A Hemmings Story: The 1982 Chevrolet LUV Diesel

The Love Bug was a 1968 film, starring Dean Jones and Michele Lee, that capitalized on the fame of the VW Beetle. Four years later Chevrolet had a LUV of its own. 

In 1972 GM introduced the Chevrolet LUV and later a Chevroley LUV D-Max, light utility pickup trucks designed and manufactured by Isuzu, marketed in the U.S. The vehicles were essentially re-badged variations of the Isuzu Faster and D-Max.

This week an eagle-eyed friend spotted a blue 1982 Chevy LUV with a 2.2L Diesel engine at the Hemmings site. A unique feature of that detail is that the 1982 version of the LUV was the only year this vehicle came with a diesel engine. 

The first generation Chevrolet LUV ran from 1972 to 1980. The second generation was initiated in 1981. The North American LUVs were produced by Isuzu in Japan for the North American market. The Chev LUVs sold in South America were produced in Chile. The 2.2L diesel engine is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission that seems like it would be fun to drive. This particular LUV only has 95,000 miles. Asking price: $15,000.

There have been interesting upgrades over the years. The aftermarket radio with Bluetooth is certainly not original equipment, for example.

You can see the details here:
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/luv/2449517.html#&gid=1&pid=14

No doubt it's been sold, but it you luv that truck, you might get lucky and track it down.  

Photos always tell a story, and this set of photos will also teach you how to showcase a vehicle for selling online. Check it out. 

Champion Brands Contingency Program for 2021: How to Get Your Piece of the Action

Diesel Drag Racers Rewarded for Wins with Champion Blue Flame Performance Engine Oil    

(Clinton, Mo / 11.12.20) Champion Oil, a globally recognized industry leader in performance lubricants for over 64 years, continues their robust Diesel Racing Contingency Program into 2021. The all-encompassing marketing program is designed to link Champion Blue Flame Performance Diesel Racing Engine Oils directly with diesel drag racers in all classes and in most sanctioned diesel drag-racing events in North America.

Winners from local diesel drag events to national championship diesel drag racing events are eligible for cash contingency payouts. Examples of diesel drag races to be rewarded include: The Outlaw Diesel Super Series, National Association of Diesel Motorsports, Ultimate Callout Challenge,  Scheid Diesel Extravaganza, Sun Coast Shakedown, Rudy's Truck Jam, Ultimate Callout Challenge, Outlaw Diesel Revenge,  Holly Rock Customs Showdown, Rocky Top Diesel Shootout, Hardway Sunshine Showdown, Battle at the Alamo, East Coast Diesel Nationals, Diesel World Drags, Blackout in the Country, Week-End on the Edge, etc.

 

Diesel Racers can apply for the Champion Diesel Racing Oil Contingency Program by clicking on the orange button in the right hand column or here. To be eligible, register now through June 30, 2021.

 

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These performance oils keep diesel engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque. Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are purpose-built for extreme protection and performance.

https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

About Champion Brands, LLC, a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 64 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact your nearest Champion distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or go to http://www.championbrands.com

Two Diesel Stories About Ram Fuel Efficiency and the 2021 EcoDiesels

Last week CNET published a story about a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE that gets 33 miles per gallon on the highway. That is an eye-opening number, especially when compared to the gas guzzlers we used to drive in the 60s and 70s. My '72 Ford only got 12 mpg if I remember correctly. 

The story by Antuan Goodwin, reviews editor for Roadshow, begins by comparing the two ends of the 2021 Ram 1500 spectrum.

At one end of the 2021 Ram trucks lineup is the 1500 TRX, a 702-horsepower beast that guzzles fuel like the apex predator that it is. At the other end of the spectrum, however, is the newly announced Ram 1500 Tradesman HFE EcoDiesel. Returning an estimated 33 highway miles per gallon, it's currently the most fuel-efficient member of the 1500 family, beating even the automaker's eTorque mild-hybrid models.

The target buyer appears to be building contractors.

The Goodwin piece details very specific comparisons between the different Ram offerings, giving high marks to the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 for not only its fuel efficiency but also its 480 pound-feet of torque that enables it to tow more than 6 tons of mass.

After celebrating the features of the Ram HFE EcoDiesel, the author takes a detour to remind us that the Chev 2021 Silverado matches the same 33 mpg as the most fuel efficient Ram, and the Ford F-150 with its PowerStroke isn't far behind.

MEANWHILE, Motor Trend's story on these trucks has a similar take, though less flattering to the Ford in this round of comparisons.

