Valvetrain Controls: Are they phasing you?

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VarioCam Plus, and Mitsubishi MIVEC. .... engine performance to smooth idle, increase horsepower, ... actuators can be used on any engine valvetrain layout.
September & October 2014

Valvetrain Controls: Are they phasing you?

New Valvetrain Timing and Control Systems Training Course Now Available When designing new engines today, engineers strive to improve fuel economy, power and emissions in many different ways. New technology and computer control systems have enabled engines to gain power and efficiency. Proper diagnosis requires understanding how these systems operate together. The new Instructor-Led Training (ILT) course, Valvetrain Controls: Are they phasing you? (S-EM01-01.01ILT) covers valvetrain timing and control systems on a variety of modern engines. The course covers: • Variable valve timing systems • Variable valve lift systems • Multi-displacement engine systems

losses by using intake valve lift to ­better match the amount of air entering the cylinders to the engine’s specific realtime load requirements. The control system switches between low and high valve lift, depending on needed engine output. The engine operates in low-lift mode when full power is not required and in high-lift mode when full power is required. In the course, the various manufacturers using this system are reviewed along with the differences in their engine components and operating parameters, including the GM 2.5L Ecotec, Toyota VVTL-i, Subaru i-AVLS, Honda VTEC, Audi AVL, Porsche VarioCam Plus, and Mitsubishi MIVEC.

• Diagnostic strategy and specialized service tools

IN THIS ISSUE New Valvetrain Controls ILT Course. . . . . . . 1 ACDelco WIP Mobile Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2015 MACS Training Coming to Orlando. . . . 3 TechTube Videos Now on ACDelco LMS. . . 4 Buying a Laptop Computer?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 New ’How To‘ Videos Provide TIS2Web Programming Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 GM J-2534 Programming Tools . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tech Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Training Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Back to Glory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 www.acdelcotechconnect.com, click the Newsletters link

The course includes several case studies that provide a descriptive investigation of an event, along with information needed to determine the fundamental reasons for a cause and correction.

Stepped Valve Lift Control Stepped intake valve lift control reduces engine parasitic pumping

Toyota VVTL-i continued on page 3

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Professional Service Center ACDelco WIP Mobile Site Takes Parts Orders Anywhere Looking for the easiest way yet to order ACDelco parts? Try the new ACDelco WIP mobile site. The new site features an intuitive design that allows mobile device users to immediately start locating and ordering parts. Plus, the site is scalable so it can be viewed on multiple mobile devices.

Get Started To get started, enter www.nexpart.com into a mobile device or tablet browser and log in. Begin a part search using the Stock Check feature, which enables users to select a branch location. It also displays pricing and quantity information, and supersession information when available. Parts can be added to the shopping cart directly from the Stock Check screen.

The Stock Check displays part pricing, quantity and more.

Senior Editor: Greg St. Aubin, ACDelco E-mail / [email protected] Editor: Peter Robert, ACDelco E-mail / [email protected]

To use the Catalog section to search for parts, start by selecting a vehicle using the VIN, YMME (year, make, model, engine), or the previous vehicle option (the pull-down menu displays the same Previous Vehicle list as the desktop version). VINs can be uploaded to the mobile site from a new or existing photo or entered manually. Performance may vary when uploading a VIN from a photo depending on the mobile device.

Technical Editor: Mark Spencer E-mail / [email protected] Production Manager: Marie Meredith

To maximize efficiency, the catalog returns the part name, part number and price all in the browser window so scrolling is eliminated.

Desktop Publishing: 5by5 Design LLC E-mail / [email protected] Catalog information is shown in an easy-toread browser window.

Placing an Order Placing an order is just as easy as looking up parts. Simply click on the Order tab in the tab toolbar, enter the order details — including delivery options and purchase order number — and click “Place Order.” The increased speed of looking up and ordering parts through the new mobile site can help to significantly reduce repair times by eliminating technicians having to walk from the service floor to the desktop computer.

Write to: * ACDelco TechConnect P.O. Box 500 Troy, MI 48007-0500 On the Web:: To read or print recent issues of TechConnect: – www.acdelcotechconnect.com, click the Newsletters link. ACDelco service tips are intended for use by p­ rofessional technicians, not a “do-it-yourselfer.” They are written to inform those technicians of c­ onditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, it cannot be assumed that the information applies to all vehicles or that all vehicles will have that condition. All materials and programs described in this m ­ agazine are subject to change. Submission of materials implies the right to edit and publish. Inclusion in the publication is not necessarily an endorsement of the individual or the company. TechConnect is published for ACDelco by Sandy Group, Troy, MI.

