May, 2011 Archives - Engine Builder Magazine
Does Ignition Tuning Still Matter? Things You Need To Know

Spark plugs never foul out anymore, and the old term “it’s breaking up at high rpm” has literally disappeared from the racer’s vernacular. And now thanks to digital electronics, even the spark advance curve can be programmed on a laptop computer instead of adjusting weights and springs that fly around inside of a distributor. How

Ford 4.6L SOHC Labor Cost Study

Ford has built the 4.6L motors in both the Romeo Engine Plant, located in Romeo, MI, and at the Windsor Engine Plant and the Essex Engine Plant, both located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The 4.6L has been offered in 2-valve SOHC, 3-valve SOHC and 4-valve DOHC versions. The engines were also offered with both aluminum

Oiling Systems For Grassroots Racing

One of the first things to look at when building an engine is the oiling system. Dry sump systems are very scalable and efficient but are not known to be inexpensive by any means. Wet sump systems, on the other hand, offer affordability and can handle some impressive performance applications, but using all stock components

Owner Maintenance: Who

Over the past several years, I’ve written a lot articles on maintaining your machine shop equipment.  I’ve always believed in being proactive when it comes to maintenance and preached it many times in this column. I am convinced that by doing maintenance up front you’ll keep these expensive machines lasting longer and performing better for

Common Failure Modes

For years, B&G Machine had been a diesel machine shop serving Seattle and the upper Northwest part of the U.S. To address certain market conditions in the mid- to late-’90s, we began building diesel engines. In doing so, we tried to identify the engines that would best serve a captive market – markets that would

Playing In The Mud Can Bring Profits To Your Shop

Despite the recession, motorsports continues to grow. This coming December, the International Motorsports Industry Show and the Performance Racing Industry trade shows expect to welcome a combined 2,000 exhibitors and more than 65,000 attendees to see performance products in Indianapolis and Orlando. These shows are a virtual who’s who of the racing industry as you