Greg Fink's account of these mid-sized offerings was also published on February 10, as if the automakers wanted a coordinated release for the info these media channels were permitted. The Motor Trend piece is embroidered with the same amount  of detail about engines, fuel economy, power output and the like, but sums up the real difference with this comparison:

While the HFE EcoDiesel may not fit as much junk in its cargo box as the regular HFE, it does offer a more comfortable rear-seating space and can travel further on a gallon of fuel.

Before drawing to a close, Fink suggests that the benefits of the EcoDiesel's fuel economy may not be that noteworthy when compared to the cost of diesel fuel vs. gasoline right now.  

Here are links to the two articles. Both are rich with detail and have insights that will help you make your own decision if you're looking for a 2021 at this time.

2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel HFE sips fuel at 33 higway mpg
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-ram-1500-ecodiesel-hfe-33-higway-mpg/

Special 2021 Ram 1500 Diesel Model Dominates F-150 for Top MPG, Ties Chevy

The 33-mpg Ram and the F-150 aren't even close, but GM's diesels are right there.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2021-ram-1500-hfe-ecodiesel-price/

Flashback Friday: Seven Tips to Improve Diesel Truck Performance

They say you can never have too much of a good thing. I believe this applies to advice as much as anything else, as long as it's good advice. There's value in being committed to lifelong learning, and value in re-visiting lessons learned. 

While looking for something else I found this article at the Revolution Motors blog, simply titled, How To Improve Diesel Truck Performance.  The title is straightforward. It's not fancy-schmancy clickbait. No references to celebrities. No sizzle-words like "awesome" or "stunning" or "dazzling." It's a "Just the facts, m'am" type of article, with solid fundamental reminders.

Revolution Motors is a diesel performance shop in Edmonton, Canada. Here's their list of recommendations to keep your diesel in tiptop shape.

1. Use Diesel Fuel Additives

One key to smooth, efficient performance is to make sure your injectors are clean. Diesel fuel injection cleaners are fairly essential to longer service life from your engine. There are other fuel additives that serve specific purposes as well including deposit modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, freeze depressants and more.

Two fuel additives from Champion Brands that you may be unaware of are Diesel Flo Fuel Conditioner and Power Plus Diesel Fuel Additive with Cetane.  The latter will not only remove deposits but also reduce emissions, provide corrosion protection, increase cetane and improve power, a multi-functional diesel additive for today's high-pressure common-rail injectors and modern diesel fuels.

2. Consider Diesel Programmers

Programmers, also called tuners, are easy to install, cost-effective and greatly improve fuel economy. There are a various types of tuners that will help manage your engine's performance. Some, like EFI Live tuners, enable custom tuning. 

3. Install Performance Air Filters and Cold Air Intakes

The power is generated by pressure and heat applied to the air-fuel mixture. This step is about improving airflow by means of aftermarket filters and cold air intake kits. You want max airflow while effectively removing contaminants. More air results in more power but you can't do this by removing your filters because 90% of the debris that gets into the engine comes in through the air. You want a filter that captures the contaminants while letting the air flow unimpeded.

4. Upgrade the Exhaust System

Whenever you read articles about the top three or top five things to upgrade on you diesel truck, they nearly always include this tip. The exhaust system plays a major role in diesel performance. It's not just a pretty pipe. This is one area where bigger is better. The more horsepower you have, the more exhaust that needs to be expelled. 5. 

5. Upgrade Diesel Fuel Injectors

Another way to get more power and improve fuel efficiency is to upgrade to performance fuel injectors. Some fuel injector modifications claim increased diesel power by 50 or even 100 hp, assuming you have it adjusted correctly. The key is in the hole pattern, which designed to give optimal fuel delivery.

6. Install a Turbocharger

This is another frequently cited performance upgrade, an excellent investment for increased power. According to Revolution Motors it's "especially useful if you use your diesel for towing and hauling heavy loads." A turbo forces more air into your diesel's combustion chamber. More oxygen equals more power.

7. Schedule Regular Diesel Tune Ups

Getting your initial setup right is invaluable. Just as pianos get out of tune over time, so does an engine. Developing a routine maintenance regimen is one key to a long, healthy life for your diesel engine. That's one of the great advantages that diesels provide, durability. But optimal performance isn't automatic. If you take care of your engine, it will take care of you.

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Read the full article here: How to Improve Diesel Performance

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What do YOU consider the most important upgrade for better performance?

Leave a comment. We'd like to hear from you.

A Duramax-Powered '67 Camaro. Is This For Real?