All WIP Features Finally, clicking on the menu icon at the top right of the screen will provide full access to all the features in WIP, including Order History, Saved Orders, Tools, and Hide Your Price. For a quick two-minute overview of the new mobile site, go to the ACDelco Community. Be sure to comment on your experience with the new mobile site in the Community or via the Feedback button. The site will be continually updated based on users’ experience. – Thanks to Jill Brown

ACDelco TechConnect is published bi-monthly and online for technicians of Professional Service Center and Key Fleet accounts to provide timely service information, increase knowledge and improve the performance of the service center. ACDelco 360 represents our mission to look at our businesses at every possible angle to provide value and assistance to our distributors and their customers as well as offer a full circle of support with programs, tools, training and marketing focused on enhancing and growing our partnership successfully.

Publisher: Rick Balabon, ACDelco E-mail / [email protected]

Catalog Search

Select the “See All” option and additional part details are provided, including images of the part. The part can be added to the cart from either view.

Volume 21, Number 5 (ST-PU-0005-14)

Select the “See All” option for additional part details.

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©2014 ACDelco. All rights reserved.

Valvetrain Controls

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Displacement on Demand

which offers lower emissions and increased power and ­efficiency. Several automakers currently offer CVVL-equipped engines: BMW (Valvetronic), Fiat (Multi-Air), Nissan (VVEL) and Toyota (Valvematic).

Displacement on Demand (DOD) is a system designed to shut down cylinders during light load conditions to improve fuel economy. The systems covered in the course include Active Fuel Management (GM), Multiple Displacement system (Chrysler), Active Cylinder Control (Mercedes) and Variable Cylinder Management (Honda).

Diagnostic Strategy Participants in the course will be presented with a ­ iagnostic strategy for a number of valvetrain control condid tions. These include compression testing, vacuum gauge tests, cylinder leakage, and using an oscilloscope for engine mechanical faults.

The course covers operation and diagnosis of these systems, explaining that most of the cylinder deactivation systems use oil pressure to perform the changeover. If Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) diagnosis calls for performing oil pressure tests, then it is likely that something mechanical is causing the concern. Use a scan tool and oil pressure ­diagnostics to identify the mechanical fault, such as a ­solenoid or actuator element.

Variable Valve Timing

The case studies reviewed in the course cover several valvetrain control repairs. One Vacuum gauge attached to the intake manifold case study takes an in-depth look at the timing belt replacement on a Chevrolet Aveo with a 1.6L engine. Another case study covers an ­intermittently failing rocker arm oil pressure switch on a Honda Accord with a 2.4L engine.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) alters the relationship between the camshaft and the crankshaft in order to optimize valve timing. The course covers how Camshaft end play VVT is used to enhance engine performance to smooth idle, increase horsepower, improve torque and regulate emissions, all while using fewer components.

Additional case studies include a Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L engine that requires cylinder deactivation valve lifter manifold testing and a GMC Acadia with the 3.6L engine that needs to have the camshaft engine play on both camshafts checked based on the number of DTCs set.

VVT actuators serve to vary the camshaft timing in relation to the crankshaft. VVT actuator designs are varied. VVT actuator design may be helical-gear, vane type (both internal and external oil control valve designs) or chain adjuster. The actuators can be used on any engine valvetrain layout.

Learn More Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Training tab to enroll in a training course scheduled in your area or to check out all of the available training courses on the ACDelco LMS, including a variety of classroom training and web-based courses. – Thanks to Rick Balabon

The course also reviews Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) engine technology that allows the valve lift to be ­continuously varied based on engine operating conditions,

2015 MACS Training Coming to Orlando in February 2015 The 2015 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Training Event and Trade Show will be held February 5–7, 2015, at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ACDelco is sponsoring the training class HVAC Technology & Service Insights, ­covering recent advances in automotive HVAC. For more information and to register for the training event, go to www.macsw.org. – Thanks to Peter Robert

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TechTube Videos Now on ACDelco LMS ACDelco’s newest training videos get straight to the point. The new TechTube videos, which are short, vignette-style videos (typically 3–7 minutes) cover specific technical procedures. These brief instructional videos can be found on the ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS) and offer a quick and convenient way to view a variety of training topics.

