2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 6.1L HEMI Engine Rebuild

Category: Blog, Rebuilds

Below, you will see a step by step rebuild process of a 6.1L HEMI engine from a 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8! 

HERE IS WHAT WAS DONE TO THIS MOTOR:

THIS ENGINE WAS TAKEN DOWN TO A BARE BLOCK AND BORED .020 OVER. 

CRANKSHAFT WAS MEASURED AND MICRO-POLISHED

NEW SILVOLITE PISTONS AND HASTING RINGS INSTALLED

NEW CLEVITE BEARINGS AND ROD BOLTS INSTALLED

HEADS GOT NEW LIFTERS, VALVES, SEALS AND SPRINGS

NEW MELLING OIL PUMP, OEM WATER PUMP AND ALL NEW FELPRO GASKETS INSTALLED

Camaro/Firebird Trac Loc & Non Trac Loc

Tags: Camaro, Camaro SS, Firebird, Non Traction, Pontiac, Rear Axle, Rear Suspension, Traction Control, Trans AM | Category: Blog

Many owners of the 98-02 Firebird/Trans Am/Camaros are always looking for all the possible upgrades for their vehicles. Whether it is a bigger motor, bigger brakes, louder exhaust or a TRAC LOC rear axle. In reference to the TRAC LOC rear axle, many owners don’t know the difference, or what the advantage is to a TRAC LOC axle.

The difference in the axle isn’t something that can typically be seen, since the biggest difference is in the gear box. Here is a complete diagram of a true TRAC LOC axle:

One of the main purposes for this type of axle is the TRAC LOC will allow both wheels to continue spinning simultaneously, instead of locking them up when sensed.

Another key component in a TRAC LOC axle is the throttle relaxer that sits under the hood (PICTURED BELOW). The trac loc feature will not work without this part.

To show the difference in the whole axle, here is a picture of an axle WITHOUT TRACTION CONTROL:

Now some pictures below of an axle, WITH traction control

As you can see, the axle with the trac control has more wiring for the feature.

From all the pictures above, you can see the main difference in the two main Firebird/Camaro rear axles. Neither one is better or worse than the other, it just all depends on the users preference.

Aluminum or Steel? Whats the Deal?

Tags: Aluminum, Camaro, Chevrolet, Drive Shaft, Driveshaft, Firebird, Pontiac, Steel, Trans AM | Category: Blog

In our 35 year history here at Cleveland Power & Performance, we have sold and dealt with every single part of Firebirds and Camaros. The 1993-2002 Firebird/Camaro is one the most prevalent vehicles in our yard. So just about every question has come our way when it comes to certain parts of these F-Bodies. Whether it be leather or cloth, stick or auto, painted or chrome wheels, coupe or convertible, you get the point. But just as common as those is when customers ask us if there is any difference between the aluminum and steel driveshafts. The answer is as simple as this:

98-02 LS1 Firebird/Camaro -93-97 LT1 Firebird/Camaro

-Weighs 11.5 lbs -Weighs 20lbs

The length of the driveshafts are the same and they both will physically bolt onto any 1993-2002 Camaro or Firebird. A lot of people will dispute that it matters whether the car is auto or manual, and 5.7 or 3.8 liter, however, these driveshaft will fit any of those. In simpler terms, these two driveshafts are completely interchangeable and will work with any 1993-2002 Camaro or Firebird.

I will say in all of my years here, I have never had someone call me or tell me that they would like to swap their aluminum driveshaft for a steel one. The aluminum one is just as durable, despite the 9.5 pound weight difference, and seems to be the preference. And, obviously, if you are racing your car, and you believe that the less weight you have, the quicker you will go.

So, all in all, that is a basic breakdown in the two driveshafts. Although very similar and interchangeable, aluminum seems to be a fan favorite for the 4th gen F-Body faithful.

Winner: ALUMINUM