Engine Balancing
In the dark ages of the automotive industry, engine balancing was considered an art practiced exclusively by performance engine builders. Only those wizards of speed (it was widely believed) could understand the forces that caused drivetrain vibration – and more importantly, those that stopped it. Those few who could balance an engine were looked upon
Weighing the Benefits of Engine Balancing
Balancing goes hand-in-hand with performance engine building. Balancing reduces internal loads and vibrations that stress metal and may eventually lead to component failure. But is it worth the time and effort for mild performance applications, everyday passenger car engines or low-buck rebuilds? From a technical point of view, every engine regardless of the application or
Engine Balancing Traditional and Niche Market Opportunities, John Witt
Like many segments of the auto market, automotive machine shops have seen technology changes, changes in marketing/distribution channels (crate motors, for example) and the consolidation of shops. Staying competitive and profitable can be a daily challenge. The selection of services you offer and the direction in which you grow your business has never been more
Factors of Crankshaft Selection
From the high-performance powerplants propelling Top Fuel dragsters to the subdued engines found in family sedans and grocery getters, each crank must be tailored to, and appropriate for, its specific application.
Crankshaft Counterweights
Most engines are internally balanced, meaning all weight adjustment is done on the crankshaft counterweights. However, some stock and modified engines require external balancing due to an increased stroke or larger pistons, and the crankshaft counterweights that would be required to offset the increased inertia simply don’t fit inside the crankcase.
Understanding Crankshaft and Bearing Load Cycles Webinar
Randy Neal of CWT Industries, Dan Begle of MAHLE Aftermarket and Nick Norris of Callies Performance Products will cover yet another new topic in balancing that has not been touched on in the past. They will be combining their vast knowledge to connect the dots of how the current designs of crankshafts and bearings handle
Ford 2.3L Duratec Engine
Poteat’s Engine Rebuilding is a shop that doesn’t shy away from any kind of engine work – gas or diesel. When a customer asked to have a Ford 2.3L Duratec short block built, the answer was an easy yes. Check out this stout little four cylinder!
448 cid Billet LS Engine
Pete Harrell of Harrell Engine & Dyno is real good at doin’ stuff, like building turbocharged and forced induction high-powered engines such as this 448 cid billet LS engine for Limited Drag Radial. Check out what went into this 2,500+ HP engine!
Shop Solutions June 2023
Engine and machine shop tips and tricks.
Top Fuel and Funny Car Engines
They’re the pinnacle of drag racing, and the engine builders, crew chiefs and teams who make these cars function at peak performance all season long are looking at every single area of the engine and the car to make it down the track as fast as possible.
Does Connecting Rod Length Matter?
Over the years, we’ve gotten asked numerous times about connecting rod length and the impact that has on an engine’s horsepower and durability. As it turns out, this question is often overthought. It’s not so much the connecting rod length that matters as much as it is the correct piston pin height. The connecting rod
Shop Solutions February 2023
Check out February’s shop tips and tricks.
LTR Engine Build
This Late Model Engines build is centered around Concept Performance’s new LTR block, which is the first aftermarket as-cast aluminum Gen V LT block.
NASCAR Announces Launch of Brazil Sprint Race Series
NASCAR has announced the creation of the NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, the sanctioning body’s fourth international series and first in South America. The series, which will begin competition in 2023, is a partnership between NASCAR and the GT Sprint Race series in Brazil. “Brazil is a vibrant country, rich in motorsports culture and community, and
MAHLE Motorsport Introduces LS 5.3L (GEN 4) Flat Top Drop-in Forged PowerPak Piston Set
MAHLE Motorsport now offers drop-in replacement pistons designed for use with the factory Gen 4, i.e. 2005+ rotating assembly that minimizes machine work and maximizes reliability and performance for stock bottom end 5.3L LS engines.
RC Now Offers GDI Blueprinting
Direct injection has become increasingly popular with vehicle manufacturers due to being able to precisely deliver a specific measure of fuel into the combustion chamber.
Tight Tolerances and Building Power
As you ascend Mt. Everest, you reach an area called the death zone. Once you climb high enough, the margin of error becomes perilously thin. That death zone also applies to engines. As the horsepower per cubic inch and rpm increase, the margin of error decreases.
Goodson Dial Bore Gauge
This popular dial bore gauge setting fixture is FINALLY back in the product line. We’ve been searching for a replacement direct reading micrometer for what seems like ages, and at last we’ve been successful. With heavy, billet steel construction and a quality Mitutoyo micrometer, you can set the dial bore gauge quickly and accurately between
Developing a Honda 2.3L Engine for Road Racing
One of the most important aspects of engine building has nothing to do with the engine at all. You have to understand the customer and what they are trying to achieve.
Engine Bearings’ Impact on Performance
Nowadays, a bearing (in a performance setting) must be both hard and soft. Retaining geometry is of utmost importance, but it also must be malleable and able to adjust for stress and flexing.