TechTube videos are also available on mobile devices. Access acdelcotraining.com from a mobile device, enter your ­login information and then click the TechTube link.

To view the videos, log in the training website and select the Take Training menu, click Catalog > Catalog Search and then select TechTube under the Delivery Type menu.

Some of the TechTube videos, usually covering ACDelco ­ roduct issues, will be posted on www.acdelcotechconnect.com p under the Training tab as well as the ACDelco LMS. – Thanks to Greg St. Aubin

The TechTube v­ ideos cover a v­ ariety of topics, such as HVAC ­actuator recalibrations, the proper use of GM terminal crimpers, and GM service programming. Search the catalog for TechTube videos. The videos deal with ACDelco products as well as some basic service training topics.

Buying a Laptop Computer? Computer Hardware Recommendations Technicians looking to work more efficiently may consider buying a laptop (or notebook) computer for use in the service bay. With their mobility, laptop computers make it easier to perform diagnostics and reduce the time away from the vehicle at a desktop PC. Before purchasing a computer for use with various service applications, it’s a good idea to review the GM IT Guidelines to ensure that the ­computer meets or exceeds the minimum specifications for running all ACDelco service applications, such as TIS2Web, GM Service Information and other software. The GM Dealership Infrastructure Guidelines – Service Department can be accessed at www.gmdesolutions.com. The guidelines specify that the computer should include business grade hardware that meets or exceeds the minimum specification with Intel Processors and runs the Windows 7 Professional 32 bit or 64 bit operating system. Prior to purchasing a business grade laptop, review the guidelines for what is “supported and not supported” for ACDelco service applications. Consumer branded PCs, systems built by hand and/or home grade ­operating systems typically used for

multimedia or gaming purposes are not recommended. GM also does not support AMD processors. Extensive testing of consumer targeted computers and operating systems show they are not suitable for diagnosing vehicles using ACDelco software applications, which are considered business class and are intended to run on a business grade computer. ACDelco service applications, such as TIS2Web, GDS 2, MDI, Tech2Win, etc., are compatible with the Windows 7 Professional (32 and 64 bit) operating system. They are not compatible with Windows 8.x Professional.

Browser Support Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9) is the ­recommended and minimum browser for use with ACDelco service applications. Internet Explorer (IE) 8 or earlier versions are not supported. Other browsers, such as Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc., as well as IE 10 and IE 11, are not approved by GM at this time. The ACDelco service applications have not been tested against the newest IE browser versions.

Tablets Only tablet devices with business grade hardware that have the hard drive and memory capacity to support all 4

ACDelco service applications are recommended. These tablets must have Intel i series processors and Windows 7 Professional operating systems. Currently, one tablet approved for use available through GM Dealer Equipment is the Sahara Slate PC with a 12.1-inch touch screen display. It runs the Windows 7 Professional operating system and has an Intel Core i7 vPro processor, offering full PC productivity with tablet mobility. This tablet has passed numerous tests to ensure it is fully compatible with all ACDelco service applications, including TIS2Web, GDS 2, Tech2Win, Service Information (SI), and SPS. Non-business grade tablets, such as the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Acer Iconia, which are geared toward consumer use, are not suitable for ACDelco service applications. Often, these tablets may be used in the service bay for viewing the Service Information application. While these tablets can view web pages, they do not have TIFF or CGM plug-in support to view the Service Information graphics in an enhanced mode. Alternative operating systems to Windows, such as iOS (Apple), Android and Nexxus, are not supported by the ACDelco service applications. – Thanks to Bob Stewart

New ‘How To’ Videos Provide TIS2Web Programming Information ACDelco has produced 11 TIS2Web tutorial videos to support independent repair shops that diagnose and program electronic control modules in GM vehicles using ACDelco software applications. The videos were created especially for the independent after­ market.

• How to Access your GMSI or TIS2Web Subscription • How to Register for GMSI or TIS2Web • How to Subscribe to GMSI or TIS2Web • How to Install GDS2 • How to Renew your GDS2 Lease • How to Install Tech2Win • How to Update Tech2Win • How to Install the MDI Manager • How to Recover your MDI • How to Set Up MDI Communication • How to Update MDI Firmware

The tutorials — now available on the ACDelco TechConnect website — offer concise information on specific topics. The videos, most of which are four minutes or less, cover critical areas that generate the most questions at ACDelco’s Aftermarket Technical Support Center. The ’how to‘ instructional videos show step-by-step ­processes of how to install and use various ACDelco software applications, including:

The videos illustrate how service technicians can use ACDelco’s online software applications and the right scan tool to quickly and accurately diagnose and program GM vehicles.

