High performance and low cost were Plymouth’s design goals for a brand-new model in 1968. The company believed that the time was right for a factory hot rod for the youth market, and its guess was right on the money. It would have the macho name of Road Runner.

It was also a very “B Body” budget-friendly machine which made it another very important reason for purchasing. The high cost ruled out many of the muscle cars of the era.

Less money meant less chrome on the body, along with fewer options. In fact, those that intended their Road Runner for the drag strip sometimes ordered the Runner with the small hub-cap-style wheel covers and even deleted the radio.

A member of the Belvedere line, the new model came with a stock 383cid engine capable of 335 horsepower. But that was just the beginning, the awesome 426 Hemi and 440 Six-Barrel engines would become available the following model year.

Of course, the Hemi has been a legend for many years, but that triple-carbed 440 engine had adopted a cult following of its own. A significant body change had been planned for the ‘70 model, but that would be put off until the 1971 model year.

The 1970 440 continued to be capable of 390 horsepower when equipped with the so-called Air Grabber induction system. That interesting system provided a solid connection between the hood scoops and engine once the hood was closed. The sides of the pop-up Air Grabber door were eye-catching with evil-looking shark’s teeth etched on the sides.

The front end was menacing-looking with the blackout grille containing twin headlights mounted in its ends. The aggressive bumper contained a pair of round parking lights on either side of the license plate.

When looking at the ‘70 Road Runner, and comparing it with the other garnish MOPAR muscle machines of the era, it appeared downright stripped. Oh, there was a stripe and 440+6 lettering on the hood, but that was about it. About the only eye catcher was the simulated rear-fender-scoop cut-out.

Some of the models did, however, have a dust trail that reached from near the front of the front fender and disappeared into that scoop.

The only sizable name identification externally was the “Road Runner” lettering contained in a stripe located on the rear end of the car, just above the tail lights. As far as engine identification, in addition to the aforementioned 440+6 designations on the hood, there was also a “440” in the rear of a hood bulge.

With that famous name, the company made the most of it with a special horn to sound like that famous cartoon bird. The horn made the Road Runner ‘Beep Beep’ sound which was unmistakable.

Mike Cenky of Huber Heights, Ohio owns this ‘70 Road Runner hardtop with such an six-barrel 440 engine installation. A retired phone company employee, Mike acquired the four-speed model in 1988 in “fair condition.” I redid the powertrain and suspension system which both needed attention.”

As he was restoring the Road Runner, Mike came across some interesting clues that provided firm indications of the car’s early history. “The engine had a scatter shield, there was an indication of once having a drag-style line-lock set-up, and the rear wheelwells had been trimmed for large racing slicks.

“I bet that it made many runs down the drag strip during those days.” He indicated, though, that type of activity is not in his plans for the orange beauty. “Oh, I might get on it once-in-awhile, but that’s about it!”

Cenky did, however, make several minor changes for better driving comfort. “I used a wider eight-inch rear wheel. Then too, I changed the factory 4.10 ratio rear end to a 3.54 unit which makes the car much more streetable.” For a cleaner look, the small Road Runner decals-normally on the front quarters-and small chrome RR emblems on the rear quarters.

The car is coated in a flashy Tor Red color, a color which is carried to the exposed wheels which carry the small wheel covers, and in MOPAR style, also into the engine compartment. It’s highlighted with that broad black hood stripe which contains the hood scoop and is outlined by two narrow stripes. There is definitely a racecar look about this stunning machine.

The car also carries the Super Track Pack which included front disc brakes, heavy duty cooling package, special cooling fan, and the Dana rear end. The interior is done in black vinyl and sports bucket seats.

Cenky explained that even though the car is 36 years old, most people at car shows know exactly what it is. “I am always hearing from them that they owned one or knew somebody that did,” he explained. Mike’s long been a Chrysler fan, and it comes naturally. “My dad worked for the company for many years and all we ever had were Chrysler cars.” And over the years,

Mike has owned a number of vintage performance MOPARs, including a ‘67 440 R/T, a ‘70 Dodge Challenger 440 Six-Pack, a ‘72 340 Plymouth Duster, and a ‘70 Chrysler 300.