Here's another fun story from Artie Maupin, this time writing for Chevy Hardcore. It's titled Maxed Out: Dustin Hamm’s Duramax-Powered ’67 Chevrolet Camaro. It's a story drenched in detail with plenty of photos worth more than a thousand words each.

Those of us who lived through the muscle car era little realized how short lived that period of automotive history would last. Mustang, Charger, Barracuda, Road Runner, Camaro.... These were the cars dreams were made of. What caught our eye initially when this article posted a few days back was the unusual step of dropping a Duramax Diesel engine into a '67 Camaro. But when you read the story, it gets even better. This is a story about commitment.

The owner of the car is Dustin Hamm whose parents took ownership of the car in 1970, using it throughout the 70's as a street racer. Eventually, this became Dustin's baby to nurture and transform, and transform it he did, as Maupin writes, "Fast forward to now, it is plumbed and powered with a 6.6-liter LBZ Duramax engine making gobs of horsepower and torque. Crazy idea, right? Here is how it all went down."

When Dustin acquired the car it had been sitting since 1980, outside. That sentence alone says much. This was 2005, and the youth thought it might make a nice high school graduation project for the following year. 25 years is a long time for a car to sit, though, as he would eventually find out.

 

Hamm initially dropped in a 600-horsepower World Products Motown 454ci small-block engine, rebuilding the four-speed to handle it. “After this, I was hooked on horsepower,” Hamm said.  

As much fun as it was to have a powerful machine, he began thinking it could be even more fun having a great looking powerful machine, and in October 2006 he made up his mind to completely redo the car. Because he worked at a body shop he'd learned enough to tackle a project like this, he believed.

 

Step one is removing the paint, bondo and rust with an acid dip. Things proved to be far worse than he imagined once this first step was taken.

 

Meanwhile, he began looking around on Craigslist for a powerplant and tranny. This is where he found the 6.6-liter LBZ Duramax and a suitable transmission.

Maupin digs up details of the restoration that may not have even considered. Fabricating a rear chassis, cutting out the stock floor and replacing it as well as differentials, suspension, new floor, wheel tabs and, yes, a roll cage. This was definitely a serious endeavor and it took years. Dripping in the engine is what he called "the fun part." It took dozens of attempts to get the fitment right.

  

Each step resulted in the discovery of additional issues. For example, with that heavy new engine bearing down on the front end, the oil pan was almost touching the ground. They dealt with it, of course, but they are the problems you run into when "doing something that nobody else has done."

Once the engine was installed and bodywork set, it was time to attend to the paint job, a radiant Viper Red. The finish was a labor of love, and executed with such perfection that he got a promotion to lead paint technician and paint shop manager.

There's still more to the story, and you can see photos of the later stages here as well. Check it out here. Kudos to Artie Maupin for having captured Hamm's passion in print and sharing it at Chevy Hardcore.

Related Link

Porky's Diesel Story Leads to Brief Visit with Diesel Enthusiast Artie Maupin

Car & Driver Puts 1980 Diesel Caddy Through the Paces

In January we wrote about the history of diesel Cadillacs, a guided tour through time by Automobile Magazine. The history lesson was a setup for an assessment of GM's 2021 diesel-powered Escalade. 

What's fun about the Internet is that these classic magazines frequently share the content they have been generating through the decades. As a nice accompaniment to that Escalade story, here's a Car & Driver review of from March 1980 when GM introduced a diesel-powered Cadillac Seville. The story is titled Tested:1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante Diesel Oozes Luxury

The subhead reads: Slow and plush as it may be, Cadillac's new Seville embraces sybaritic excess.

The word sybaritic means self-indulgent, or "fond of sensuous luxury." Interesting word. Yes, that has historically been associated with the Cadillac brand. What C&D suggest, though, is that in an era when everything else is downsizing, is this maybe too much car, too much bulk, even for Cadillac?

The second paragraph implies that the verdict is still out:

"Looks are the Seville's big calling card. In each of us there is a corner that loves ostentation in something. For those who love it in cars, the Seville awaits judgment. Cadillac is awaiting, more anxious than ever. Thumbs up or thumbs down?"

The way the story is written, it seems like the magazine, or the author(s) of this review are fearful of being decisive. Do they like it or no? The story is fraught with ambiguity because the 1980 Seville is so different. 

Different can mean different things to different people. The 1980 Seville may be perceived as bold or, on the other hand, odd. In either case, once you've read this far you are no doubt intrigued, as one might be about a mystery story. What happens next?

