Muscle Cars Field Guide: American Supercars 1960-2000-John Gunnell

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Multiple American Manufacturers Model: Muscle Cars (Various) Year Range: 1960-2000 Author: John Gunnell Codes Isbn: 978-0896895839 Product Code: BKMG0002 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience:...

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Tags: 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 American American Supercars Car

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Multiple American Manufacturers

Model:

Muscle Cars (Various)

Year Range:

1960-2000

Author:

John Gunnell

Codes

Isbn:

978-0896895839

Product Code:

BKMG0002

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Target Audience:

Muscle car enthusiasts, collectors, historians, and automotive hobbyists

Competitive Analysis

Differentiation:

Comprehensive coverage of over 300 American muscle cars from a defined 40-year era, presented in a portable, fact-filled format.

Key Features

Portability:

Designed to be taken anywhere, making it a convenient field guide.

Visuals:

Features full-color illustrations and photography for enhanced appeal and identification.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Editorial Focus:

American Muscle Cars: 1960-2000

Content Scope:

Identification, specifications, history, and key features of over 300 American muscle cars.

Page Count

Number Of Pages:

Manual Type

Type:

Reference Guide / Field Guide

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Printed Book

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

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.

Procedures Included

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.

Technical Depth

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format Detail:

N/A (Printed Product)

Print Quality

Color:

Full-Color

Binding Type

Binding:

Perfect Bound (Typical for reference books)

Paper Type

Paper Quality:

High-quality paper suitable for color photography and detailed text

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

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

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 System

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.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Standard Transmission Types:

Manual (3-speed, 4-speed floor shift) and Automatic (2-speed, 3-speed automatic) transmissions.

Optional

Optional Transmission Types:

Performance-oriented transmissions like Muncie, BorgWarner, Turbo-Hydramatic, Torqueflite are highlighted.

Features

Drivetrain Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is the predominant drivetrain configuration discussed.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

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

Interior Features Focus:

Seating configurations (bucket seats, bench seats), dashboard layouts, and iconic interior elements.

Cargo

Cargo Capacity Mention:

Not a primary focus, but trunk space for performance models is implicitly considered within overall vehicle design.

Weights

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 Features

Ratings

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 Features

Active Safety Mention:

Limited; emphasis on braking systems (e.g., disc brakes) and tire technology as available.

Passive Features

Passive Safety Mention:

Seat belts (lap, shoulder belts), padded dashboards, and strong chassis construction are generally noted.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Infotainment Systems Era:

Basic AM/FM radios, 8-track players, cassette players. Focus on functionality over advanced features.

Driver Assistance

Driver Assistance Features:

Virtually nonexistent in the modern sense. Focus is on mechanical aspects of performance.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Maintenance Schedule Detail:

General maintenance guidance rather than specific intervals for each model. Focuses on common needs like oil changes, tune-ups.

Fluid Specifications

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).

Known Issues

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.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Key Manufacturers:

Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Plymouth, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, AMC, Mercury

Model Evolution

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

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.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Industry Recognition:

Highlights iconic status and cultural impact of these vehicles.

Ratings

Performance Rankings:

Often discusses performance metrics and how specific models were rated against competitors in their time.

Certifications

Certification Mention:

N/A (This is a historical/reference guide, not a certified manual)