Click to View Visit www.acdelcotechconnect.com to view theTIS2Web tutorials. Click the Training tab and then Training Videos. The 11 videos are under the A0 – Fundamental/Emerging Technologies category.

11 “how to” instructional videos can be viewed online.

ACDelco TIS2Web software a­ pplications are available via a webbased subscription service. TIS2Web software delivers GM vehicle calibrations, Global Diagnostic System (GDS) 2 and Tech2 Diagnostic updates required to diagnose GM vehicles. To learn more about GM Service Information and TIS2Web ­subscriptions, go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com, click TIS2Web or GM Service Information in the blue tool box. – Thanks to Jill Laubach and Bob Stewart

GM J-2534 Programming Tools More and more repairs in today’s vehicles require electronic control ­modules — everything from Engine Control Modules and Body Control Modules to door modules and others — to be replaced or have the software updated. Many of these control modules require programming or setup to function properly once installed. ACDelco provides access to the s­ oftware needed to perform module programming and setup for GM vehicles with a variety of subscription options available depending on the shop’s needs. Control module programming requires a J-2534 device (the SAE standard for communications between a computer and a vehicle) to connect the vehicle to a computer with the manufacturer’s programming software application.

In addition to the J-2534 GM Multiple Diagnostic Interface (MDI), ACDelco distributors and Drew Technologies offer three devices that specifically cover GM vehicles: the Mongoose Pro GM, CarDAQ-M and CarDAQ-Plus. The Mongoose Pro GM is a more economical option for shops new to module reprogramming. It is designed specifically for GM models only. The CarDAQ-M and CarDAQ-Plus are designed for programming all makes. The CarDAQ-Plus offers module programming along with diagnostic functions, key programming and data monitoring capabilities. The CarDAQ-M is a modular tool that can be upgraded with new modules to keep the tool up to date with the latest automotive repair technology.

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Contact your local ACDelco r­epresentative or ACDelco distributor for more ­information. – Thanks to Bob Stewart

TechTips The following technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual ­service repair, the Diagnostic Hotline can help. Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #2, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday–Friday, to speak with a technical expert with the latest OEM information.

ACDelco 95RPS Battery Acid Level Indicator Volkswagen, Audi and BMW models The ACDelco 95RPS Professional battery has an Acid Level Indicator that looks similar to a hydrometer on the top label of the battery. Unlike a hydrometer, the Acid Level Indicator will never turn green, no matter how much the battery is charged.

The engine oil pan drain plug looks like a banjo bolt, but acts more like a valve. This type of drain plug does not have to be removed to drain the oil. Just unscrew it a few turns and the oil will flow out of the holes in the bolt. Do not remove the engine oil pan drain plug when changing the engine oil. Removing the engine oil pan drain plug completely will result in the engine oil pan drain plug gasket becoming dislodged or lost.

Stop Lamp and Turn Signal Lamp Options 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway vans There may be some confusion regarding the proper ­ peration of the stop and/or turn signals on the cutaway van o models. This may lead to difficultly diagnosing a stop and/or turn signal condition. The BCM can be calibrated for Separated Stop/Turn Signal Circuits, RPO V4D.

The label states the Acid Level Indicator should be black.

The Acid Level Indicator will be black if the electrolyte is at the proper level or will be clear if the acid is at a low, unsafe level. If the Acid Level Indicator is clear, the battery has low ­ lectrolyte and should not be used. Replace the battery e immediately. There is a statement on the top label explaining the Acid Level Indicator.

Turbo Diesel Engine Oil Drain Plug 2014 Chevrolet Cruze equipped with diesel engine (RPO LUZ) When performing an engine oil/filter change, it is critical that the diesel engine is not overfilled. Including the oil filter, the engine oil capacity is 4.75 quarts (4.5 liters) of oil. If the diesel Partially unscrew the engine oil drain engine is overfilled, plug to drain the oil. the engine can ­continue to run when turned off by using the additional oil as fuel, resulting in internal engine and exhaust system damage.

