2018 Editions Archives - Page 4 of 8 - Engine Builder Magazine
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

Piston Ring Selection

Through the proper selection of style, size and material, rings prevent blowby by sealing against the groove in the piston as well as against the cylinder wall. They should be as flat as possible, fit the piston grooves as tightly as possible, have the least amount of end gap that the engine can safely tolerate, and be as conformable as possible to seal against the cylinder wall.

ATV/UTVs – Not Just a Glorified Golf Cart Anymore

When the world of ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) began to sprout up and dealerships everywhere began selling these off-road machines, performance modifications also began to grow right along with them. As with any recreational machine, whether on or off-road, there will be many who want a little more than the typical performance. Getting more power and

When You Can’t Buy It, Building It Expands Your Shop Capabilities.

We all get crazy ideas from time to time. Sometimes we see something and that sparks an idea. Other times we’ll have a need and, “necessity being the mother of invention,” we come up with an idea of how to build that special part or tool that would fix the problem. The majority of the

Small Diesels, Big Future – What New 2.8L/3.0L Diesel Engines Bring to the Table (and Your Shop)

While it’s not hard for us to get caught up in engines from long ago, given the nature of our industry and work, it’s just as important to keep an eye on present and future engines coming into the market. The small diesel market in particular has seen a few new engines recently and we wanted to highlight a couple of them.

Engine of the Week – 537 cid LS1

527 cid LS1 Erik Koenig | HorsePower Research McKinney, TX When it comes to engine size, people never want to go smaller – they only want to go bigger and bigger. Well, those people are in luck. Erik Koenig, the majority owner of HorsePower Research in McKinney, TX, builds the largest LS1 engine in the world

S & S Brings Know-How and Nostalgia to V-Twin Engines

As a maker of high-performance motorcycle engines, S&S can be linked to the industrial history of Wisconsin. However, the S&S story actually starts in Blue Island, IL, right after World War II. That’s when George J. Smith returned to his home in Blue Island and began tinkering with the engine on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Smith

Camshaft Art and Science – You Get Out What You Put In

The most misunderstood component of an engine is the camshaft. Selecting a camshaft and understanding its profile and design can be a “black art” as most of what a cam profile controls is invisible – air. Yet, the camshaft has a major impact on engine performance.

Little Victories – Big Bucks from Small Engines

Finding Performance Potential in 4 and 6 Cylinder Engines Let’s get something on the table right now – I’m a V8 guy. As you’ve read elsewhere in this issue, I tend to also chant the mantra, “There’s no replacement for displacement.” Bigger just seems better and badder. Perhaps you’re like me. But let’s take a

Class 8 Diesel Engines – Built for Speed, Too

Class 8 Diesels Make Great Race Trucks Too, Says Ohio Engine Builder When you think about diesel engine building profit potential you may consider the on-track activities of boosted turbo diesels like the 6.6L Duramax, the 5.9L Cummins or the 6.0L Power Stroke. Impressive engines, and it’s really no surprise to see sub-11 second runs

Understanding How Valve Seats Are Made, How They Work and What Can Happen When They’re Wrong

When it comes to engine cooling, the radiator is kind of a showoff. It sits right up front, catching the best breeze, dominating the conversation. And when it erupts in a cloud of coolant and steam, everyone knows about it. However, the engine valves (particularly the exhaust valves) shouldn’t be overlooked for the role they

Oil Pumps – Pump Up The Volume to keep Engine in Tune

The Right Oil Pumps and Systems Keep Your Engines In Harmony This month we’re going to take a look at the component that can be considered the heart of your engine, the oil pump. Whether it’s a wet sump, dry sump, crank-driven, shaft-driven, etc. it is responsible for supplying the required oil that no engine