High Performance Engine Oils
Boy, has life ever gotten complicated! Back in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s when Jim Kirby, Mike Kausch, and I were racing fueler Chevy funny cars, there were only about six American racing oils on the market. Three were produced by major oil companies (Pennzoil, Quaker State and Valvoline), and three were produced by
Going Faster in 1954
I have a large library in my office consisting of Hot Rod How-to books and annuals from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s. During one of my recent review sessions I found a chapter introducing nitromethane and its use for drag racing. Keep in mind this is 1954 technology… The article began by explaining that hot rodders
Pistons and Rings – The Technical Price for Horsepower
Pistons and piston rings have been a hot topic of discussion among engine builders. At some point in our past, it seems as though there have been some piston shape and design changes along with some applied thermal and friction coatings – the same can also be said for piston rings. Piston rings seem to have become smaller with different shapes, finishes and coatings.
The Daily Grind – Grinding valve seats with different abrasives
Grinding valve seats with abrasive stones has been aound about as long as the internal combustion engine. In the early days of grinding seats, there were only two abrasive materials to choose from – General Purpose and Finishing – because seats were mostly made of a single material, cast iron. Today, seats are made of
Round and Round – Valve Timing Events and the Order of Importance
If you’ll recall, in the January issue, we got into the nitty gritty details of what makes a camshaft the “right” camshaft. In this issue, we’ll continue the education. Cam class is back in session! Remember the camshaft makes one complete revolution (360°) while the crankshaft rotates twice (720°) for a complete engine cycle. Camshaft
Camshaft Class is Back in Session
A theory prevails in which a cam lobe that opens to maximum lift and closes instantaneously is quintessential for maximum power and torque operation. Two problems exist with this premise. First, it’s highly impractical due to current technology. Second, this theory discounts a fundamental dilemma that air has momentum, and this must be utilized to achieve
Racing Spark Plugs
Choosing a set of racing spark plugs for a particular application is not as easy as it sounds because the plugs have to be closely matched to the application. Stock plugs are fine for stock applications and ordinary driving conditions. But when an engine is modified to make more power and is run under racing
Understanding Cylinder Blow-by
While this industry continually runs on tighter and tighter engine clearances, in today’s world of engine building, no one has yet to figure out how to run engine parts on zero clearance. There has to be some amount of space available or an engine simply won’t run. Thus, when it comes to pistons and piston
Top Fuel Racing Engines – Containing the Explosions
It’s been over 60 years since Vic Edelbrock starting experimenting with nitromethane as a racing fuel in the early 1950s. In the 60 years of hands-on education since, along with the help of modern technology, there have been some amazing results. Earlier this year, I wrote a Memory Lane column titled “Going Faster in 1954”
Sleeves & Liners – Selection and Installation
Engine sleeves have long been used to repair worn or cracked cylinders that can’t be bored to oversize. Installing a sleeve can save a block that would otherwise be unrebuildable. But sleeves can also be used to strengthen cylinders, especially in performance engines that are being pushed way beyond their original design tolerances. A prime
Head Porting – Going with the Flow
Flow…that magical, mystical word that is seemingly carved in stone anytime the discussion topic turns to performance cylinder heads. Whether you are a seasoned veteran in the engine wars or finalizing the specs for your first ever build, it is virtually impossible to avoid it. The flip side of that coin always carries another word
10 Things You Might Not Know (But Should) About Pistons and Rings
We asked various aftermarket piston and ring suppliers what type of questions commonly arise when a customer is buying a set of pistons or rings for an engine.
Why You Should Know How Different Fuels Need Different Motor Oils (But Proabably Don’t!)
A tremendous amount of attention has been focused on alternative fuels. However, little attention has been paid to lubricating oils for use with those fuels, and each different alternative fuel prefers oils with slightly different compositions.
Preventing Connecting Rod Failures
Connecting rods are some of the hardest working parts inside an engine. Fortunately, rod failures from severe overloading don’t happen that often. However, they can occur in racing or extreme street performance applications. So here’s what you need to know.
Race Engine Warranties
Your customers often spend a great deal of their money and your time on their latest attempt at winning a race. Once it leaves your shop, dyno results attached, what’s next? Do you offer a warranty on your race engines?
Kinderhook Acquires Performance Motorsports International, Forms Race Winning Brands
Kinderhook Industries, LLC has announced the formation of a new performance parts platform, Race Winning Brands through the acquisition of Performance Motorsports International from Dover Corporation. Kinderhook has acquired JE Pistons, Wiseco, Innovate Motorsports, K1 and ProX Racing as a result of the deal with PMI.
ACL Distribution Race Series 2017 Catalog
The new 2017 Race Series performance bearing catalog/applications guide is now available in print and online. The catalog contains 30 new applications not available in the 2016 engine applications listings.
Spectra Premium Launches Enhanced Mobile App
Spectra Premium Industries has announced a new version of its popular Mobile Application. In addition to all of the current features, such as Search History, Favorites, Product information, the new version is capable of automatically reading bar codes.
Jack Roush Receives 2016 NASCAR Buddy Shuman Award
Jack Roush, NASCAR team owner, global business executive and mechanical wizard received the prestigious NASCAR Buddy Shuman Award during the NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas.
Palm Labs Adhesives Turbo-Lock Threadlockers
Threadlockers are a single component anaerobic adhesive and are available as resins, gels, and pastes. They cure to a durable solid when exposed to metal ions in the absence of air, for example between a nut and bolt. Once the anaerobic adhesive is sealed between a nut and bolt and exposed to the metal ions, anaerobics rapidly polymerize to form a thermoset plastic which adheres to the metal components.