There is no mistaking the look of those Chrysler-built ‘60s and early muscle machines, and they are certainly a favorite of mine.”

And ours too!

Copyright © 2005-2006 Muscle car News Magazine Privacy Policy

High performance and low cost were Plymouth’s design goals for a brand-new model in 1968. The company believed that the time was right for a factory hot rod for the youth market, and its guess was right on the money. It would have the macho name of Road Runner.

It was also a very “B Body” budget-friendly machine which made it another very important reason for purchasing. The high cost ruled out many of the muscle cars of the era.

Less money meant less chrome on the body, along with fewer options. In fact, those that intended their Road Runner for the drag strip sometimes ordered the Runner with the small hub-cap-style wheel covers and even deleted the radio.

A member of the Belvedere line, the new model came with a stock 383cid engine capable of 335 horsepower. But that was just the beginning, the awesome 426 Hemi and 440 Six-Barrel engines would become available the following model year.

Of course, the Hemi has been a legend for many years, but that triple-carbed 440 engine had adopted a cult following of its own. A significant body change had been planned for the ‘70 model, but that would be put off until the 1971 model year.

The 1970 440 continued to be capable of 390 horsepower when equipped with the so-called Air Grabber induction system. That interesting system provided a solid connection between the hood scoops and engine once the hood was closed. The sides of the pop-up Air Grabber door were eye-catching with evil-looking shark’s teeth etched on the sides.

The front end was menacing-looking with the blackout grille containing twin headlights mounted in its ends. The aggressive bumper contained a pair of round parking lights on either side of the license plate.

When looking at the ‘70 Road Runner, and comparing it with the other garnish MOPAR muscle machines of the era, it appeared downright stripped. Oh, there was a stripe and 440+6 lettering on the hood, but that was about it. About the only eye catcher was the simulated rear-fender-scoop cut-out.

Some of the models did, however, have a dust trail that reached from near the front of the front fender and disappeared into that scoop.

The only sizable name identification externally was the “Road Runner” lettering contained in a stripe located on the rear end of the car, just above the tail lights. As far as engine identification, in addition to the aforementioned 440+6 designations on the hood, there was also a “440” in the rear of a hood bulge.

With that famous name, the company made the most of it with a special horn to sound like that famous cartoon bird. The horn made the Road Runner ‘Beep Beep’ sound which was unmistakable.

Mike Cenky of Huber Heights, Ohio owns this ‘70 Road Runner hardtop with such an six-barrel 440 engine installation. A retired phone company employee, Mike acquired the four-speed model in 1988 in “fair condition.” I redid the powertrain and suspension system which both needed attention.”

As he was restoring the Road Runner, Mike came across some interesting clues that provided firm indications of the car’s early history. “The engine had a scatter shield, there was an indication of once having a drag-style line-lock set-up, and the rear wheelwells had been trimmed for large racing slicks.

“I bet that it made many runs down the drag strip during those days.” He indicated, though, that type of activity is not in his plans for the orange beauty. “Oh, I might get on it once-in-awhile, but that’s about it!”

Cenky did, however, make several minor changes for better driving comfort. “I used a wider eight-inch rear wheel. Then too, I changed the factory 4.10 ratio rear end to a 3.54 unit which makes the car much more streetable.” For a cleaner look, the small Road Runner decals-normally on the front quarters-and small chrome RR emblems on the rear quarters.

The car is coated in a flashy Tor Red color, a color which is carried to the exposed wheels which carry the small wheel covers, and in MOPAR style, also into the engine compartment. It’s highlighted with that broad black hood stripe which contains the hood scoop and is outlined by two narrow stripes. There is definitely a racecar look about this stunning machine.

