Why You Should Read This Book
Let’s get it right out on the table here: I am suggesting that you, a professional engine builder who works at a shop that has been in business, on average (according to the latest Machine Shop of the Year results) nearly 28 years, read a book about building Chevy small-blocks. I understand the concern that
SSSSSnake Bit!
In 1974, America watched 93 cars get destroyed in a 34-minute car chase. “Gone In 60 Seconds,” an independent film written, produced and directed by and starring Toby Halicki was an otherwise forgettable ’70s movie. The plot revolved around Mandrian Pace (Halicki) and his car thief cronies and 48 cars that they needed to steal
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part Two
Our story so far: • GM declares bankruptcy. • Chrysler emerges FROM bankruptcy. • Congress passes the Consumer Assist & Save Act of 2009 (Also known as H.R. 2346. Also known as “Cash for Clunkers”). • GM emerges from bankruptcy. • Ford pledges millions to help auto parts supplier Visteon emerge from ITS bankruptcy. Just
Show Your Muscle
Since the dawn of time (well, since the invention of the SECOND automobile), man has been on a quest. A quest to be faster. A quest to be more powerful. A quest to be the best. The true hotrodder uses talent and skill to design, fabricate, analyze and invent in the hopes of rising above
Engine Blocks & Cylinder Sleeves
In our February 2009 issue, Technical Editor Larry Carley provided a comprehensive overview of the changes in engine blocks over the years. Thanks in part to natural attrition (after all, many of the most popular engines were actually designed and built more than 50 years ago) and the high price for scrap metal in the
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part One
As the debate over bailouts, bankruptcies and generally bad policy concerning the automotive aftermarket continues in Washington, engine builders may well shrug their shoulders and say “welcome to our world.” Now that new car dealers and manufacturers are taking it on the chin because many consumers have apparently decided that “making do is better than
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile
Now that new car dealers and manufacturers are taking it on the chinbecause many consumers have apparently decided that “making do isbetter than buying new,” there is increased optimism in many segmentsof the service sector. For engine builders – who have been operating ina challenging environment for several years now – the opportunities tobe both
Labor Costing Study: GM LS-Series Engine
The venerable Chevy smallblock engine has been one of the most popular and successful engines in the history of the world since it was created in 1955. So when GM decided it was time to update the Mouse motor, people were understandably worried. And when the resulting replacement was the LT1/LT4
Survival Motorsports Shop Profile
When he first started Survival Motorsports, Barry Rabotnick hoped tosell parts, primarily for Ford FE motors. “My goal was to become thesingle-point supplier for the FE Ford enthusiast.” TheFE, says Rabotnick, offers significant advantages to the right user.“The builds I’m doing on the FE might not be the same as people aredoing with another engine
Piston Options and Opportunities
The sport compact market, it was thought, was going to breathe new life into the performance engine market, and for many years, the rapid growth of the market seemed to indicate that there was no limit to how big those little engines could get. Then something happened: to quote Engine Builder columnist and performance expert
Final Wrap: Times May Be Tough But So Are You
If you’re one of those types who always starts reading in the back because you know that’s where the best stuff is found, I congratulate you on your insight. And, normally, I’d agree with you – but in this case I have to say, “don’t forget to read the front of the magazine – it
Cleaning Rules
One of the least pleasant parts of any engine builder’s day is the cleaning process. Removing the oil, carbon and general gunk from blocks, cylinder heads and assorted parts before your inspection, machining and rebuilding process can even begin may seem as painful as a trip to the dentist’s chair. But if you think that