The very first six-cylinder engine was the 194 cubic-inch Stovebolt engine. It is capable of generating up to 50 horsepower. In 1936, a more efficient engine system emerged, the 216 cubic inch engine, but it was immediately replaced by the 235 cubic-inch Blue Flame six. The Blue Flame six engine became the mainstay in the succeeding lines of Chevrolet cars until the year 1962. After that, more engine models were developed which include the following:

• Small Block V-8 Engines – This engine model featured a more compact, sturdy and powerful design. It emerged in the market in 1955 and became a popular V-8 engine until the time that its production ceased in 2002.

• Big Block V-8 Engines – This model debuted in 1965 and was the engine of choice for their muscle car models. It showcased a 396 cubic-inch engine that can produce up to 425 horsepower and 415 foot-pounds of torque.

• V-6 Engines – In terms of engine technology, the V-6 is perhaps one of their greatest developments. They replaced the straight-six Chevy 250 engine. Since their debut in 1985, they remain a staple in many Chevy truck models due to their durable, fuel-efficient and superb engine performance.

• LS-series Engines – Launched in 1997, this engine model is denser than the V-8 engines. They also feature an aluminum construction which significantly adds to their physical appeal.

• Vortec 5300 – This particular type of engine is used to power the Chevy and GMC trucks. They are capable of generating up to 295 horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque.

The constant development of fuel-efficient and more reliable engines has made Chevy pickups and other Chevrolet car models the top choice when it comes to excellent and unparalleled engine performance!

A Look at the Evolution of the Body Style of Pick Up Trucks

Chevy pickups have greatly evolved since their introduction decades ago. In fact, they have already undergone a dramatic transformation over the course of time. From typical work trucks they have now become luxury vehicles used for a multitude of driving and road applications. Of course, without the pick-up’s original style and design, they wouldn’t be able to progress into what they are today. So to give you an idea as to how the style and design of pick up trucks matured through the years, this will present you with a brief tour down memory lane.

In 1917, mass-produced pickup trucks began to appear on the road. However, it wasn’t until after World War II, when automakers pay more emphasis on the truck’s comfort, safety, and body style. A vast array of pickups became available as a direct result of this realization.

During the mid-1950′s, four door crew cabs were introduced. Volkswagen in the 1960′s became available in single cab and dual cab pickups. Ten years after, the extended two-door cab emerged. It featured extra space located behind the bend seat which is primarily intended for storage purposes. This design was used to develop the four-door luxury crew cabs (capable of accommodating up to six passengers) that are widely used today.

Aside from the cab styles, the fleetside body style also became popular in the 1960. It was popularized by Chevrolet through the introduction of their C/K series. The fleetside pickups featured a stretched bed placed over the rear wheels along with flat side panels. Not long after, the fleetside became the standard body style for pick-up trucks.

The introduction of the cab and fleetside body style pave the way for the development of more functional and powerful designs such as the compact, luxury and special edition pickups. Thanks to these advancements, Chevy pickups and other light-duty truck models are now available in a wide range of body styles.

To improve your truck’s acceleration speed, it is best to replace its existing air intake and cleaner with a functional open element filter. By integrating an open filter, you are allowing the engine to draw air more quickly which is very important to enhance the acceleration time. Typically, the open element filter features a paper mesh filter that allows exposure to outside air.

Another way to increase your truck’s engine performance is by utilizing spark plugs with higher heat value. If for instance your current spark plug is rated as 3, you should upgrade to a 4 or 5 HV plugs to dramatically increase efficiency of burning fuel.

To increase the power transferred on the plugs, you should replace old ignition coils and spark plug wires with 8mm or higher stock plug wires. Over time, old ignition coils greatly decreases their output, therefore, it is a must to install a new and high-performance coil.

If you want to enhance engine emissions and fuel economy, it is advisable that you increase your fuel’s octane level. There are a number of gasoline additives available that will help improve fuel efficiency and engine power.

