Failure Happens
In our industry and business, one thing that has not changed is the inconvenience and total disruption to progress and profits brought along by a comeback. Unfortunately, “Failure Happens.” This might just be the next must-have bumper sticker. It could address our teenagers, our government and the occasional warranty. I won’t address my teenagers and
Preventing Flat Tappet Cam Failures
Flat tappet cams, with either solid or hydraulic lifters, are commonly used in many street and performance engines. It’s a simple design that works well, provided there’s adequate lubrication between the lifters and cam lobes to prevent wear that can wipe out a cam and/or lifters. The problem is today’s motor oils contain much less
The Demands on Diesel Pistons and Sleeves
The pistons are some of the hardest working components inside a diesel engine. Diesel engines are high compression, high heat engines that demand a lot from their pistons. Compression ratios are typically in the 16:1 to 20:1 range, which improves thermal efficiency and fuel economy, but also creates more pressure. Cylinder pressures in many production
Chevy’s 348 and 409 ‘W’ Motors
Chevy’s 348 and 409 ‘W’ motors are having no problem keeping their popularity going. In fact, judging by the numbers of high quality parts being made for these motors today, they may even be more popular than ever. The quick and dirty of W motors and their parts today is that you can sit at
Tech Spotlight: Variable Geometry Turbochargers
With the Green Revolution upon us, the turbocharger is making big waves. Whether it serves the purpose of making performance vehicles even more high performing, or just making our daily drivers more efficient. Turbocharged cars often experience ‘lag’ at lower speeds, due the time required for sufficient exhaust pressure to build up and spool the
Riding with the Iron Duke
Rolling Along — Pontiac’s Iron Duke. Also referred to as the Tech 4 or Tech IV. Introduced: 1977 Pontiac Astre Last Year In Production: 1994 USPS Grumman Postal Truck After being stung by the unreliable Vega engine, Pontiac played it safe with the Iron Duke 2.5L I4 engine . Compared to the Vega engine,
The Cummins ISX Engine Generates Strength
The Cummins ISX engine is one of the workhorses of the Cummins brand and will continue to be a dominating factor in power generation applications, mining and industrial settings. Cummins ISX engines are also very popular as a heavy-duty truck application engine. Capital Reman Exchange remanufactured Cummins ISX engines are rebuilt to OEM specifications in our
Kaase Introduces Boss Nine Engine Kits for Common Ford 429-460 Big Blocks
For engine builders, and enthusiasts with ambitions in hot rod engine assembly, Jon Kaase has introduced the Boss Nine in a new kit form. Among the kit’s more prominent components, Kaase includes his noted semi-hemi cylinder heads with accompanying pistons, pins and rings as well as pushrods, shaft-mounted rockers and induction system. Everything to complete
Cracking Down on Block Fillers
In earlier articles, I mentioned filling dedicated, drag racing iron blocks to keep cylinders round and keep them from cracking. Many drag racers still practice that modification. Today, racers have the luxury of a low-cost block filler called Hard Blok, provided by Joel Bayless. Back in my early Pro Stock days, when I was racing
Lingenfelter Performance Package Series for 2014 Corvette Stingray
Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) has released its expertly tuned performance package series for the new, 2014 Corvette Stingray, with power starting at 550 horsepower and reaching as high as 750 horsepower with forced induction. The seventh-generation Corvette’s new 6.2-liter “LT1” engine features technologies that include direct injection, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. With calibration
Talking Oil During Shell Technology Tour at Grand Prix of Houston
Verizon IndyCar recently hosted a double-header race in Houston which provided a platform for co-sponsors Shell and Pennzoil to connect with race enthusiasts and discuss its first-ever motor oils made from natural gas. Shell announced the creation of its highly innovative PurePlus Technology back in March. Since then, Pennzoil has been engaging consumers, OEMs, techies and
Cutting Tools and Abrasives for Engine Work
When it comes to machining late model engines, tolerances are generally much tighter and finishes often have to be much smoother to meet original equipment specifications. If you’re doing performance work, there’s even less margin for error. Consequently, you need up-to-date equipment and tooling that can hold close tolerances and deliver high quality finishes while
