GM G-Body Performance Upgrades 1978-1987

The photos in this edition are black and white.

The General Motors G-Body is one of the manufacturer's most popular chassis, and includes cars such as Chevrolet Malibu, Monte Carlo, and El Camino; the Buick Regal, Grand National, and GNX; the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme; the Pontiac Grand Prix, and more. This traditional and affordable front engine/rear-wheel-drive design lends itself to common upgrades and modifications for a wide range of high-performance applications, from drag racing to road racing. Many of the vehicles GM produced using this chassis were powered by V-8 engines, and others had popular turbocharged V-6 configurations. Some of the special-edition vehicles were outfitted with exclusive performance upgrades, which can be easily adapted to other G-Body vehicles.

Knowing which vehicles were equipped with which options, and how to best incorporate all the best-possible equipment is thoroughly covered in this book. A solid collection of upgrades including brakes, suspension, and the installation of GMs most popular modern engine-the LS-Series V-8-are all covered in great detail. The aftermarket support for this chassis is huge, and the interchangeability and affordability are a big reason for its popularity. It's the last mass-produced V-8/rear-drive chassis that enthusiasts can afford and readily modify.

There is also great information for use when shopping for a G-Body, including what areas to be aware of or check for possible corrosion, what options to look for, and what should be avoided. No other book on the performance aspects of a GM G-Body has been published until now, and this book will serve as the bible to G-Body enthusiasts for years to come.

Acknowledgments 

Chapter 1:

Evolution not Revolution: G-Body History 
A-Body Becomes G-Body 
Chevrolet
Pontiac 
Oldsmobile 
Buick 

Chapter 2:

On the Hunt: Finding Your Ideal G-Body 
Choosing a Model 
Setting Performance Goals 
Creating a Budget 
General Inspection 
Rust Issues 
Body Damage 
Chassis Considerations 

Chapter 3:

Maximizing Stopping Power: Stock and Aftermarket Brakes 
Hydroboost Brake System 
Powermaster Brake System 
Brake Upgrades 
Spindles 
Brake Proportioning Valve 
Brake Lines 
Brake Conversions 
Aftermarket Brake Systems 

Chapter 4:

Getting a Grip: Front Suspension Performance 
Component Options 
Stock Control Arms 
Aftermarket Control Arms 
Sway Bars 
Shocks 
Springs 

Chapter 5:

Handling on Rails: Steering System Upgrades 
Steering Box 
Rack-and-Pinion Conversion 
Power Steering Hose 
Power Steering Pump 

Chapter 6:

Hooking Up: High-Performance Rear Suspension 
Control Arms 
Bushings 
Sway Bars 
Shocks 
Air Bag Suspension 

Chapter 7:

Building a Strong Foundation: Chassis and Frame Upgrades 
Separate Frame from Body 
Frame Rail Boxing 
Roll Bar and Roll Cage Installation 
Crossmembers 
Wheel Clearance 
Aftermarket Chassis 

Chapter 8:

Putting the Power Down: High-Performance Differentials and Axles 
GM 10- or 12-Bolt 
Ford 9-Inch 
Dana 60 
Budget Option 
Stock Axle Assembly Upgrades 
Ring-and-Pinion Gears 
Pinion Supports and Yokes 
Axle Shafts 
Wheel Studs 
Limited-Slips 
Detroit Lockers 
Spools 
Differential Covers 
Back Braces 
Gear Cases 

Chapter 9:

Get Into Gear: Manual and Automatic Transmissions 
Powerglide 
Turbo Hydra-Matic 
New-Generation Transmissions 
OEM Manual Transmissions 
Aftermarket Manual Transmission

Chapter 10:

A High-Performance Trans-Formation: Manual Transmission Swaps
Transmission Fit 
Clutch Pedal 
Driveshaft 
Speedometer Drive 
Shifter 

Chapter 11:

A Higher Power: Engine Swaps 
Traditional V-8 Power 
LS Series 
Engine Mounts 
Wiring and Engine Management 
Exhaust 
Intake 
Carburetor or EFI 
Fuel System 
Cooling System 
Swap Kits 
Gauges 1
Accessories 

Chapter 12:

Driving in the Lap of Luxury: Performance Interior Upgrades 
Gauges 
Wiring Harness 
Steering Wheel 
Shifter 
Seats 
Safety Restraints 

Source Guide 

• Buy the eBook from Amazon Kindle
• Buy the eBook from Barnes & Noble
• Buy the eBook from Google