Without RPO V4D, the stop and turn signals are one lamp (same bulb). Traditionally, there will be one red stop/turn signal lamp per side. Circuit 618 Yellow (X405 terminal D) is for the left stop and turn signal. Circuit 619 Dk Green (X405 terminal E) is for the right stop and turn signal. With RPO V4D, the stop and turn signals are separate lamps (two different bulbs). Traditionally, there will be one red stop lamp and one amber turn signal lamp per side. RPO V4D is included with the Ambulance Package (RPO YF2), School Bus Package (RPO B3D) and Shuttle Bus Package (RPO ANC). Circuit 618 Yellow (X405 terminal D) is for the left turn signal only. Circuit 619 Dk Green (X405 terminal E) is for the right turn signal only. Circuit Product Information 1320 light blue For free technical assistance and product (X405 terminal information regarding specific ACDelco C) is for the stop ­products, contact these toll-free information lamps only. hotlines staffed by ASE-certified technicians: If the vehicle is upfitted and the body does not support the way the BCM is calibrated for the stop/turn signal setup, a new BCM calibration will be needed to either remove or add the RPO V4D option.

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Brakes – 1-888-701-6169 (prompt #1) Chassis and ReadyStruts – 1-800-270-2124 Clutches – 1-888-725-8625 Lift Supports – 1-800-790-5438 Shocks – 1-877-466-7752 Starters and Alternators (New) – 1-800-854-0076 Starters and Alternators (Reman) – 1-800-228-9672 Steering – 1-855-451-1212 Wiper Blades – 1-800-810-7096

TrainingUpdate Video On Demand Courses Now Available

How to Take ACDelco Training

Video On Demand (VOD) courses are now available through the ACDelco Learning Management System. VOD courses offer technicians the ability to view previously recorded content at any time. These videos are searchable, including the ability to ­navigate through specific topics, and are compatible with mobile phones and tablet devices, making it easy to view training when it’s most convenient.

Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Training tab to log in to the ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS). • To launch or enroll in courses in your training path, open the home page to view your Training Progress Status Report, select Show Detail, and then click the course number and title to view details on a specific course and to launch or enroll in the course.

Videos can now be accessed through the new and improved Course Catalog. At the top of the home page, ­simply click TAKE TRAINING > Catalog > Catalog Search and select Video On Demand as the course delivery type. The search criteria can be refined by entering keywords into the Search field. To launch a video, click on a search result, and then click the Launch Course link. In order to receive credit after watching the video, participants must complete the course test. A link will appear upon completion of the video that will take users to the training site to complete the test.

• To enroll in an Instructor-Led Training (ILT) course (ILTs are full-day hands-on classroom courses), click Take Training > Catalog > Catalog Search and select InstructorLed Training under Delivery Type. • To launch a Web-Based Training (WBT) course (WBTs are 1- to 4-hour self-guided online courses), click Take Training > Catalog > Catalog Search and select Service or Business Web-Based Training under Delivery Type. • To launch a TechAssist (TAS) course (TAS courses are 15- to 20-minute online presentations on a specific topic), click Take Training > Catalog > Catalog Search and select TechAssist under Delivery Type. • To launch a Simulation (SIM) (SIMs require users to complete all repairs for a condition), click Take Training > Catalog > Catalog Search and select Simulation under Delivery Type.

Training Schedule Current Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Courses The following ILT courses are currently being scheduled: Course Number Course Name S-AC07-02.01ILT Automotive Air Conditioning Advanced Refrigerant System Diagnostics S-AC07-03.01ILT HVAC Control System Operation and Diagnostics S-BK05-01.01ILT Braking Systems S-BK05-02.01ILT ABS Operation and Diagnosis S-BK05-03.01ILT Electronic Brake and Chassis Controls: Is the vehicle really smarter than the driver? S-DS11-13.01ILT Vehicle Network Communications: When modules talk, who is really listening? S-EL06-04.02ILT Network Communication Diagnosis S-EL06-10.02ILT Electrical Power Management S-EL06-11.02ILT Enhanced Automotive Circuit Diagnosis S-EL06-13.01ILT Body Electrical Global Diagnostics S-EL06-14.01ILT Advanced Body Control System Electrical Diagnostics S-EL06-17.01ILT Electrical Diagnostics: Chasing Lost Electrons S-EM01-01.01ILT Valvetrain Controls: Are they phasing you? S-EP08-02.01ILT Engine Performance Computer Controls and Ignition System Diagnostics S-EP08-03.01ILT Engine Performance Air Induction and Fuel System Diagnostics S-EP08-04.01ILT Engine Performance Fault Monitoring and Emission System Diagnostics S-EP08-05.01ILT Engine Performance Advanced Drivability Diagnostics S-EP08-06.01ILT After Combustion Sensors: Is what is in the exhaust making your engine run rough? S-EP08-07.01ILT Air Induction and Fuel Injection Systems S-EP08-08.02ILT Evaporative Emissions Controls: Why is there always a code but never a leak we can find? S-EP08-09.01ILT Spark Generation: Is a lack of spark sending you up in flames? S-EP08-10.01ILT Direct Injection S-EP08-81.02ILT Duramax Diesel Operation and Diagnosis

