Target Audience:
Muscle car enthusiasts, collectors, historians, and automotive hobbyists
Differentiation:
Comprehensive coverage of over 300 American muscle cars from a defined 40-year era, presented in a portable, fact-filled format.
Portability:
Designed to be taken anywhere, making it a convenient field guide.
Visuals:
Features full-color illustrations and photography for enhanced appeal and identification.
Editorial Focus:
American Muscle Cars: 1960-2000
Content Scope:
Identification, specifications, history, and key features of over 300 American muscle cars.
Type:
Reference Guide / Field Guide
Primary Focus:
Vehicle Identification, Specifications, History, and Key Features of Muscle Cars
Powertrain:
Engines (V8s, V6s), transmissions (manual, automatic), rear axles, and drivetrain components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame construction, front and rear suspension systems (e.g., independent front suspension, leaf springs), steering mechanisms.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic systems, power assist.
Electrical System:
Ignition systems, starting systems, charging systems, lighting, instrumentation.
Body And Trim:
Exterior styling cues, iconic trim packages, interior design elements, and material choices.
Identification And Differentiation:
Guides users in identifying various muscle car models and their variations
Identification Of Performance Variants:
Distinguishing between base models and high-performance variants (e.g., SS, GTO Judge, Boss 302).
Historical Context:
Explains the cultural and economic factors that led to the rise and fall of the muscle car era.
Level Of Detail:
Overview and key specification data, suitable for enthusiast identification and appreciation, not in-depth repair procedures
Specification Detail:
Provides key specifications like engine displacement (cu. in.), horsepower ratings (SAE Gross), torque ratings, gear ratios, wheelbase, overall length, and weight.
Performance Differentiation:
Details specific performance packages, option codes, and their impact on the vehicle's capabilities.
Styling And Features:
Covers significant styling elements, interior features, and optional equipment that defined each model.
Engine Types Covered:
V8 engines (various displacements), Inline-6 engines (less common for muscle cars but present in earlier models)
Displacement Range:
302 cu. in. to 454 cu. in. (and larger experimental/specialty engines)
Performance Metrics:
Horsepower, torque figures, acceleration times (e.g., quarter-mile) are generally provided for key models.
Horsepower Range:
190 HP (for lower-output base engines) to 500+ HP (for high-performance variants like the Hemi or Ram Air IV).
Torque Range:
300 lb-ft to 500+ lb-ft.
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (multiple types like Holley, Edelbrock, Rochester) and early fuel injection systems are covered for relevant models.
Carburetor Types:
Single 2-barrel, single 4-barrel, dual 4-barrel carburetors.
Ignition Systems:
Points and condenser, breakerless ignition, early electronic ignition systems.
Standard Transmission Types:
Manual (3-speed, 4-speed floor shift) and Automatic (2-speed, 3-speed automatic) transmissions.
Optional Transmission Types:
Performance-oriented transmissions like Muncie, BorgWarner, Turbo-Hydramatic, Torqueflite are highlighted.
Drivetrain Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is the predominant drivetrain configuration discussed.
Body Styles Covered:
Coupes, Hardtops, Sedans, Convertibles, Fastbacks, particularly those synonymous with performance.
Wheelbase Range:
Approximately 108 inches to 118 inches.
Overall Length Range:
Approximately 180 inches to 210 inches.
Interior Features Focus:
Seating configurations (bucket seats, bench seats), dashboard layouts, and iconic interior elements.
Cargo Capacity Mention:
Not a primary focus, but trunk space for performance models is implicitly considered within overall vehicle design.
Weight Class:
Typically includes curb weight and gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for context.
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,000 lbs to 4,500 lbs.
Safety Standards Era:
Reflects safety standards of the era, which were less stringent than modern times. Focus is on vehicle design rather than formal crash ratings.
Active Safety Mention:
Limited; emphasis on braking systems (e.g., disc brakes) and tire technology as available.
Passive Safety Mention:
Seat belts (lap, shoulder belts), padded dashboards, and strong chassis construction are generally noted.
Infotainment Systems Era:
Basic AM/FM radios, 8-track players, cassette players. Focus on functionality over advanced features.
Driver Assistance Features:
Virtually nonexistent in the modern sense. Focus is on mechanical aspects of performance.
Maintenance Schedule Detail:
General maintenance guidance rather than specific intervals for each model. Focuses on common needs like oil changes, tune-ups.
Fluid Types Mentioned:
Engine oil grades (e.g., SAE 10W-30, 10W-40), transmission fluid types (e.g., Dexron), coolant specifications.
Engine Oil Viscosity Common:
SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, SAE 30 (for some high-performance, break-in applications).
Transmission Fluid Common:
Dexron-II (for automatics), GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (for manuals).
Coolant Type Common:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Common Wear Items:
Mentions common wear items like carburetors, ignition systems, suspension components, and exhaust systems relevant to performance vehicles of the era.
Carburetor Issues:
Vapor lock, fuel delivery problems, tuning inconsistencies.
Ignition System Issues:
Points wear, condenser failure, coil failure, distributor cap/rotor wear.
Cooling System Issues:
Radiator leaks, thermostat failure, water pump leaks, hose degradation.
Key Manufacturers:
Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Plymouth, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, AMC, Mercury
Era Defining Models:
Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda, Pontiac GTO, Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Road Runner, Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Muscle Car Definition Era:
Mid-1960s to early 1970s.
Impact Of Regulations:
Discusses the effects of unleaded gasoline, catalytic converters, and horsepower restrictions on performance in the mid-1970s.
Production Trends:
Covers the golden age of muscle cars, the impact of emissions regulations in the 1970s, and their evolution into the late 20th century.