1-800-551-4754 
GM G-Body Performance Upgrades 1978-1987
The photos in this edition are black and white.
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.
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1:
Evolution not Revolution: G-Body History
A-Body Becomes G-Body
Chevrolet
Pontiac
Oldsmobile
Buick
Chapter 2:
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
Chapter 3:
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
Chapter 4:
Getting a Grip: Front Suspension Performance
Component Options
Stock Control Arms
Aftermarket Control Arms
Sway Bars
Shocks
Springs
Chapter 5:
Handling on Rails: Steering System Upgrades
Steering Box
Rack-and-Pinion Conversion
Power Steering Hose
Power Steering Pump
Chapter 6:
Hooking Up: High-Performance Rear Suspension
Control Arms
Bushings
Sway Bars
Shocks
Air Bag Suspension
Chapter 7:
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
Chapter 8:
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
Chapter 9:
Get Into Gear: Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Powerglide
Turbo Hydra-Matic
New-Generation Transmissions
OEM Manual Transmissions
Aftermarket Manual Transmission
Chapter 10:
A High-Performance Trans-Formation: Manual Transmission Swaps
Transmission Fit
Clutch Pedal
Driveshaft
Speedometer Drive
Shifter
Chapter 11:
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
Chapter 12:
Driving in the Lap of Luxury: Performance Interior Upgrades
Gauges
Wiring Harness
Steering Wheel
Shifter
Seats
Safety Restraints
Source Guide
The photos in this edition are black and white.
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.
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1:
Evolution not Revolution: G-Body History
A-Body Becomes G-Body
Chevrolet
Pontiac
Oldsmobile
Buick
Chapter 2:
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
Chapter 3:
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
Chapter 4:
Getting a Grip: Front Suspension Performance
Component Options
Stock Control Arms
Aftermarket Control Arms
Sway Bars
Shocks
Springs
Chapter 5:
Handling on Rails: Steering System Upgrades
Steering Box
Rack-and-Pinion Conversion
Power Steering Hose
Power Steering Pump
Chapter 6:
Hooking Up: High-Performance Rear Suspension
Control Arms
Bushings
Sway Bars
Shocks
Air Bag Suspension
Chapter 7:
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
Chapter 8:
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
Chapter 9:
Get Into Gear: Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Powerglide
Turbo Hydra-Matic
New-Generation Transmissions
OEM Manual Transmissions
Aftermarket Manual Transmission
Chapter 10:
A High-Performance Trans-Formation: Manual Transmission Swaps
Transmission Fit
Clutch Pedal
Driveshaft
Speedometer Drive
Shifter
Chapter 11:
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
Chapter 12:
Driving in the Lap of Luxury: Performance Interior Upgrades
Gauges
Wiring Harness
Steering Wheel
Shifter
Seats
Safety Restraints
Source Guide
Related Products
