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
‘Fine Tuning’ Your Work: Customer Service After the Build
Customer satisfaction is every bit as important as the quality of your work if you expect to be a successful engine builder. You see, even when you build your customer the perfect engine, your customer must be happy with how their engine performs or your business and reputation will suffer. Far too many good engine
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
Holley Announces Gen 3 Ultra Dominator
The original Dominator took carburetion to another level in 1969 when it was developed for NASCAR racing. It has been refined over the years, and is now receiving its biggest change ever. Holley is proud to introduce the Gen 3 Ultra Dominator featuring an all new main body, all new calibrations, high capacity fuel bowls,
Hydrocarbon Heartburn? — Effects of Sulfur Reduction in Motor Oils
Let’s face it, things change. Not only have the prices of gasoline, diesel and motor oils changed in the last decade or so, the chemical makeup of these products have all changed, too. The reduction of sulfur in diesel fuel, gasoline and motor oil has had measurable effects on fuel injectors and other vital engine
Scratching the Surface: Coatings and Treatments for Engine Components
When it comes to preserving performance parts, it’s the ‘Icing on the Cake’ Various kinds of coatings and surface treatments can be applied to engine parts like icing on the cake to improve durability, enhance scuff resistance and lubrication, control heat, boost thermal efficiency and reduce friction. No single coating or surface treatment can
Choosing Camshafts – Picking Performance
Choosing the “right” camshaft is not only the cornerstone of building a performance engine, but also its centerpiece. Choosing a cam can give anyone a headache – especially if they choose the wrong cam for a given application. There’s a lot of science involved in cam selection, so keep reading and we’ll help you
Holley To Hold EFI Seminar At 2013 PRI Show
The hour long seminar will begin at 9:00 a.m., Thursday morning, December 12th in Room 233 of the Indiana Convention Center. Holley EFI Technical Representative Rick Anderson will conduct the seminar covering the basic functions and capabilities that span the Holley EFI product line. Tuning will also be discussed and a fifteen minute time slot
SEMA’s Gen-III Innovator Award Presented to MSD Performance’s Todd Petersen
Todd Petersen, the Chief Innovation Officer of MSD Performance, was awarded the SEMA Gen-III Award during the 2013 SEMA Banquet. The SEMA Gen-III Award credits a young individual that generates a game-changing product or service to our industry. Petersen has been instrumental in leading the MSD Performance team to develop their line of Atomic EFI
Fuel Feature: Eliminating Poor Throttle Response
Impact of Today’s Gasoline on Carbureted Engines The pump gasoline sold at gas stations around the country has changed quite a bit over the last several decades. The first major change was the removal of lead from the gasoline. The next major change was to reformulate the gasoline to reduce both the evaporative and exhaust
Harry A. Miller’s Masterpiece Motors
Miller’s engines and cars were – and still are – works of art Each year, in early July, some five-dozen racing relics come thundering out of the pages of history books to circle the famous one-mile long track at Milwaukee’s Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. There are Lozier, Mercer, Hupmobile, Ford, Chrysler and Kurtis creations with
SEMA Scholarship Committee Details 2013/2014 SEMA Engine Project
The SEMA Scholarship Committee has announced that its 2013/2014 SEMA Engine project will feature a 700+ horsepower package based on a Dart LS Next cast iron block. The engine will be offered on eBay beginning December 12, 2013 and the proceeds will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which aids young men and women seeking
Quick Fuel Technology Introduces New EFI System
Quick Fuel Technology, known for its innovative carburetors and fuel systems, is introducing QFI – a bolt-on throttle body electronic fuel injection system capable of supporting 500 horsepower. While the market is awash with bolt-on EFI systems, QFI is different: It combines the superior fuel atomization aspects of a carburetor with the precise fuel control
Impact of Today’s Fuels on Carbureted Engines
The pump gasoline sold at gas stations around the country has changed quite a bit over the last several decades. The first major change was the removal of lead from the gasoline. The next major change was to reformulate the gasoline to reduce both the evaporative and exhaust emissions from vehicles. Then, the federal government
Quick Fuel Technology Introduces Performance 2- & 4-Port Billet Fuel Pressure Regulators
The 2-port model is rated for up to 650hp, and the 4-port version is intended for applications producing in excess of 650hp. Company: Quick Fuel Technology www.quickfueltechnology.com Quick Fuel Technology has released two new fuel pressure regulators that feature hard-coat anodized billet housings and internal components that are compatible with gas, alcohol and E85 fuels. Additional protection
Jon Kaase Picks His Top Five Engines
Jon Kaase’s standing was propelled to the forefront of his craft by winning the annual Engine Masters Challenge four times. But his reputation as an innovative engine builder had already been established over previous decades. By Archie Bosman/Photos by Moore Good Ink Starting his career with the acclaimed Dyno Don Nicholson in 1977, Kaase was
Blast From the Past — Alcohol-Based Fuels From Automotives Early Years
In the 1930s, new engines were being designed that would compress the fuel/air charge, resulting in a higher compression ratio. However, the greater the compression, the greater the engine knock, which lead to changes in automotive fuels offered in those days. By Randy Rundle With all of the current controversy about alcohol being added to gasoline,
Gems From ’49 Bell Catalog
Long before the Internet, there was a man with a vision – and a catalog When Roy Richter wrote, “Here it is”on the inside cover of his 1949 Bell Auto Parts Catalog, he probably didn’t realize what he started. He said it was, “the most comprehensive and up-to-date catalog of racing equipment.” Bell Auto Parts
