GM = bankrupt

[MK]

Hate to see this happen because of all the people who will lose pentions/benefits and the current ones who will lose jobs.  Not a good thing for our economy right now.   But on the other hand GM has dug their own graves with sh**tty products and bad decisions in the last 30 years.  Case in point... I remember when Ford was bashed by consumers/ media for allowing Chevy to out shine them in the early - mid 90's in the performance department Mustang vs Camaro. While ford decided to downgrade ( from the 5.0L) and introduce the smaller 4.6 sohc " mod" motors, GM wanted to stay with the all popular, faster 5.7. Ford of course more interested in selling cars then going for the quick buck/ gimmick.  A lot of it from fords end had to due with emissions/ fuel economy and wanting to keep the mustang profitable , being able to sell to all types of buyers.  Well the end result for GM http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20010926/ai_n10148436/

Not to mention those suckers were a bitch to work on and have warranty work done.

This is not of course all of the reason GM is screwed , but it shows a contrast in the decision making of both companies.   The SUV boom is another one.

In the mean time the ford mustang remained one of the top selling cars from ford while the faster camaro folded.

If GM wants to come back they need to think more like Ford motor company.

[MK]

The Ford 4.6, while better than most modern engines, is still absolute crap compared to the Chevrolet '5.7' (350).

Not really considering the 4.6 is used in everything from police crown vics to the  Land Rover ( or was). I've personally never been a fan of the 4.6 due to its performance and cost to modify, but that's a hot rod guy talking.  Far as reliability and practicality goes, its doing pretty well.    The old 5.7 Chevy 350 ( not the LS1-LS6 etc) are the most overrated motors of all time.  Give me the 5.0 HO anytime. Better engineering and reliability.

[MK]

The Ford 4.6, while better than most modern engines, is still absolute crap compared to the Chevrolet '5.7' (350).

Not really considering the 4.6 is used in everything from police crown vics to the  Land Rover ( or was). I've personally never been a fan of the 4.6 due to its performance and cost to modify, but that's a hot rod guy talking.  Far as reliability and practicality goes, its doing pretty well.    The old 5.7 Chevy 350 ( not the LS1-LS6 etc) are the most overrated motors of all time.  Give me the 5.0 HO anytime. Better engineering and reliability.

Interesting.  I'm no huge fan of the 350, I just don't like the unneccessary complexity of the overhead-cam style engine, like the 4.6.  My personal favorite over the years has been the Oldsmobile 307, which I had in various Olds, Buicks, and Cadillacs.  Nice and smooth, and a 300,000 miler easily.   Other engines that really impressed me way back when were the Cadillac 472/500 - what a wonderfully huge powerplant!  My '73 deville was a joy to drive, and handled great.  And the Pontiac 400 - I had a 70s grand prix once that I didn't really like (I prefer four doors), but it just would not die no matter what.  I had the 302 you mention in several Grand Marquis and Town Cars, but it was really noticably less powerful than the GM V8s..

Because they were not the HO in town cars etc..    The forged piston, roller camed "HO" was actually faster then the 350 in that time.  In fact Chevy stole fords roller ( started in 85) cam ideal and adopted it themselves after 92 I believe.    I've always liked fords engineering over GM.    Your towncars 302 compression ratio is something like 8.4, while the HO was 9.1 - 9.2 - that's a big difference in power.

The Pontiac 400 or 455 is the only engine Ive known to wear out a camshaft.  They can be made into powerhouses, but in stock form are slugs.

The ford 5.8 Windsor is underrated aswell.

[MK]

Best engine, ever:

Beautiful.  3 moving parts.  THREE.  Smooth.  Sure it's weak at low RPM and it drinks gas like frat boy drinks beer, but get it above 5 grand and she'll sing.  They don't weigh anything compared to how much power they put out.  But they aint for everybody.

Rotary yuck

Yeah their fine if you like NO torque.

Ive had a few RX7s beat my old 93 cobra setup with just HCI. I would jump out 2 cars and by 1/8 of the track they would just nose me out.    The RX8 has been somewhat of a disappointment.... hey i forgot ford owns Mazda LOL.

Todays cars IMO need torque because they aren't making them any lighter these days.

[MK]

Opebo, your ignorance is showing. The Ford Taurus was the most popular and well made cars Ford ever put out.

Some people hate them or have bad luck.   The ford 3.8 was always a probelm child, but the taurus was a decent car for its time.   

Didn't they just rename the 500 to Taurus here recently?