How Rod Lengths and Ratios Affect Performance
Changing the length of the rods with respect to the stroke of the crankshaft offers some advantages in certain situations.
GM Duramax V8 Diesel
When GM introduced its first V8-based diesel power plant in the ’80s, the results were less than stellar since they essentially took an existing small-block gasoline design and modified it to run on diesel. It wasn’t until the early ’90s when GM bought into Japanese commercial vehicle giant Isuzu, that they got the technology to develop a truly modern V8 diesel.
Louis Senter Has Passed Away at the Age of 95
Louis Senter—one of SEMA’s founding members and a Hall of Famer—died Saturday, May 28. He was 95. Senter got his start by building and modifying engines for midgets and other forms of oval-track racing. He was the founder of Ansen Automotive and, later, the Senter Wheel Company.
The Search for Increased Longevity and Durability in Diesels Continues
The object of the game is to tame the diesel engine in hopes of obtaining dependability, longevity and efficiency. There are numerous internal engine parts available in the aftermarket to fit not only the needs of hot street trucks but also for pulling, drag racing and over the road transportation.
Shop Solutions – April 2016
To make the glass in our glass-beading machine last longer, we cover the inside with duct tape, leaving a small open port to view the work. When this gets cloudy, we remove another small piece of the tape. Our glass lasts much longer now before it needs replacing.
Classic Packard Engines
That Packard name. It conjures up thoughts of the rich, the famous, long limos along with the brand’s perfectly molded fenders and hoods. You get the idea! That was the theme that the Packard company strived for, but for period motorheads and engine builders, those skillfully-built engines that fit in all types of racing machines were of more interest.
High-Tech Tightening
When you build your engines, you put measured thought into every component you use. From the intake system to the exhaust manifold, everything has its place and nothing is installed without careful consideration. But what about the fasteners? Some of the most critical components are held together with relatively low-cost fasteners including screws, nuts and bolts and studs.
How to Find and Fix Cracks
Cracks are bad news because they never heal themselves. Once a crack starts, it always gets worse. Checking critical engine parts and castings is time well spent if it heads off a major problem that might result in a major engine issue or a warranty claim.
World Products Motown Pro Light-Weight SBC Block
World Products has introduced a new light-weight cast iron small block for racing and performance applications. Weighing in at a nominal 178 lbs, the Motown Pro Light-Weight is cast from a special 40,000 psi iron alloy for increased strength while weighing significantly less than typical aftermarket blocks.
BMW’s New V12 Engine
The 6,592cc M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder engine develops an output of 600hp at 5,500rpm and generates its peak torque of 590 lb. ft. from as low down as 1,500rpm. This enables the car to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph.
Hot Engines for Hot Wheels – the Reality of Building Engines for TV
If one of the most recognizable hosts of one of the most popular automotive-based reality TV shows came calling and asked you to build a blown big block to squeeze into a vintage collector car to help celebrate the history of an iconic toy, would you blink? For Jammie Wells, it’s just another day in the shop.
Hot Engines for Hot Wheels
If one of the most recognizable hosts of one of the most popular automotive-based reality TV shows came calling and asked you to build a blown big block to squeeze into a vintage collector car to help celebrate the history of an iconic toy, would you blink? For Jammie Wells, it’s just another day in
Eight Racers Took to the Track, Only One Got a New Engine
Eight racers took to the track at US 131 Motorsports Park and fiercely competed to win a new racing engine during the Engine Pro Engine Giveaway at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, MI. Andy Wrobleski of South Bend, Ind. bested the other racers who were chosen from a field of 20 Top Ten points finishers in the Top ET and Modified divisions at the popular Michigan track. Wrobleski won the engine, which was provided by Pro-filer Performance Products of New Carlisle, Ohio.
My Cheating Heart
Like most racers, I was not keen on tech officials and some of the rules they enforced during my drag racing career. But in 2004, as my racing career was winding down, a friend named Chris McMahan, Operations Manager of RT. 66 Drag Strip in Joliet, IL, talked about having me come work for him on his tech official staff. That bizarre idea intrigued me – so I did it.
Shop Solutions September 2015
Several types of Honda heads have a rocker panel with a set of three rockers together. These rockers have pins that can easily fall out and be lost once the rocker panel is removed from the cylinder head. Before removing the panel, use a small wire to hold the three rockers together.
Ford Boss 429 Versus Today’s FR-9
NASCAR’s longtime Labor Day event, the Southern 500, is back home at Darlington (SC) Raceway this year, complete with throwback ‘70s and ‘80s paint jobs to celebrate its rich history. The entire race weekend has become the retro event of the year for NASCAR and Ford Performance talked about race engines with none other than Robert Yates.
Understanding the Mack MP8
The Mack MP8 13-liter engine at first glance seems to be very similar to any other modern day diesel power plant. It uses the standard emissions devices including the EGR system, DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst), DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), electronic injection and VGT (Variable Geometric Turbo). But, behind the scenes are some interesting details that make the engine unique.
Stroker Mania
Years ago, it was a big hassle and expense to stroke an engine. But one reason stroking is so popular today, is the convenient availability of the parts – usually sold in kit form to acquire those extra cubes. Many different strokes are offered from many different suppliers.
Performance V6 and Four Bangers
Any engine builder worth his or her torque wrench keeps their eyes open. They’re looking for anything and everything to make work easier, better and, of course, more profitable. When it comes to the number of cylinders in the motors they build, are they looking at performance-dedicated six and four cylinder engines as a viable source of income?
Chicago Auto Show Display Takes 1.0L EcoBoost Apart
One of many highlights in the Ford booth at the 107th Chicago Auto Show was a large layout of the pieces that make up the first-ever Ford three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This 1.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injection powerplant delivers 123 hp and 125 lb.-ft. of torque.
