Bob McDonald
Analyzing Fatigue and Distress

Engine bearing inspection is a great way to get a visual indication of what is going on inside the engine under operating conditions. Upon teardown, the bearings will often have “tell-tale” signs of problems that have occurred and need to be addressed. However, the distress noticed in the bearing is often misunderstood and referred to

The Anatomy of Carburetors

Carburetors are still a viable and valuable component for atomizing fuel. It is amazing that the carburetor has been around for well over 100 years. A small yet unique invention by the Holley brothers in the early 1900s provided the concept of what we use today. Holley became recognized in the high performance market when

Dedication or Design – 12-Bolt GM is Still a Popular Differential

What is the goal for performance when it comes to the automobile? The object is to take all of the components of the automobile and improve upon them for power and durability. Most of the time this pertains to the engine, transmission and rear differential. However, the rear differential is the most frequently overlooked component

Intake Manifolds – Are There Changes You Need to Understand?

The intention here is to take each manifold design and mention things that have evolved over the years and discuss factors that have been found which will be beneficial to engine performance.

Ford FE Stroker Build

Guardian of the Galaxie  How Ford’s FE Engine Rose from the Ashes of Disaster to Become a Versatile Veteran Ford’s FE engine has had a rich history that, today, is often overlooked or at least misunderstood. Many of us who have been around awhile have heard the term FE, but not a lot of people of today’s

Porting Strategies for Diesel Cylinder Head Performance

Diesel engine intake ports and combustion chambers are unique to the way the engine performs. If you look inside the intake runner of a diesel engine, you’ll find that it is very different from that of a gasoline engine.

Heavy-Duty Pistons

For heavy-duty applications, the answer for today’s diesel engine is the use of steel pistons. Steel pistons have been used for quite some time but they face a whole new set of challenges.

Ford’s EcoBoost Engine: Big Power with Fuel Efficiency – Opportunity or Challenge for You?

In 2009, a 3.5 liter twin turbocharged V6 engine was offered as an option in the Ford F-150. It was badged with the name EcoBoost and has since been a strong competitor in terms of torque and horsepower for a full sized truck.

ELC or XLC: What Type of Coolant is Right for Your Application?

Which antifreeze should you use in your diesel engine? It seems just when you think that things are starting to settle down, something else changes.

Do Diesel Builders Need Installation Bays?

Because of weight and size of their creations, diesel engine builders can be faced with some unique challenges.

Turbocharging and Supercharging: Are We Just Discovering the True Potential?

In recent years, power adders such as turbos and superchargers have become very popular. They seem to be gaining popularity as the years continue to go by.

Sealing Combustion Pressure: The Many Functions of Diesel Gaskets

To keep a diesel engine together, the most critical sealing component is the cylinder head gasket. The explosive force of the diesel’s cylinders cause engine vibration and cylinder head shift. Under high boost conditions (usually around 40 psi), the cylinder head will literally try to lift from the cylinder block.