Rebuilding Liberty: Engine Notes on Jeep’s 2.4L I4 Engine
In 2002, the Jeep Liberty was the first Jeep to use the two new Chrysler-developed Power-Tech engines – the 2.4L straight-4, (which was eliminated in 2006), and the 210 hp 3.7L V6. The 2.4L I4 PowerTech is a Neon engine variant based on the Chrysler engine that was designed originally for the Dodge and Plymouth
Tracking Down the Coyote
Today, restoration projects seem to be at an all-time high. You would have to admit that there is a love for true American iron. True American iron is also becoming rather hard to come by. As Americans, we were always proud of our cars and trucks. The vehicles manufactured by the BIG 3 (Ford, GM,
The Michigan Madman Meets The Widowmaker
There seems to be one in every neighborhood. You know – the kid who takes his experimenting a little too far. Growing up, you probably knew that kid – or may even have been that kid. Here is one of those true stories of “the kid” who’s love of machines and inventing got him into
Land Speed Racing Takes Flight
The East Coast Timing Association (ECTA) might be a mystery to some motorsports fans. For nearly 20 years, its vehicle and motorcycle racing venues have been held at two defunct airports east of the Mississippi. But those in the know will tell you that the Speed Trials group is one of a number of automotive land
The Inner Workings of Variable Valve Timing
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is a way to advance/retard valve timing, and change duration, overlap and even lift in some applications while the engine is running. VVT is computer-controlled and typically uses oil pressure to change the position of a phaser mechanism on the end of the camshaft to advance or retard cam timing. VVT
Racing “Spec” -tacle: Engine-Related Rule Book Changes for 2014
When it comes to racing, some say rules are meant to be broken (or bent). Names that come to mind here include the legendary Smokey Yunick, Darrell Waltrip and even NASCAR technical inspector Gary Nelson (from his days serving as a crew chief). Of course, other times, rules just so happen to get changed by organization
Building a 392 Magnum for the Independence Fund
Ever since the column I did in about stroker motors a few years ago (“Love the One You’re With,” Engine Builder, March 2010), the idea of building one of these engines, a less than everyday stroker combination, has been on my mind. To recap, the premise of the article was simple — Look at the
Book Report: How to Build Big-Inch Mopar Small-Blocks
At one time, if you wanted big horsepower in your Mopar muscle car or truck, your choices were limited to a big-block swap or a coveted Hemi. At the very least, you needed different engine mounts, K-members, transmissions, headers, etc. – and Hemis have never been cheap! But now there’s another way to get more
A Decade of Dynamic Engine Design – Roush Yates Engines Celebrates 10 Years
In December, Roush Yates Engines (RYE) celebrated its 10th Anniversary and will reset the compass into a new area of the business, but it’s all according to plan. Engine builders who used to see RYE at local races as competitors, will now be able to work directly with them and their vast resources when building
Manifold Matchmaker – Tips for Selecting the Right Manifold for Your Engine Build
Every engine needs some type of intake manifold to route air into the engine’s cylinders. With carbureted engines, the intake manifold has a wet plenum and runners because the manifold has to flow air and atomized fuel at the same time. Consequently, the manifold runners can’t turn or twist too sharply otherwise the heavier fuel
Magnum Gaskets By MSI Makes ‘Bold Moves’
“Times Change. It’s Time for Magnum Gaskets” has been the introductory slogan for Magnum Gaskets for the past two years. That slogan has taken on new meaning for Modern Silicone Technologies (MSI) as it has established its Magnum Gaskets aftermarket brand in the market in that time. The company says its focus is now on
What’s Under the Bun of the Wienermobile
Most of the Wienermobiles you see on the road today are powered with a Vortec V8, 6.0L, 300 hp engine. “Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener, that is what I’d truly like to be…” I’ll stop there because I know how easy it is to get that catchy tune stuck in your
Snap-on Introduces “Must Have” Cam Gear Holder
Company: Snap-on www.snapon.com/handtools The new Snap-on Cam Gear Holder (CGH1236) features a hole at the center of the tool which allows a socket to be inserted for removal of the cam gear bolt. Replacing the cam gears on Chrysler and Dodge vehicles can be a challenging chore without the right tool. The new Snap-on Cam Gear Holder (CGH1236) makes the removal and
Quieting Down Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L And 3.8L Engines
These engines have a mixed reputation for being high-mileage, dependable powerplants as well as noisy motors that can fail at relatively low mileage. First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and
Chrysler Group Invests in Two Mexican Facilities to Produce New Line of Engines and Vehicles
Nearly $165 million will be invested to add a new production line to assemble Chrysler’s 2.0L and 2.4L Tigershark engines at the Saltillo (Mexico) North Engine Plant. Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed investments totaling $1,249 billion in two Saltillo facilities and the creation of 1,570 jobs during a recent dedication event at
Problems that Plague Chrysler’s 3.5L Engine Creates Rebuild Opportunities
This engine, and its 2.7L, 3.2L and 4.0L cousins, represent a significant service opportunity for engine rebuilders from all the heat damaged inflicted upon them. If ever there was a service opportunity ripe for the taking,Chrysler’s 3.5L SOHC V6 engine (and its 2.7L, 3.2L and 4.0L cousins) is it. This engine was introduced back in
Building on Cummins B-Series
Changes from the 5.9L to the 6.7L Engine When you think about a Dodge truck, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I will give you a hint: Cummins. Dodge introduced the B-series Cummins engine in the Dodge truck in 1989. It’s not like they had to convince consumers that the Cummins engine
Diesel Cranks and Connecting Rods
The demand for mid-size diesel performance products continues to grow. There tends to be two sides of the mid-size diesel spectrum: on one side there is street performance and on the other there is all-out race. Street performance diesels deal mainly with engine parts that are primarily for bolt-on applications and can make great power
New Diesel Class Added To AVI Conference Schedule
Diesel specialist Tony Salas will teach a class titled “Dodge Cummins 6.7L Highlights” during the AVI Conference Nov. 4-5 in conjunction with AAPEX. LAS VEGAS – AVI has announced the addition of a new Diesel Class to the AVI Conference schedule. The class, “Dodge Cummins 6.7L Highlights,” will be taught byTony Salas. The AVI Conference takes place
Venturing Into GM Duramax Diesel Service
There are five generations of the Duramax engine. The best way to identify the generation is by the year, model and the RPO (regular production option) code. Back in the 1990s, GM wasn’t making too many waves in the diesel truck market. The 6.2L and 6.5L engines had been around for sometime, but they were no match