To add more raw power and enjoy faster speed, you have to introduce a high-powered engine or transmission. Keep in mind that an engine with more horsepower will be capable of delivering a more desirable acceleration speed.

Before engaging with any of these upgrades, be sure to consult a professional or someone knowledgeable about Chevy pickups to ensure that their installation will be done properly.

There are a lot of ways to customize Chevy pickups. Of course, the outcome will always depend on the taste and personal style of the owner. The good thing about Chevy trucks is the fact that upgraded parts and additional accessories are widely accessible in both online and offline stores. That being said, owners won’t have a difficult time finding a particular part or accessory that they want to integrate on their ride. In addition to that, some of these parts can be installed even without the need for professional help. However, it is still highly recommended to seek professional advice regarding technical installations especially those who do not have a broad knowledge on automotives.

Perhaps, one of the most common problems that you’ll likely to encounter in newly purchased Chevy trucks is factory defects. If you begin experiencing problems with your Chevy truck days after its purchase, you are most definitely dealing with a factory defect. The wisest thing to do is to contact the shop where you purchase your ride to report the problem. If they found out that it is indeed a factory defect, you won’t have worry about anything since they will have to replace it with a new functioning truck.

Gear shifting issues is yet another common problem that you’ll typically experience with Chevy trucks. This occurs when the driver have difficulty in shifting gears. It is important that you address the problem immediately since it can lead to further damage on your shift stick as well as the truck’s transmission. The best solution with this kind of problem is to either change your transmission fluid or introduce a new transmission filter.

Acceleration problem is yet another common concern with Chevrolet trucks, which can be caused by a number of factors. The use of low-quality gas during winter season can definitely cause this. Meanwhile, an obstructed fuel line can result to alarming sound when you attempt to accelerate.

It is important that you are familiar with the typical problems that are commonly experienced with Chevy pickups so that you’ll know how to troubleshoot them properly. But of course, if it is a matter that you can’t handle on your own, it is highly recommended that you seek professional help.

What You Should Consider When Buying a Chevy Pick-Up

To those who are planning to purchase any of the existing models of Chevrolet pickups, it is important that you are certain of what you are looking for. Remember that Chevy trucks are available in a wide range of truck models, engine specifications, included features, and price range. With that in mind, you have to stringently assess your needs and carefully evaluate the available options in order to find the ideal pickup truck for you.

To ensure that you will be acquiring the best Chevy truck, these tips will provide you with helpful advice on how to buy the right pick-up for you.

Before anything else, it is a good idea that you explore the web to find credible online auto shops. The good thing about doing an online research is the fact that you can easily gather relevant information about a particular type and model of Chevy truck. You may also refer to auto-related forums and reviews to give you a good insight on a particular pick-up model. In addition to that, carefully investigate the existing pick-up models and try to get useful information about each of them. This is necessary so you can easily compare their pros and cons.

To narrow down your search, you have to figure out whether you need a compact or full-size truck. Typically, midsize or compact trucks are ideal for those looking for better gas mileage. Meanwhile, bigger trucks are best suited for those who will be using the truck for towing or carrying heavy loads.

Apart from that, you also have to take into account your seating needs. Since pick-up trucks are sold in varying body styles, make sure to choose one that will be able to accommodate the number of people that will use the truck.

Other factors that you should look into include the truck’s safety features, warranty, and the price. Whether you are looking for Silverado or Colorado Chevy pickups, these tips will surely help you to end up with the best choice!

Make sure to set a budget and stick with it. Like with any other purchases, it is important that you allot a specific budget so you can easily find the pick-up model that falls within your budget range. Of course, aside from the budget there are far more important variables that you need to consider. But remember that your budget will always play a major role on the decision making.