– Thanks to Greg St. Aubin 7

Back to Glory NHRA Pro Stock Dragster Restored by former ACDelco Service Center Owner and local ACDelco Distributor

Over the years, ACDelco has ­ ponsored a number of race cars in s the NHRA and NASCAR racing circuits. Recently, Ray Noreika, owner of Big Boyz Toy Box in Paterson, N.J., came across what appeared to be an ACDelco-sponsored NHRA Pro Stock dragster. He decided to do what any automotive enthusiast would do and restore it to its f­ormer glory. Noreika began turning wrenches at a local gas station at the age of 14. He later bought the station, where he sold ACDelco products for many years. He ­currently leases indoor and outdoor vehicle storage areas. Several years ago, when a lease expired and the owners never responded to renew the lease, he ended up with possession and, subsequently, ownership of two trailers. Inside, he discovered a damaged and disassembled NHRA Pro Stock dragster. The body was a Chevy Cavalier with no associated markings. The frame tag, however, showed that it was built by Jerry Haas. The parachutes also displayed the ACDelco logo and colors.

Two of a Kind A little research showed that ACDelco sponsored Kurt Johnson as a Pro Stock driver in the NHRA circuit. This ­dragster was one of two ACDelco Chevy Cavaliers built by Jerry Haas Race Cars in Fenton, Missouri, in 2000. Noreika decided to rebuild the dragster to its original design to p ­ reserve a piece of drag racing history. He contacted ACDelco about the restoration and received permission to use its name, logos and paint c­ olors. Noreika, a ­former Oldsmobile Master Technician, showed the disassembled racer to Jerry Thomas, account manager for Tonsa Automotive (an ACDelco Distributor in New York and New Jersey). When Leon Bobelian, president of Tonsa Automotive, learned of the ­restoration plans, he offered the support of his company.

ST-PU-0005-14

Built for Speed Noreika totally disassembled the dragster and rebuilt the vehicle to meet the current NHRA chassis and safety r­egulations. The original v­ ehicle was registered for the NHRA Pro Stock Class, but Noreika would rebuild the car to participate in the NHRA’s Top Sportsman Class. He completely rebuilt the engine that was found in the trailer: a 598 cu. in. DART M Block with DART Big Chief Heads. The carburetor, a 1200 C.F.M. Holly 4BBL, was installed and flow tested to match the current demands of the engine. The engine was dyno tested with C14 race fuel at 1,005 HP at 7,100 RPM. The 5-speed manual G force transmission found with the car was replaced with a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. An MSD Grid Computer System was installed to monitor and control the ­performance of the car.

L to R: Leon Bobelian, Tonsa Automotive; Ray Noreika; Steve Winnicki, NY/NJ Metro ACDelco M&R; Jerry Thomas, Tonsa Automotive

Noreika still had plenty of work ahead of him. The carbon fiber body had over 200 damaged areas that required painstaking repairs. Plus, the rear wheels were missing and a set of the original

There were also several other parts that had to be f­abricated in Noreika’s machine shop. The outside professional ­vendors that spent many hours helping Noreika in the restoration process were eager to use their skills to bring the dragster back to its o ­ riginal condition.

Ready to Race When the restoration was finally ­ nished, the chassis received its NHRA fi 6.0 chassis certification. Now, Noreika is currently in the process of renewing his NHRA driver’s license so he can drive the car for his enjoyment during the 2015 NHRA and IHRA seasons at a few of the Northeast racetracks. rear wheels couldn’t be found. Noreika had a stroke of luck when he had a conversation with a business associate in New York who told him that he had the other Haas-built ACDelco Cavalier. The dragster was in pieces, but those ­pieces included the original rear wheels.

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Future plans include displaying the restored ACDelco race car to support events sponsored by Tonsa Automotive and other regional ACDelco distributors. – Thanks to Steve Winnicki