The Latest Improvements on Performance Cylinder Heads
Heads are a product line that warrant almost constant research. Both the OEMs and aftermarket are creating new applications that solve problems, save time or money and just generally make life easier for engine builders. But, these improvements are only beneficial if those builders know what is out there waiting to help them. So, we
Replacing Crankshafts, Connecting Rods and Bearings
The crankshaft, connecting rods and bearings are extremely important in every engine build, whether mild or wild, because they convert the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational torque. The longer the stroke, the greater the leverage effect and the greater the torque output of the engine. There are three things that need to be
Penray Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner
Penray’s Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner is especially helpful in dissolving and preventing the formation of asphaltenes in diesel fuel, while cleaning other deposits and contaminants from the fuel system. Benefits of this innovative Penray product include greatly extended fuel filter life, as well as that of injectors and other precision fuel system components. As
Step by Step: 6.4L Magnum Coming to Life
I recently had my forth call from a shop with interest in our 392 ci Chrysler build as a project they are hoping to tackle. The budget and power needs for his project were not to the scope of our project and he was discussing a less expensive cast steel crankshaft and the factory connecting
Jasper Opens Additional Gas Engine Remanufacturing Unit
Jasper Engines and Transmissions has expanded its Gas Engine Remanufacturing Division within the Jasper, Indiana facility. The Jasper facility utilized four remanufacturing lines (called PODs) in which an engine went from a core, to a finished product, within one remanufacturing unit. Each POD has specific engine families that it remanufactures. This allows each POD to
New Mercedes M178 V8 Engine Unveiled
Described as “a quantum leap into the future of technology,” Mercedes’ new M178 V8 engine is being heralded as one of the most innovative and advanced engines of its time. The new M178 engine will be placed in Mercedes’ new flagship AMG model, the AMG GT, which will be replacing the SLS AMG upon its
Avoid Overfilling GM Dry Sump Equipped Engines
Many Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Z06 and GS models built between 2006 and 2013 are equipped with a dry sump engine lubrication system. This high-performance system operates differently than a standard engine lubrication system and requires a special procedure when checking the engine oil level. When adding engine oil to these vehicles, care must be taken
Remanufacturing Section at AAPEX 2014: Now Sold Out
The expanded Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) Remanufacturing Section – co-hosted by the Auto Care Association and the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) – is sold out for 2014, with more than 40 exhibitors set to grow their remanufacturing business before an international audience of more than 39,000 buyers. AAPEX is slated for Tuesday,
Reflecting on the Go Kart Kraze
The year was 1956. Art Ingeles is a veteran Hot Rodder who spends his days working for the Kurtis Kraft Company. The Kurtis Kraft Company was a well-known fabrication company known for building midget cars, quarter midget cars, Bonneville Cars, USAC Championship Cars and Indy Cars. The company was founded by Frank Kurtis who built
Fuelab Power Stroke Lift Pump
Fuelab offers its Velocity 200 In-Line High Performance Lift Pump for the 2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Power Stroke to supply the increased fuel demands of engines modified for more power. This premium quality, powerful, speed controllable lift pump is a reliable replacement for the weak OE Ford lift pump. It has a brushless motor for long
GM’s LT4 Small Block Sets New Company Benchmark for Power and Torque
The all-new 2015 Corvette Z06 is the most powerful production car ever from General Motors and one of a few production cars available in the United States that delivers more than 600 horsepower. The Z06’s LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine is SAE-certified at 650 horsepower (485 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque
Chrysler Delivers V8 HEMI Hellcat on Wheels
The much-anticipated HEMI Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V8 supercharger technology, delivering an amazing 600-plus horsepower. This supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 Hellcat engine is the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by the Chrysler Group. According to Chrysler, its breakthrough supercharged engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing
Working ‘On’ Your Business, Not Just ‘In’ It
Before I dig into an article about how to work on your business instead of in it, I’d like to share a story with you. Once upon a time, my accountant had to prepare 102 W2s in a single year for my shop. We had so much turnover, dealt with so much chaos and were
Timing Belt Tips on Accord 2.2L and 2.3L Engines
These tips outline the belt replacement for the popular 2.2- and 2.3-liter Accord engines. The other Honda engines are similar, but don’t require the balance belt. They shouldn’t present any challenge to the experienced tech, but there are some things to keep in mind as you tackle these jobs. The 3.0-liter V6 models use a hydraulic
Audi Pioneers Electric Turbo Technology
Now there is a solution to dreaded lag which accompanies turbochargers at low rpm, and it’s one you’d be surprised hasn’t been tried earlier. The primary hurdle when it comes to turbocharging over supercharging has been the lag encountered at lower engine outputs. One solution to this has been to use a twin turbo setup,
Using Price Advertising to Target Ideal Customers
Believe it or not, price advertising is a good thing. I am sure you will agree, everyone likes to find a good value, and price advertising lets people in your community know that you are looking for ways to help them save money. The problem most shop owners come across is that they’re unsure of
Porsche Announces New 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine
Porsche’s decision to develop a new four-cylinder engine stems from its need to improve fuel efficiency and emissions ratings across its model line. The new engine will come standard in the Boxster and Cayman models. There has been talk of a four-cylinder 911, but that’s rather unlikely. The new engine features a horizontally opposed, “boxer” engine, denoting
Melling Engine Parts 2014 Catalogs
Melling Engine Parts has announced the release of a new 2014 Engine Parts Catalog as well as a new Cylinder Sleeve Catalog. Included in these 2014 catalogs are new charts, tech information, new part numbers now in stock and available, and a complete full color brochure insertion about Melling with a message from company president Mark
Building Performance Cummins Engines
The clouds of black smoke along with the whistling of the turbo bring out a new wave of spectators. It’s all about the rumble and feel from the massive foot pounds of torque, not the horsepower. Who would have ever thought that a diesel engine would gain respect in the world of performance? Now, it’s
Engine Builder Shop Solutions May 2014
Plastic Fantastic For many years, bolt boots have been the primary way to protect the crankshaft journal from damage during piston installation. Some shop supply companies sell long steel tubes that serve as guides to help align the rod to the journal. These help align the rod, but can also damage the journal surface. For