The car also carries the Super Track Pack which included front disc brakes, heavy duty cooling package, special cooling fan, and the Dana rear end. The interior is done in black vinyl and sports bucket seats.

Cenky explained that even though the car is 36 years old, most people at car shows know exactly what it is. “I am always hearing from them that they owned one or knew somebody that did,” he explained. Mike’s long been a Chrysler fan, and it comes naturally. “My dad worked for the company for many years and all we ever had were Chrysler cars.” And over the years,

Mike has owned a number of vintage performance MOPARs, including a ‘67 440 R/T, a ‘70 Dodge Challenger 440 Six-Pack, a ‘72 340 Plymouth Duster, and a ‘70 Chrysler 300.

There is no mistaking the look of those Chrysler-built ‘60s and early muscle machines, and they are certainly a favorite of mine.”

And ours too!

Copyright © 2005-2006 Muscle car News Magazine Privacy Policy

You’ve been bitten by the new car bug. Or perhaps you’re just so tired of your current car; you can hardly stand to drive it anymore.

You’re about to embark on the research phase of the car buying experience (which is the right course of action). But, before you even begin pointing, clicking, and eyeballing these shiny new toys; take a step back and determine just how much car you can afford to own and operate.

The conventional wisdom is not more than 20% of your monthly income… your net (take home) pay… not your gross pay. And by the way, while you’re doing your figuring on this 20% monthly cash outlay; make sure you include all the cars you own.

Regardless of whether you don’t even pay rent or own your home outright, stand firm on the 20% rule.

On your way to calculating your 20% budget, in addition to the purchase price, be sure to factor in any down payment and/or your trade-in value. The bottom line you’ll finance is the bottom line.

Of course, the more money you put down the more car you can buy and still be under the 20% rule. Keep in mind, the more money you put down doesn’t affect how much you actually pay and cars are severely depreciating assets… not investments.

Once you get close to determining your 20% number, you’ll need to know the going interest rates you’ll be paying on your borrowed money. And since we’ve now broached borrowing money and interest rates… you should also plan on getting a copy of your credit report while you’re at it.

Another important aspect to consider is the costs of ownership involved with the car. Things such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance premiums can run up some hefty numbers on you in addition to your monthly payment.

Maintenance and insurance costs are somewhat related, because insurance companies take into account the cost to repair a vehicle as part of their premium calculation. So, if you are looking at a car that is expensive or difficult to repair, you’re probably also looking at higher insurance premiums as well.

So, even though you should keep the 20% rule firmly in mind as your are crunching your numbers, don’t overlook all the other monthly expenses associated with the car you are considering.

Taking the time to get all of your financial and budget numbers in place before you seriously begin looking at your intended makes and models will serve as a good financial rudder for you during the car buying process and make for much wiser purchase.

Being on the go, traveling the world, and seeing new exciting places is all a part of retiring and having fun. If you have had a hip replacement, or a knee replacement, and you are planning a vacation or a trip you should consider a motorized scooter, so you can see the world in style without the pain! A motorized scooter is a method of moving, traveling from place to place, when you are unable to walk long distances due to pain or other distressful situations.

The Benefits Of Owning A Motorized Scooter Owning your own scooter allows you to hop on and go. You can move independently and you don’t have to rely on anyone for anything. You don’t have to wait until someone has the time to take you somewhere. If you are able to walk a bit, you can take your motorized scooter along in the car, or in the bus, and when you feel tired or your legs start hurting too much, you can use the scooter and still enjoy your time away from the home with the convenience of your own.

A motorized scooter allows your body to heal even while you are taking a vacation. Your body will heal from an operation or from a disease, because you are not putting too much strain and stress on your body. The more stress and strain on your legs, the longer you will require for healing. Moving around is always good for you, and walking too much can be painful sometimes, but a motorized scooter gives you a pain free method of getting around.

