/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/nostalgia-flexstones-and-flatheads/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With it getting colder here in New England, us Yankee Autobloggers have to prepare for winter. This often entails a final running of the yard equipment, just today I mulched the rest of the leaves that'd fallen on the back yard. There's nothing quite like the roar of an air-cooled "one-lunger" ringing out through the crisp air. The smell of exhaust brings back memories of long ago, when that same toxic unburned hydrocarbon parfum emanated forth from the tailpipe of passing Delmont 88s and Bobcats, among others. There's something about the way the scent of decay from the leaves mixes with the exhaust and combines with the air's coolness that just brings to mind those stylized pictures of happy family life in the horn-rimmed 1950s - earflap hats, red plaid jackets and all.

More after the jump.

Continue reading Nostalgia - Flexstones and Flatheads

Nostalgia - Flexstones and Flatheads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carburetormagnetomaintenancemechanicrepairserviceSun, 03 Dec 2006 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Project Garage: Axle swap, Part III]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/autoblog-project-garage-axle-swap-part-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/autoblog-project-garage-axle-swap-part-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/22/autoblog-project-garage-axle-swap-part-iii/#commentsFiled under: ,



In the previous installment of this epic saga, we started reassembling the axle that will be going underneath a 1996 Buick Roadmaster. In case you've forgotten the point of this exercise - and you'd be forgiven, as the scope of this project has suffered mightily from feature creep - we're trying to replace the stock rear drum brakes, worn-out limited slip, and way-too-steep 2.56:1 gears with the discs and 3.08s from an Impala SS.

With the housing freshly painted, new bearings and seals installed, and the carrier secured in place, it's time to button this thing up by installing the axle shafts and brakes.

Continue reading Autoblog Project Garage: Axle swap, Part III

Autoblog Project Garage: Axle swap, Part III originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axle swapAxleSwapmaintenanceprojectFri, 22 Sep 2006 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 101: In-tank fuel pump R&R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you own enough vehicles with an electric fuel pump, eventually it's likely that your luck will run out and you'll find yourself with a vehicle that refuses to operate properly due to a lack of go-juice. Most modern vehicles place the pump in the tank where it can be kept cool with a constant bath of fuel, but this location isn't so ideal when it comes time to replace that troublesome component. Fortunately, the task usually isn't quite as daunting as it may first appear, and tackling this project yourself can save several hundred dollars.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 101: In-tank fuel pump R&R

Autoblog Maintenance 101: In-tank fuel pump R&R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuelgaragegasin-tankmaintenancepressureprojectpumptankThu, 03 Aug 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Determining oil change intervals via analysis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/02/determining-oil-change-intervals-via-analysis/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/02/determining-oil-change-intervals-via-analysis/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/02/determining-oil-change-intervals-via-analysis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

John's post on Valvoline's oil change interval survey results got the attention of our readers, so perhaps now it's time for a slightly different perspective on the topic. If one accepts the fact that each combination of driver and engine is likely to require its own oil change interval, then the idea of some sort of "blanket" recommendation on the topic seems almost silly.

With this in mind, we decided to run some analysis on a couple of vehicles in our motor pool. Due to the mileage put on our 2001 Honda Accord V6 during its daily commute, the 3,000-mile interval suggested by ASE Master Mechanics would require a change every month and a half. The service manual, on the other hand, suggests that the oil need be changed only every 8,000 miles - an interval a bit more practical for busy DIYers. A couple simple and affordable tests from Blackstone Labs offered some insight on who might be right. And what sort of stress does the high-revving stroker V8 in our Impala SS impart upon its oil? Click through to find out.

Continue reading Determining oil change intervals via analysis

Determining oil change intervals via analysis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Aug 2006 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisblackstonechangegaragemaintenanceoilprojectWed, 02 Aug 2006 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part II]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/16/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/16/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-ii/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/16/autoblog-maintenance-301-transmission-randr-part-ii/#commentsFiled under: ,

With the defective transmission finally removed from our Impala SS, it's time to tear it down to inspect for damage and replace any components that are deemed defective.

Although we usually shy away from messing with automatic transmissions, manuals are usually simple enough to be serviced with a normal assortment of hand tools and perhaps a trip or two to the local rental store. Follow along as we break down our T56 into its constituent components.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part II

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Transmission R&R, Part II originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>garageImpalamaintenancemanualprojectsixspeedSSSSRT56toolstransmissionViperSun, 16 Jul 2006 11:15:00 EST