Vintage Engine Goodies
There are probably a million ways to dress-up a classic show car’s engine. You can add colorful spark plug wires to any vintage motor. You can install Chevy Orange logo valve covers on any 1958-’86 slant edge small-block Chevy. You can get a universal-fit Airbox air cleaner with a blue HPR filter, for muscle cars
Cleaning Engine Blocks & Engine Cylinder Heads
Cleaning engine blocks and cylinder heads is just as important as the machining operations you will perform on the castings. You can’t do a thorough job of inspecting these parts if they are dirty, greasy or covered with paint or corrosion. Checking for cracks in cast iron heads and blocks requires a clean surface for
Built for Auction
The criteria for selecting Engine Builder magazine’s inaugural “Performance Engine Builder of the Year” included much more than the ability to put together race-winning engines. Things like community involvement and the support of training and education were part of the mix. To be sure, our 2012 award winner, Ed Pink Racing Engines of Van Nuys,
Start Your Engines
Everybody is looking for something. Johnny Lee was looking for love in all the wrong places. The Marines are looking for a few good men. Here at Engine Builder magazine, we’re really no different – we’re looking for love (in a manner of speaking) on our Facebook page and Twitter feed. Have you checked
SBI Releases New 2013 Anniversary Catalog
In honor of its 30th anniversary, S. B. International, Inc. (SBI), of Nashville, TN, has released a 1,072-page 2013 valve train parts catalog. The catalog has an emphasis on the more than 200 additions to its comprehensive line of cylinder head parts since its previous catalog in 2010, as well as a 32-page supplemental catalog
Valve Failure Analysis: Impact and Fatigue
Since the least common result of valve failure is the valve itself, it is always necessary to determine the cause of failure prior to replacement of the damaged valves (Figure 1). Impact Failure The illustration in Figure 2 shows the characteristic appearance of an impact failure. NOTE: Breakage by impact is a sudden failure. Example:
Speakers and Sponsors Announced for 24th Annual AETC
The 2013 edition of the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) will move to Indianapolis, Ind., and be held at the Indiana Convention Center on the three days prior to the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, Dec. 9-11. This year’s edition of AETC will once again provide engine builders, manufacturers, design engineers, business owners, racers and
Mobil 1, O’Reilly Auto Parts Present The 2013 Pit Crew Challenge
Mobil 1, the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR, is giving three fans a chance to test their pit lane skills. Mobil 1 and O’Reilly Auto Parts are giving three lucky Pit Crew Challenge Sweepstakes grand prize winners the opportunity to receive pit crew training at the 5 Off 5 On pit crew school in Mooresville,
Use Simple 10-second Check to Avoid Three Common Valve-Lock Problems
By Fergus Ogilvy Assemble the valve locks on a valve and using your thumb and forefinger raise the retainer to its full height. If the assembly defies gravity and remains in place and doesn’t rock, the quality of the valve locking assembly is superior. If, however, the assembly falls apart, the valve-locking mechanism is deficient
How To Set Piston Ring Gaps Using Fileback Rings
In this video, Aussie Heads and Race Engines shows you why and how to blueprint compression ring gaps. More tips, tricks and trade secrets are revealed in this simply explained and highly technical tutorial. Company: Aussie Heads and Race Engines www.facebook.com/pages/Aussie-Heads-and-Race-Engines/112765995445479
Shelby American To Open New Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility in Las Vegas
Facility to streamline production and performance for global expansion. Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., has announced plans to open new state-of-the-art global headquarters on Dec. 1, 2013, in Las Vegas. Located near the world famous “Strip” and McCarran International Airport, the 135,000-square-foot facility will house all operations under one
Study Finds That Fewer Young Adults are Driving
For many Millenials – commonly known as Generation Y – owning a car is becoming less of a priority, according to a recent article published on AOL Autos. While many believe that the younger generation’s 82 million members are simply “anti-driving,” the reality is that to them, cars are less of a necessity and more of
Multiple Cylinder Misfire or Rough Idle on 2004-’06 Chrysler 3.5L Engines
This bulletin involves rotating all engine exhaust valves, replacingthe valve spring retainer locks with a new design to increase valverotation at lower rpm, inspecting/replacing the MAP sensor (asnecessary), and decarbonizing the combustion chamber. Symptom/Condition The customer may experience occasional engine misfire (rough-running engine) during certain vehicle operating conditions. In addition, MIL illumination may also have
One Minute Might Save You Thirty!
The call, one of hundreds made every day, goes something like this: “Hello. This is Billy-Joe-Bob, can I help you?” “Yeah Billy, this is Hank with Smith Machine. I’m working on an F-150 with a 4.6 and I need some parts.” “OK, Hank. I have several Smith Machines, do you know your account number?” “No.”
Oiling System Technology
Oil is the lifeblood of every engine. Any significant loss of oil pressure can destroy an engine in a split second so the oiling system must provide a constant supply of oil under all operating conditions. With performance engines, keeping the engine lubed with a steady supply of oil can be a challenge because
Performance Diesel: The New Hot Rods
With all of the bolt-on diesel components that are available on the market these days, why would you get into offering performance engine rebuilds for the diesel market? I’m sure you are asking yourself this question every time you get a call from someone with a diesel engine asking how they can get more power. But believe
Performance Diesel: Turbos & Tuning
There is nothing more fast and furious than the roar of a turbo engine when it is finely tuned and performing efficiently on all levels. Whether pulling gear with the diesel truck or revving the street hot rod, making the most out of the turbo is crucial to most engine builders. As the consumer’s appetite
Super Comp Drag Racing
There are no rules for engine size, but engine builders should look to build for consistency in this class What does it take to build a winning engine for Super Comp drag racing? The Super Comp drag racing class runs on a 8.90 time limit, with essentially no rules regarding engine displacement, carburetion or type
Knowing You, Knowing Me
For almost 30 years now, Engine Builder has been asking the professionals in this industry about business. We ask you for detailed information on how much you charge, how much you make, how much you spend and how much you have left over. We compile all of this information into several different reports each
Keeping Your Balance With 3.7L?Chryslers
Even though flywheel and clutch assemblies are balanced individually within allowable limits, the mating of each part with the crankshaft axis is essential so that they “run true.” Ideally, the balancing of both the crankshaft and flywheel assembly as one unit would be the way to go – since that’s not likely, holding the closest