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.
Contents: ● Evolution not Revolution: The G-Body History A-Body Becomes G-Body Chevrolet Pontiac Oldsmobile Buick ● 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 ● 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 ● Getting a Grip: Front Suspension Performance Component Options Stock Control Arms Aftermarket Control Arms Sway Bars Shocks Springs ● Handling On Rails: Steering System Upgrades Steering Box Rack-and-Pinion Conversion Power Steering Hose Power Steering Pump ● Hooking Up: High Performance Rear Suspension Control Arms Bushings Sway Bars Shocks Air Bag Suspension ● 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 ● 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 ● Get Into Gear: Manual and Automatic Transmissions Powerglide Turbo Hydra-Matic New-Generation Transmissions OEM Manual Transmissions Aftermarket Manual Transmission ● A High Performance Trans-formation: Manual Transmission Swaps Transmission Fit Clutch Pedal Driveshaft Speedometer Drive Shifter ● 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 ● Driving in the Lap of Luxury: Performance Interior Upgrades Gauges Wiring Harness Steering Wheel Shifter Seats Safety Restraints
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.