Another factor that must be considered is the size of truck. Chevy trucks come in midsize and full-size varieties. The decision will of course depend on the number of passengers as well as the load that it will most likely carry. In this regard, you also need to take note of the main purpose of buying the truck. Will it be used for carrying a variety of items in a regular basis or for occasional road trips with the family? Knowing the main reason why you have to acquire the truck will greatly help you to end up with the right one.

Determine what type of Chevy engine would you like your truck to have. Select from a four, six, or eight Chevy engine model depending on your preference and engine needs. Those who will subject their trucks to heavy-duty applications must opt for bigger engines. Lastly, choose whether you need two-wheel drive or four wheel drive Chevy pickups.

Make sure to follow these practical tips when choosing a Chevy pick-up truck in order to find one that will satisfy your personal needs and budget.

General Information about Chevy Pickups

Chevy pickups started to appear on the road in 1918. However, General Motors didn’t have the formal design of the vehicle not until 1930. The C/K Chevrolet trucks models were the first modern Chevy trucks introduced in 1960. They came with two basic versions which include the two and four-wheel drive. They easily conquered the market due to their notable features and unique physical characteristics. As time pass by, more high-end models have been introduced, and on 1999, the C/K Chevy truck line has been replaced by the Silverado.

Hopefully, this information will help you to know more about the dependable and reliable chevy pickups!

To give you a better understanding on their history, this article will present you with a timeline of how the chevy pick-up trucks have evolved through the years.

• Post World War II – In late 1947, Chevrolet introduced a prewar style that carries a sleek and more dynamic look. New features were integrated like the headlamps on the truck’s fender, larger cabs and more powerful engines. In 1954, the single-piece curved windshield emerged along with the 253 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine as well as the hydramatic auto transmission.

• The C/K Series – In 1960, the C/K truck series ushered in a modern Chevrolet truck design and engineering. C/K stands for the different driving designation of chevy trucks; ‘C’ for two-wheel drives and ‘K’ for four wheel drives. For four decades, the C/K series became the longest running Chevy truck line. And throughout that course of time, gradual changes and developments were constantly initiated.

• Additional 1960 Truck Models – Chevrolet decided to expand their truck by including the Apache and Viking models. They became available in slab-sided fleet and stepside body style.

• Late 1960′s – In 1967, Chevrolet brought up a whole new look. The all-new C/K trucks showcased a squarer and more masculine appearance. They also featured 3- to 4-speed manual transmissions and optional engine transmissions (powered by 283 cubic inch V8 or 250 cubic-inch straight 6 cylinder engine).

• The Silverado – The long-running C/K series was replaced by the Silverado truck line in 1998. Their introduction opened up more options, one of which is the Super Sport Package which became available in 2003.

Since then, newer and better chevy pick-ups are introduced every year. And today, off road enthusiasts now have a multitude of chevy truck models to select from!

Generally, chevy truck models are identified using unique codes. Each code corresponds to a particular truck model for easy reference. To give you a more detailed idea, here are the codes used for different chevy pick-up truck models:

• C – for two wheel drives
• K – for four wheel drives
• 1500HD – for 1/2 ton truck models
• 2500HD – for 3/4 ton truck models
• 3500HD – for 1 ton truck models

Chevrolet has introduced a great transition on the design of their pickup trucks. From a functional workhorse they transformed it into a second family truck showcasing enhanced engine performance, convenient cab, and customizable sports truck options.

Basically, Chevrolet wanted to introduce a truck that will be able to serve a dual function —- an all-around family vehicle over the weekdays and a light-duty truck on weekends. In 1988, they were able to manufacture a flat-paneled fleetside truck that comes in three styles —- single, extended and crew cab. Aside from that, the stepside cab model was also produced, which is called as such due to the presence of the convenient step located at the truck’s bed intended for easy access.

The high-performance Super Sport package was presented in the 1990′s. It showcased distinct exterior features which include the fog lights, black grilles, custom rims, and red trim. Aside from that, it also featured a 7.4 liter V8 engine and a ‘SS 454′ badge.