Bearing Clearances
Is it better to build an engine with tighter bearing clearances and run it on low viscosity synthetic motor oil, or is it better to build an engine with more traditional or even looser bearing clearances and use heavier viscosity oil? Tight bearing clearances and relatively thin synthetic multi-viscosity motor oils work well in many
Tuning In To The EFI Market
There are many variables that need to be calculated and calibrated when it comes to electronic fuel injection (EFI), but simple fuel flow is just the beginning. EFI goes far beyond a replacement for a carburetor, and the electronic part of the equation is where these systems seem so complicated. Many EFI systems give you
Driven Racing Oil Unveils New Logo and Redesigned Website
Born from Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the most successful NASCAR teams of the past two decades, Driven Racing Oil utilizes cutting-edge lubricant technology and on-track research for maximum performance gains from all of its product offerings. That commitment to innovation has led to a new, simplified and sleek logo, as well as a redesigned
Livin
One of the only ways you can prove your worth as a race engine builder – besides on the racetrack, of course – is on a dynamometer. Being a shop without a dyno may be akin to running blindfolded: you can surely build a good engine, even a winning engine, but you probably won’t know
Dry Sump Oiling Systems
Dry sump oil systems are used on all kinds of racing applications from NASCAR, circle track, road course and Formula One racing to ProStock drag racing. Dry sump oil systems are even found in some current production applications such as the LS9, LS7 and LS3 engines in late model Corvette ZR1, ZO6 and Grand Sport
Chevy
When the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette arrives late next year, it will be powered by a technologically advanced 6.2L V8 that delivers an estimated 450 horsepower and runs 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. The new Corvette LT1 engine, the first of the Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, combines several advanced technologies,
Breakdowns, Flashpoints And Other Reasons To Change Oil
First off, all oil breaks down. That generally will include basestocks and additives. Without focusing on performance characteristics, the most significant difference from one oil to another is how quickly breakdown occurs. Although there are many factors that contribute to the breakdown of an oil, heat is one of the most important. Depletion and decreased
GM Unveils All-New 450 hp Small Block LT1 V8 for 2014 Corvette
The new Corvette LT1 engine, the first of the Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timingto support an advanced combustion system. “Our objective for the development of the all-new LT1 was to raise the bar for performance car engines,” said
Getting Your Bearings
Engine bearings have a tough job to do for such a small component. They must support big loads on a thin film of oil (between .0001-.0004? thick) between themselves and the crankshaft journals to prevent metal-to-metal contact. One of the biggest causes of bearing failures is dirt and debris that enters into the oil pan
When Choosing Racing Oil, A Systems Approach Is Best
Today’s engine builders are skilled at creating performance powerplants to win at any level. But just as one size engine isn’t right for every racing series, the oil you use will vary based on application as well. Lake Speed, Jr., Certified Lubrication Specialist with Driven Racing Oil, Huntersville, NC, says choosing the right oil is an important process. “Today’s passenger
Cooling System Confusion Can Lead to Contentious Comebacks
They may or may not have had some type of formalized education – yet, they may be well versed and very savvy but have not had the infield experience as of yet. They are not necessarily young, just new to the world of engines. For them (and even for the veterans), let me give you
Diagnosing Faulty Spark Plug Wires
Ignitionsystems have changed a great deal in recent years, with coil-on-plug(COP) ignition systems being the most common setup on many late modelengines. COP ignition systems have a single coil for each spark plugmounted on top of the plug. This setup eliminates the need for a sparkplug wire and the troubles it can cause. Most other
Choosing Valvetrain Components: Lifters, Pushrods, Springs & Rockers
The type of parts you ultimately choose will depend on the application (street performance, circle track, drag, marine, etc.) and any rules that restrict the type of camshaft, lifters or other valvetrain components that are allowed. But don’t overlook your customer’s budget. Affordability often limits your choices if a customer just doesn’t have the bucks
Proper Oil Recycling Techniques are Good for Business, Environment
In the city, most things are in close proximity, whether it’s the grocery store, cleaners, restaurants or even a gas station or oil changefacility. Get out into the country, though, and no matter what you wantyou are going to have to drive a bit to get there. Similarly, practices are a bit different in the
ZDDP: When, Where, What, Why, How?
Government regulations and demands for lower emissions levels become more important than power and performance. Proven components are no longer acceptable and the inevitable changes occur – not always for the best. Things seemed to be much simpler in the 1930s. Engine bearings were made from a soft tin/copper/antimony alloy, commonly referred to as babbit.
Hydraulic Camshafts and Lifters 101
Closing up the gap between the tip of the rocker arm and the top of the valve stem reduces the pounding effect that can accelerate valve and rocker wear. Because of this, most of the push rod engines that have been built for the last 60 years have come factory-equipped with hydraulic camshafts and lifters.
Inside Flat Tappet Camshaft and?Lifter Technology
Roller cams have a couple of advantages over traditional flat tappet camshafts: they reduce friction, and they can be ground with more aggressive cam lobe profiles to make more power. You can also swap roller cams without having to replace the lifters. But the roller cam’s main disadvantage compared to flat tappet cams is its
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
A View From The Summit
Though they have no moving parts, weigh virtually nothingand rarely, if ever, are seen by the motoring public, the enginebearing may be one of the most important yet least understood partsunder the hood. Inthis spirit, we invited participants from the leading bearingmanufacturers to participate in a roundtable discussion onpre-determined topics. To answer questions and allow
Dynos and Test Stands: Profit Center or Business Black Hole?
Dynamometers allow an engine builder to test, tune and tweak his engines before giving customers the opportunity to do something foolish with them. In a recent poll on Engine Builder’s website, we asked our readers how important a dyno is to their business. According to our (admittedly unscientific) results, 44 percent of Engine Builder readers