2011 Stroker Engine Guide: Unlocking LS Stroker Engine Potential
Modifying the LS for more power is as easy as falling off a log, to apoint, then some tough issues arise, especially if you are building ahigh-rpm race engine. But until you reach that point, the LS respondsnicely to boring and stroking, improved cylinder head flow and theyrespond especially well to power adders. The only
Trial and Error Can
Sometimes, owners with tuners or power enhancers have the capabilities to read trouble codes if something happens. But this may or may not point them in the right direction. A great example is one that came by the shop the other day. The owner had an ’03 6.0L Power Stroke that had lost power. When
Revised Rod Bolt Torque Specifications For GM Vortec V8 Engines
When working on Gen III and Gen IV Vortec 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L and 6.2L V8 engines you should follow a new connecting rod bolt torque specification. The rod bolts should continue to be tightened using two passes. The new specification calls for the second pass value to be increased from 75 to 85 degrees,
Unlocking LS Stroker Engine Potential
Editor’s Note: Our March 2013 Issue will feature the 6th Annual Engine Builder Stroker Guide with a detailed listing, broken down by engine, of the components and part numbers currently available. Be sure to stay tuned! Modifying the LS for more power is as easy as falling off a log, to a point, then some
Exhausting Emissions Questions
It’s kind of funny because 20 years ago, no one wanted a clacking bucket of bolts, let alone have to work on one of these diesel engines. That was simply how the diesel engine was viewed. Now, mid-size trucks offer reliable power, awesome torque, quiet engines and decent fuel economy from a vehicle that can
Use Caution When Replacing Ford Diesel Cylinder Heads
According to Ford TSB 06-24-4, some 2003-’07vehicles equipped with a 6.0L engine may require the cylinder head tobe replaced, while design changes can affect interchangeability betweenmodel years and service of 2003-’07 6.0L engines. According to the bulletin, the manufacturer for this engine used twoseparate facilities. And while both locations built engines with thesame design data,
High Performance Diesel Market Includes?Growing Number of Parts
In many cases, the diesel engine is taking over the hot rod world. Instead of a small block or big block Chevy in the classic cruiser, people are looking at the Duramax diesel. The same goes for the Ford engines being replaced by the Powerstroke and the Dodge being substituted with the Cummins. The desire
Clearing The Confusion Concerning GM Gen III Crankshafts
Both Doug Anderson and I have written a number of articles and columns about these engines, but for some reason I continue to hear about the difficulties. So it’s time to go back to the basics, start from the beginning and review the old and add some new things that have come along. The first
Today’s Niche Market Engine Opportunities
As we reported in our 2009 Machine Shop Market Profile, the total number of engines built is down, however, savvy engine builders know that finding the right niche markets can make the difference between success and failure of their business. With OEMs making engines that last well into the 200,000-mile range it’s no wonder rebuilders
Federal-Mogul Offering Cash Rebates to Technicians, Engine Rebuilders
Automotive service technicians and engine rebuilders who purchase and install qualifying Fel-Pro® PermaDryPlus® leak repair gasket sets between April 15 and May 31, 2009, can earn cash rebates of up to $20 through the Fel-Pro Save & Seal Event promotion. Fel-Pro gaskets, “The Gaskets Professionals Trust™,” are manufactured and marketed by Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ: FDML).
Variable Valve Timing
With all the scientific technology computing power out there in the world today I have yet to hear an answer to the age old question: What came first, the chicken or the egg? Well the automotive industry has a similar dilemma that continues to plague its existence. Which is more desirable, large displacement and horsepower
Fueling the Future – Can You Fill Up with Alternative Fuels?
Currently gas prices have stabilized at around $1.83 a gallon, a price at which most Americans feel comfortable driving their SUVs, trucks, race cars, tow vehicles and other motorized toys. But when gas hits $4 and $5 a gallon, driving guzzlers becomes a challenge for many. It was only a few months ago that a
Taming The New Tiger
Say the name Arnie “Farmer” Beswick and many an old Pontiac fan will nod and share a story or two about Arnie and his legendary GTO, the Tameless Tiger. About two hours down the highway in Illinois, Jim Riskovsky, owner of Turbo Connection in Edwardsville, IL, is learning to tame his own tiger, his 2005
Bringing A GenIII LS1 Stroker Back to Life
Performance engine builing is as old as the first Model T rebuild, but thanks to today’s new engine platforms and a plethora of aftermarket equipment, many engine builders can be intimidated by the scope of the possibilities. But, as we highlight in this article, there are basic engine practices and philosophies that work whether it
Shop Line
Q: We’ve had complaints of recurring oil leaks around the cylinder head on some Cummins diesel engines. Any suggestions? A: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding revised studded cylinder head bolts for Cummins 10.0L and 11.0L, L10 and M11 diesel engines. This information should be used any time cylinder head work is
Late Model GM Rod Bolts
Is it okay to reuse connecting rod bolts on some late model GM engines? The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding revised connecting rod bolt torque for 1997-2007 GM 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 and 6.0L engines. This information applies to all current GEN III and IV design small block engine variations. This information should
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: After 75,000 miles, your customers’ engines can begin to show their age. They may consume a bit more oil or oil could leak past intake valve stem seals. Higher Mileage specialty motor oils typically contain additives that condition the rubber seals to help reduce oil consumption. They can also have high quality base
Engine Sealing Lowdown
With engines now lasting as long as 150,000-plus miles, there’s little doubt that the OEMs have created a monster! Gasket technology advances have played a significant part in the longevity and durability of today’s engines. They must be robust and durable enough to withstand a hostile environment for such a long life, and without leading
Shop Line
Can you tell me if there is an updated exhaust manifold torque specification for GEN III engines? The AERA Technical Com-mittee offers the following information regarding exhaust manifold bolt and torque update on 1998-2003 GEN III 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L and 6.0L engines. A new exhaust manifold bolt and torque specification was introduced to the GEN
Shop Line
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding a cylinder boring caution for 1999-2006 GM 6.0L VIN U engines. These engines are the newest version of the small block series and have been commonly called Gen III engines. It has been reported that cylinder bore distortion is prevalent in these blocks. Therefore, it is