Additional advantages to taking your scooter on vacation include that you will be able to use your scooter, even if the store or establishment does not have a scooter available. Riding on a new scooter, in a store or at a museum can be difficult to become accustomed to but using your own scooter you will feel comfortable and at ease. You will not be tired during your trip and you won’t be putting yourself through additional pain by avoiding walking too much.

Forget about the old days when getting gas for your car was no problem at all. Lousy eight cylinder limos were the craze, no matter what big gas guzzlers these monsters were. Today their place has been taken over by the SUV and they are no small gas consumers either. If you think you are getting 40 miles to a gallon, you must be mad. The maximum that these wide-bodied thick tired vehicles are capable of is actually half of that. Still, people are crazy about the SUV for the mere look of affluence linked to these super models, ignoring the car fuel efficiency part of it. But today gasoline costs around 3.10 per gallon and the way these automobiles drink it down, there really seems to be no tomorrow. With skyrocketing fuel prices all over the States, SUV need not be the prudent choice for the average family yet the trend shows little decline in sales.

If car fuel efficiency is the key word for choosing an automobile, what would you prefer – a six -cylinder affair or a four-cylinder jukebox would do. Obviously, the smaller the number of cylinders, better the mileage. Also, lighter the body, lesser the fuel consumption. But why the heck is fuel costing so much these days? Of course war is raging in the middle-east that produces most of the fuel the world consumes, but I was told that 80% of the fuel consumed in the USA comes from Canada. Then should we wage a war against them? I am really confused.

Japan, as I was told, is soon becoming a world leader in car manufacturing has now turned its head from making comfortable cars to economy models, car fuel efficiency being of topmost concern. Japanese engineers have done away with the age-old carburetor system for mixing air with fuel and have replaced it with a newer device that consumes lesser fuel. Also available in the market are a newer brand of hybrid cars, valued for their reported car fuel efficiency.

Another approach on the subject of car fuel efficiency is aimed at running vehicles with LPG (light petroleum gas). Cutting out the risk of sudden fire, in case of a gas leak, the LPG run vehicles are cleaner, pollution-free and may be termed as a model of car fuel efficiency. Let us see what the future holds for us in matters relating to car fuel efficiency – the battery-cum fuel operated car?

Easy Light Deluxe, For Your Mobility Needs

Easy Light Deluxe is one brand of motorized scooters for those who are disabled or for those who are handicapped. Perhaps you have suffered an injury, and you can’t walk for a long period, a motorized scooter is going to give you back your freedom. You can get out shopping, you can visit with your friends, you can get to church, or you can get to the movies, and so much more with the use of an Easy Light Deluxe scooter.

What Is The Easy Light Deluxe Most Known For Providing?

The Easy Light is known most for being lightweight, portable, dependable and easy to use all at the same time. This is one the most popular brands of motorized scooters that is lightweight. For those who are able to walk short distances, the Easy Light gives so much personal freedom. You can lift the Easy Light from the trunk, hop on and go, all afternoon if you like. You can do so much more with out feeling too tired.

All About The Easy Light

The seat on the Easy Light is one that will conform to your body with padding. You can sit for hours while riding on the Easy Light as it is soft, and will not leave you feeling as if you are really sitting down for that long at all. The style of the Easy Light is one that is slim, and trim. You will not feel as if you are ‘taking up to much space’ while riding through the aisles in a store, and you will not take up any more space than you would if you were walking along. The Easy Light is scooters just twenty two inches wide, very trim indeed.

The Easy Light not only is going to allow you to ride through a store or mall with style, but you can round corners and take the hallways without problems. This is an easy to maneuver scooter. The Easy Light has no problem with inclines, hills or handicap ramps. You will find you can get where you want, and when you want without having to rely on anyone else to get you there.

When I was a kid I never kept concentration, nor learned, nor was given any teaching about finances, technical or mechanical or monetary or other duties, thus the thought of keeping a tab on one’s car’s gas mileage never crossed my mind. It was only recently that I took the time to learn and paid attention to, how to record my car’s gas mileage and also learned- HOW it would be beneficial.

