Final Wrap: History Lesson
Retired engine builder and mechanical engineer Bill Hancock sent me a curious picture the other day, one that points out how far we’ve come – and, how we may not really know what we think we do about this industry.
The SCAT Story
SCAT was born in 1962, created by Tom Lieb who ran an auto parts business out of his parents garage while still in college.
Chevy 348 and 409 Strokers
Chevy strokers are pretty common. But how much do we hear about Chevy’s less produced engine, the 348/409 W motor? Surprisingly, they offer a pretty impressive number of options.
Goodwin Competition Billet Aluminum Semi Hemi Engine
Todd Goodwin of Goodwin Competition, Inc. has seen championship success after developing his own billet aluminum performance engine. Named the Semi Hemi, it is more than capable in drag racing, truck pulling and even marine applications. Oh, and did we mention its one of the highest horsepower pump gas engines in existence.
Mr. Gasket Hand Tools and Shop Supplies
Holley/MSD has announced the release of a huge assortment of valuable shop tools from Mr. Gasket – 7-Piece Wrench Sets, Anti-Seize, Engine Storage Bags, Digital Calipers, Magnetic Parts Trays, and Utility Jugs.
Turbocharging and Supercharging: Are We Just Discovering the True Potential?
In recent years, power adders such as turbos and superchargers have become very popular. They seem to be gaining popularity as the years continue to go by.
A Day in the Life of a NASCAR Engine
At the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup level, it’s no secret that the competition is fierce. Every little thing matters from the driver to pit stops to one of the most important aspects – the engine. Engine Builder recently got an inside look at engine development at Earnhardt Childress Racing (ECR) from Andrew Randolph, ECR’s technical director.
Balance of Resources Keeps Michigan Race Engine Builder Busy Winning
Having the right tools for the job seems about as obvious as closing the windows during a thunderstorm or turning on the headlights at night, but it’s not so black-and-white when it comes to outfitting an engine shop.
NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet 5.8L V8 Engine
At the NASCAR Cup Series level, teams are trying to get any extra horsepower they can. Earnhardt Childress Racing uses its engine development philosophy to find half, one and two-horsepower gains for its Chevrolet R07.2 5.8L V8 engine.
Engine Parts Cracks – How to Fix
One of the essential elements of engine building is making sure heads, blocks, main bearing caps, crankshafts, connecting rods, pistons, cams, timing gears, rocker arms, and flywheels are free from cracks. If you’re doing a complete engine build, checking the intake and exhaust manifolds for cracks is also a good idea – and that includes
Crank Grinding – The Myth of the .010”/.010” Crankshaft
Regrinding the crankshaft is an important part of the engine rebuilding process. It was almost an art in the ‘40s, but it’s pretty routine now. However, there are still plenty of myths and misunderstandings that are left over from the past that we still have to deal with today. One of the most common myths
Big Power, Big Products – Search for increased longevity and durability in diesels continues
Modern diesel engine platforms offer a great source of power potential regardless of the manufacturer. I suppose that is why the mid-size diesel truck has become so popular among the younger generation. Take an engine that already makes power and find ways to make more. Turbocharged diesel engines have a huge amount of power gains
Reusing, Reclaiming, Remanufacturing – Whatever you call it, it’s how the industry recycles parts and components
No matter what kind of engine builder or remanufacturer you may be or what applications you build for, at some point in time you’re going to run into a situation where a used engine part or component will come in handy. You’ll reuse, reclaim or remanufacture it for your specific job. Whatever the reason may
Industry Still Strong, Say Readers – Engine Builder Readers Tell Us Business Has Changed, But Opportunity Still Remains
For more than 50 years, Babcox Media has covered the rebuilding industry on a monthly basis. At least 633 issues of Automotive Rebuilder and, since 2000, Engine Builder has been dedicated to the business of machining, building, rebuilding and remanufacturing engines. In our very first issue, we made the promise that we would be devoted
Building A Ford 460 Stroker
Any automotive enthusiast would agree that the quest for more power is the true addiction. From simple bolt-ons to hardcore internals such as different bore and stroke combinations tend to fuel our burning desire. Every enthusiast seems to have a passion for a particular brand of manufacturer. Take for instance the Flathead Ford V8 engine.
Blast Off – What’s New in Blast Media and Machines
In this industry, it’s often cheaper to remanufacture or rebuild an engine than it is to make a new one. However, doing so requires cleaning worn and dirty parts. In addition, customers these days are increasingly asking for cleaner parts and engines. How are you supposed to get tough grease, oil, rust, paint, carbon build-up,
Turbochargers: Boost Your Turbo IQ
In the past decade, turbochargers have found their way onto more engines in cars and light trucks than ever before. By 2021, predictions by some experts cite turbocharged vehicles will reach up to 38 percent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. Once thought of as only a means to increase performance on exotic
Secrets Engine Builders Can Use to Make a Beast of a Factory Crate Motor Even More Impressive
Any bozo can slap a supercharger on a stock 505 horsepower LS7 small-block and pick up another 200 hp. Yawn. Increasing output that same 200 hp through natural aspiration should be harder, but all it takes is some head work, long-tubes, and a big hydraulic roller cam. Thanks to the incredible untapped potential of GM’s
Engine Balancing – Explain the Benefits to Sell the Balance
Over the years I’ve seen many articles on engine balancing and it seems that most of them get pretty technical and complicated. It is always nice to understand the depth of what you are trying to accomplish, but we cannot lose focus of the ultimate goal – which is to give the customer the best-balanced
The BIG chill – Cryogenic Metal Treatment Benefits May Not Be Visible But Are Real
What is the purpose behind deep freezing engine parts (and other components)? Though its roots go back to the 1800s, the cryogenic craze started about 20-plus years ago when news was that some Pro Stock teams were “freezing” engine parts. The only answer given when asked “why” was that the cold temperatures somehow moved the