In essence, the 2.8L Vortec 2800 is the Vortec 4200 with two cylinders lopped off. That means, like the 4200, it has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, a 3.66x4.01-inch bore and stroke, all-aluminum construction, and a relatively high 10.0:1 compression ratio. Besides the cylinder count, the big changes in the 2800's design is the adoption of counter-rotating balance shafts to smooth out secondary vibrations and a new exhaust manifold that incorporates a three-way catalyst. When it goes into production, the Vortec 2800 will be the largest-displacement four-popper available in North America, and the largest four to be on sale here since the Porsche 968 (which was powered by a 3.0L four) left production back in 1995. Power output for the Vortec 2800 is targeted for a robust 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.
Except for the fact that it has one more cylinder, the Vortec 3500 is virtually identical to the 2800 (89 percent of the parts are common). Naturally the 3500 displaces 3.5 L and the predicted output is 215 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. So healthy is the five-banger that we understand that Chevy and GMC cancelled plans to offer the six in the new trucks.
Will either of these engines have you busting the V-8 out of your Chevelle? Nah. But they're solid technology anyhow.
Chrysler Gets Connected[Photo 116-0211.SCUP 12 on CD.]Chrysler will introduce UConnect telematics as a dealer option on '03 Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles this fall including Chrysler's PT Cruiser; the Dodge Dakota and Ram pickups; and the Dodge Durango, Jeep Liberty, and Grand Cherokee SUVs. What is UConnect? What are telematics? Hey, there's a reason to read on.
The $299 UConnnect works with a buyer's existing cell phone and adds voice dialing; an audio address book; audio system mute; call transfer, which allows the transfer of calls from the vehicle's system to other mobile phones; and multi-phone recognition, which allows up to five phones to be used with the system. It's not quite the same thing as GM's OnStar, which includes roadside assistance and remote vehicle operations, but it could be a useful addition to anyone's cell service.
Brickyard Monte[Photo 116-0211.SCUP 13A and 13B on CD.]Did you watch last August's Brickyard 400 Winston Cup race from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and say to yourself, "Golly, I really want one of those pace car dealies." Well glory be, later this year you'll be able to buy a replica.
Except for a low-restriction exhaust, new intake, and increased cooling capacity, the car that paced the Brickyard was stock a Monte Carlo SS. According to GM, intake and exhaust mods pushed output up 30 hp over the stock 3.8L OHV V-6, but no modifications were made to the four-speed automatic transmission. However, the suspension was slightly lowered, and the car was fitted with 17-inch wheels inside P245/50ZR17 Goodyear Eagle GS-C tires.
Don't expect the giant Taz graphic (or the engine, suspension, and wheel modifications) to make it as part of the pace car replica program, but the Superior Blue and Galaxy Silver paint will be likely options. Monte Carlos have paced the Brickyard 400 for each of the last six years, so this pace-car thing gets a little less special every year.
Stranger Ranger[Photo 116-0211.SCUP 15 on CD.]All we know about this photo is that Ford calls it "Ranger Wheels and Tunes," which makes us think it's a Ranger with new wheels and a thumping sound system. But we could be wrong.
(optional)Straight Scoop Video LibraryHot Rod Girl[Photo 116-0211.SCUP 16, DVD box supplied for illustration.]Through the miracle of DVD, it's now possible to time travel back to the '50s and participate in illegal street races just like Grandpa and Grandma!