The magazine lets readers know that the staff is divided on how they feel about the car, but in agreement that the folks at GM are gutsy. "We must congratulate its designers, however, for bravery and a willingness to lay it on the line. Mating a bluffly upright front end with a rakish windshield and a hunchback behind is the stuff of legends, good or bad, and the dream of those within The Firm who would hope to be credited with an instant classic. Guts are in good supply at Cadillac."

After spending some time discussing the engineering, C&D shares details about the diesel power plant under the hood, the means by which GM aims to meet CAFE requirements. Diesel engines would be installed in 50-60 percent of the Cadillac Seville's that year. 

They label it "a gimmick car" with a "four your pleasure detachment from reality." That reads like a slap to me, or is it? For people being chauffeured this feeling of detachment might be precisely what you are looking for.

The latest audio technology is onboard, though nothing like what we've come to expect 40 years later. The automatic climate control and the seats all whisper success. Or is it excess? Detail upon detail is braided together by the C&D team and you do get mesmerizing images dancing in your head like sugar plums.

The authors take turns criticizing a number of features, frequently prefacing with a positive first. For example, in this paragraph about the lack of oomph.

Cadillac's glow plugs prepare the engine very quickly for starting, even in cold weather taking no more than five seconds to get the job done. The engine's dieselness seems unobtrusive until the need for fuel or more than marginal performance arises. Its lack of pop is a painful shortcoming in busy traffic.

 

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The descriptions are first rate, and though there are barbs, the article strives to tell it like it is. At the end, the three authors add the personal takes on the experience. Mike Kneppe and Rich Ceppos share a couple paragraphs each. David E. Davis Jr. simply share a pointed piece of perceptive wit: If the Seville is the answer, I obviously misunderstood the question. 

Read the full story here:

Tested:1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante Diesel Oozes Luxury

Related:

The 2021 Is First Escalade To Have a Diesel Option, but Not the First Cadillac: A Stroll Through History

Diesel Vehicles Aren't Going Away Any Time Soon. What We Need Is More Mechanics.

The Hollywood film Bicentennial Man, starring Robin Williams, is the story of a robot named Andrew who increasingly seeks to become human. It begins at a time when androids that can take care of routine household tasks are beginning to be mass produced. Robin Williams is one of the robots, essentially a household appliance.

There's a defect in Andrew, because he's developed a capacity for emotional attachments and though he follows the first law of robots (Obey your masters) he nevertheless isn't just another bot. The sad part of being a robot is that you outlive the families you serve, and Andrew's span of years is two centuries in this film.

The story is about Andrew's quest to become human. Part of this involves future developments in prosthetic organs and limbs. 

What's intriguing is how over time there are fewer and fewer mechanics who can do the repair work Andrew desires. After much searching he finds Rupert Burns, an old school tinkerer and technician. Burns becomes a handy asset for Andrew as he gets "worked on" with new body parts. 

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I share this because as we look in the the future, there is going to be a need for skilled hands-on mechanics to take care of the millions of vehicles we drive. Currently there are roughly 36 million trucks on the road today. According to the American Trucking Association there are close to a half million interstate freight carriers. (Big shout out to all the truckers transporting Covid vaccines around the country in a timely fashion.) 75 percent of our trucks, and 97 percent of our interstate transport rigs are diesel powered.

These are pretty staggering numbers, and though EVs get most of the publicity, diesel trucks will be an essential part of our transportation landscape for decades to come. An essential role in the future of trucking will be the need for mechanics to maintain these machines.

Do you like puzzles and problem solving? Engines can be fascinating? Do you like working with your hands? Do you like the feeling you get when you have skills that are essential to the future of the economy?  

According to Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the following skills are important for a career as a diesel mechanic or technician:

1. Attention to Detail (ability to focus)

2. Communication Skills

3. Technical Knowledge

4. Problem Solving

5. Desire to Succeed

For those with an entrepreneurial drive, there can be still wider horizons after you have laid a foundation with several years of experience and a good mentor.

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This blog posted was prompted by an article I read about a new diesel technology center that has opened in Oregon.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the need for diesel technicians and mechanics is expected to continue growing over the next ten years. A college education is not for everyone. You might only end up with a piece of paper and $25,000 in debt. There's dignity in a career in the trades. As with everything else, you can never tell where it will lead.

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Related Links

Fixing the Economy Begins by Fixing Our Workforce l

Looking for a Career? 10 Reasons to Become a Diesel Mechanic

Interview Tips for Diesel Mechanics

Diesel Tech Qualifications

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Do you have diesel news or a good diesel story?

Tell us about it. Send it to our Blue Flame director Karl Dedolph III 

@ kdedolph@championbrands.com