My new tutor was my friend, a retired grocery store clerk. I would accompany him on his Saturday errands. One of which would be filling his van’s gas tank. You can find other automotive related material at http://www.hubcapreport.com. His activity once a week would be to go to the gas station, fill up his tank, and then write down the car’s mileage and amount of gas he had just put in, all this on a small hand-size spiral notebook which kept in the van’s glove box.

My friend was a great guy, but at the same time, a mastermind by anyone’s standards. He was always up to some calculations or the other. Looking for his pen in his nerdy pocket protectors to scribble something down- an innovation or scientific idea or history-based. So I thought that he used to note down the car’s gas mileage just to keep appease his character or to ease the mental demons that he possessed

Before I had purchased a used car for myself I had got into gear to carry out research of various aspects of a car like that emissions standards ratings, a car’s reputation for deterioration and then finally to a car’s emission. That is when it struck me that my friend did not record his car’s gas mileage to feed his mental hunger but to actually to pay attention to his car’s gas mileage.

I had initial dreams of buying a truck, or a hot rod or even a sports car, but finally bought a car that I LOVE, a used Saab. I then immediately drove it to the gas station as I remembered that the person who I had bought the car from told me that it needed gas.

After I finished filling the gas in the tank, I noted down the date, the mileage and the amount of gas put in. I carry out the same activity every time I fill gas and thus am able to keep a tab on my car’s gas mileage. The information of car mileages for Saabs and any array of other cars is available on sites like http://epa.gov, which people could check before then go in for a new or used car.

The gas prices at the time when I am writing this article, i.e. April 2006 are 25 cents higher that the prices at the same time last year. Thus the prices could range from $2.60 to about $2.62 a gallon. Now I realize the reasoning of recording one’s gas milage.

You have probably heard theses gas saving tips from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and whoever taught you to drive. Yet very few people actually bother to implement them.

Why is that? Are people tired of hearing them? Have these gas saving tips been said so many times that people tune them out? Well, you are going to hear them again in this series of articles, along with the reasons why they DO work!

Gas Saving Tip #1: Know Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

The actual fuel efficiency of your car will probably differ from that stated on the price sticker. Variables such as make, model, weather, city or interstate driving, and driving habits will affect the fuel efficiency. Efficiency is measured in miles driven per gallon of gasoline used (miles per gallon or mpg).

That is why you should periodically calculate your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. If you see it decreasing, you know that something’s not right with the engine and can take quick action to fix it.

Some people are unaware of how to properly calculate fuel efficiency. It is more than simply dividing miles by gallons. For example, if someone drives 500 miles and then buys 1 gallon of gas, the fuel efficiency is not 500 miles per gallon!

Here is the proper method to calculate fuel efficiency in mpg:

1. Fill up your gas tank. Do not top it off. 2. Write down the starting mileage. 3. Drive until the tank is almost empty. 4. Fill the tank up again the next time you need to buy gas. 5. Write down the ending mileage. 6. Write down the number of gallons of gas it took to fill up the tank. 7. Calculate the Miles Traveled as the Ending Mileage minus the Starting Mileage. 8. The fuel efficiency in mpg = Miles Traveled / Gallons Used

Example:

A driver fills up her tank when the odometer reads 25,000 miles. When the tank is almost empty, she fills up with 18.5 gallons, and the odometer reads 25,500 miles.

Starting Mileage = 25,000 miles Ending Mileage = 25,500 miles Miles Traveled = 25,500 - 25,000 = 500 miles Gallons Used = 18.5 gallons Fuel Efficiency = 500 miles / 18.5 gallons = 27 mpg

If her next efficiency calculation under similar driving conditions is only 20 mpg, she knows that something is wrong with the vehicle.

As gas prices go higher, the need to save gas and save money on fuel is greater than ever. More gas saving tips can be found at the website below.

Americans are tired of paying high prices for gas and diesel fuel. Find out how they can save up to 35% on gas an diesel fuel! [PRWEB Aug 22, 2005]