Engine Builder Tech Center
Green Strategies: Propane – A Gas on the Rise

The issue of the automotive and heavy-duty industry moving toward  more alternative fuel useage will always be an important topic of discussion for the rebuilding industry. And, no matter which side of the fence you are on regarding a reduction in petroleum in today’s vehicles, alternative fuels may provide more engine-related opportunities to your business.

Ford’s Famous Flathead V8

It was special in so many ways. First of all, it was the first V8 engine for the Ford line of cars. Nobody could imagine the effects it would have on the racing and hot rod world in the years to come. Even in its stock trim, it was a gutty little powerplant, but it would

Green Strategies: Using Less to Do More

There are several memes associated with “going green.” For some, an image of a person donning a tie-dye shirt while holding up a peace sign may come to mind. For shop owner Stan White, that person’s in clean business attire. “A nicely dressed woman comes to my shop with a smile on her face,” said

Don’t Gamble When Choosing Cylinder Heads

A cylinder head is much more than a casting that tops off the block, holds the valves and forms the combustion chambers. The head works in combination with the camshaft, induction and exhaust systems to determine how the engine breathes, the engine’s power curve and personality.  The “right” cylinder head on an engine will deliver

April Engine Builder Shop Solutions

Combustion Chamber Molds When making chamber molds for a variety of purposes, including holding up the valves on the assembly bench, (as opposed to a beanbag or shop rag) common auto body filler (Bondo) works very well. It’s fast and very inexpensive. Just mix the body filler and fill chambers of an assembled head. The

National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey

National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey is a biennial outreach and education event dedicated to promoting the use of AFVs and advanced technology vehicles. It is coordinated by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) headquartered at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Odyssey is

Simply the Best

In the world of competitive eating, Joey Chestnut stands recognized as the champion hot dog consumer – last July, he set the world record by wolfing down 69 Nathan’s dogs in 10 minutes. Eric “Mean” Melin is the reigning World Air Guitar champion as he out-pretended all other pretend guitarists last year in Oulu, Finland.

What Can CNC Do For You?

Are you using Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) equipment in your shop? According to our most recent Babcox Machine Shop Market Profile Survey, 12 percent of engine builders said they own a CNC machining center (a multi-purpose machine that can do surfacing, boring, milling, drilling, etc.). The survey also asked what other types of equipment our

Looking for a Lost ’32 Ford Roadster

Every antique racecar has a past history. Sometimes that history is well documented, and other times, it gets lost over the years through a succession of owners and events. In the latter case, you have to judge the car for what it is…what you see in front of you. Mike Nail’s ‘32 Ford Roadster is

Kroyer Racing Engines is 2013 Performance Engine Builder of the Year

The staff of Engine Builder and a panel of industry professionals, including presenting sponsor Driven Racing Oil have selected Kroyer Racing Engines of Las Vegas as their choice for the “Performance Engine Builder of the Year” award for 2013. Kroyer Racing Engines’ partner, Kevin Kroyer has been involved in racing since he was a kid.

Ford’s Mustang Celebrates 50-Year Milestone

We live in some pretty exciting times for performance automobiles, especially muscle cars. Corvettes are taking on the super cars and knocking on the 200 mph door. The Camaro and the Challenger are back and Ford Motor Company is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their very popular Mustang. Besides the Corvette, I can’t

Ford's 1 millionth Mustang
6.4L Magnum 392 Charity Engine Build Takes Shape

Dare to be different. That was the idea. And right out of the gate I was hit with skepticism. “Why are you doing that?” “What if you did this?” But my answer was always no, you’re going to read about that anywhere. Not that this is a bad thing, it just wasn’t what I wanted