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 engines 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

INTHISISSUE
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

Follow ACDelco

Scan the code to

download a PDF

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 /
gregory.staubin@gm.com
Editor:
Peter Robert, ACDelco
E-mail /
peter.robert@gm.com

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 /
mspencer@gpstrategies.com
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 /
dkelly@5by5dzign.com
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 ourbusinesses at every possible angle to
provide value and assistance to our distributors
and theircustomers as well as offer a full circle
of support with programs, tools, training and
marketing focused on enhancing and growing
ourpartnership successfully.

Publisher:
Rick Balabon, ACDelco
E-mail /
richard.balabon@gm.com

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.

2014 ACDelco. All rights reserved.

Valvetrain Controls

continued from page 1

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 57, 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

TechTube Videos Now on ACDelco LMS

ACDelcos
newest training videos
get straight to
the point. The
new TechTube
videos, which
are short,
vignette-style
videos (typically
37 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
arealso 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 ideoscover 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, its a good idea to review the
GM ITGuidelines 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

theACDelco 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 ACDelcos 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 ACDelcos 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 todays
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
shops 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 manufacturers
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.

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 MondayFriday,
tospeak 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 atthe 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
withdiesel 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 forthe stop
products, contact these toll-free information
lampsonly.
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.

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 its 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
NHRAs 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 a2-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 Noreikas
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 drivers 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 couldnt 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.

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