Not every shop is closing and, in fact, there are even new, state-of-the-art shops opening, as evidenced by GJM’s grand opening last month. Earlier this year, Gregg Jacobson and Mark Garrett launched a new machine shop in Southern California about 40 minutes outside of L.A., in the San Fernando Valley. Both Jacobson and Garrett saw
Cleaning Up In The Shop
In fact, it can be very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis of what’s wrong with an engine until it’s clean. You may be able to recognize some failed parts, you can often see large cracks or obvious damage, but you’re really only assuming you know what caused a failure if you can’t see for
Bolt-on Horsepower: Choosing An Induction System
The induction system feeds the engine air and fuel. So to increase the torque and horsepower output of an engine, the induction system has to provide more air and fuel. That usually means adding an aftermarket performance intake manifold with taller, larger and/or longer runners to increase air flow into the cylinder head ports, bolting
High Tech Cleaning Options
Yet while machining tolerances and performance expectations have changed dramatically over the past few decades, when it comes to getting parts clean, many of those high-tech shops struggle with the same technology they used 30 years ago. The simple fact is, times have changed for parts cleaning, and so have the methods. Engine builders have
Race & Performance Expo Wrap-Up
The Race & Performance Expo kicked off Friday, March 5 with the manufacturer’s Mardi Gras party that included a round table talk with Vic Edelbrock, Tim Freeman and Jim Bingham about the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge program. The evening concluded with a tribute and award presentation to Theresa and Amanda Gabriel, the wife
Stroker Motor Opportunities: Love the One You’re With
Let’s face it: there are only so many 340 Chryslers, Boss 302s, 427 medium risers and 440 Six-pack engines out there. Luckily, many combinations of less-familiar engine components are readily available and can rescue you from the cookie cutter mentality. A quick inspection of a few of the many forged piston manufacturers’ catalogs reveals a
Carbon Knock Noise On Acceleration for Ford Vehicles with 4.0L Engines
Some vehicies equipped with the 4.0L OHV engine may exhibit an engine noise which might be perceived by the customer as a piston/connecting rod bearing knock. This carbon knock is heard only under load during the drive cycle. Carbon knock is a customer drive-duty-cycle phenomenon that cannot be repaired with an engine exchange. This may
Caburetors and Electronic Fuel Injection Systems
These days just about everyone is looking to new technology to solve their problems. In some cases it makes sense: others, not so much. Take the trusty old carburetor for example: it has been around since the beginning of time (automotive time anyway), and many have predicted its demise, but somehow it keeps coming back
Checking Fuel Pressure
Fuel pressure can be checked by attaching a gauge to the Schrader valvefitting on the fuel injector rail, or by teeing the gauge into the fuelsupply line if the fuel system lacks a test fitting. The operating pressure of the fuel system must be within the rangespecified by the vehicle manufacturer. The numbers will typically
Crankshafts and Bearings for Street Performance and Racing
Most engine builders have strong opinions and brand preferences when it comes to choosing a crankshaft and bearing combination for a performance engine application. Their preferences (and prejudices) are usually based on years of experience, both good and bad. Many subscribe to the philosophy that “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!” Consequently, if they
Performance Marine – Is It the Last Engine Frontier?
It is said to be one of the last great open frontiers. Many experts say that it’s just about the last place on Earth where there are no rules to confine speed or size. It’s a place that has lured men with adventure and danger for centuries and now may be calling you, the engine
Shifter Kart Engines: Opportunities from Spec to Open Classes
Like many forms of racing in this economy, shifter kart racing is in a state of change. With substantially more power, a six-speed sequential gearbox and 4-wheel brakes, they certainly delivered "bang for your buck" performance. Probably the biggest testament to the value of racing shifter karts is the career path of Scott Speed who
Manifold Makeover – Increasing Engine Power
An intake manifold is more than the plumbing that connects thecarburetor or throttle body to the ports in the cylinder head. It is anintegral part of the induction system that has to match the airflowcharacteristics of the cylinder head and camshaft, as well as thedisplacement and rpm range of the engine. A well-designed manifold that
Chevy LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology
The Chevrolet LT1 5.7L V8 engine that was produced from 1992 to 1997 has some significant differences compared to the previous small block Chevy it replaced, and the third generation LS1 small block that later replaced it. The most obvious difference that distinguishes the LT1 from these other engines is the front-mounted Opti-Spark ignition system.
SSSSSnake Bit!
In 1974, America watched 93 cars get destroyed in a 34-minute car chase. “Gone In 60 Seconds,” an independent film written, produced and directed by and starring Toby Halicki was an otherwise forgettable ’70s movie. The plot revolved around Mandrian Pace (Halicki) and his car thief cronies and 48 cars that they needed to steal
EFI Introduction 101
EFI has become the tool that has unlocked the next level of engine performance. Nowhere is it more evident than in drag racing, where EFI has taken over where the rules permit. Take Joe Dunn’s Pat Musi-powered ’68 Camaro that just rocked the competition with a 6.38 @ 218 mph pass. Its 755 cid big-block
CFM Rules
CFM and Carburetors: Carburetors are rated by CFM (cubicfeet per minute) capacity. 4V carburetors are rated at 1.5 inches (Hg)of pressure drop (manifold vacuum) and 2V carburetors at 3 inches (Hg).Rule: For maximum performance, select a carburetor that is rated higherthan the engine CFM requirement. Use 110% to 130% higher onsingle-plane manifolds. Example: If the
Understanding Dyno Numbers’ Place in Your Business
It is very difficult to cover all of what you need to know about dyno testing in an article of this length, but perhaps I can take a swing at nailing some of the critical information down. Dyno testing is an important part of engine development programs and can provide an improvement in quality control
Grassroots Road Racing: Will They Line Up For Your Engine Expertise?
Are there any opportunities in grassroots road racing? The answer depends on what is being raced. For the most part, track day cars and spec classes are going to offer only a few opportunities for engine builders, but there is a bright side in that you may get to do work for these racers after
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: May 2009
Top 10 Machine Shop Business Tips Engine Pro recently held a series of 8 focus-group meetings in the Midwest. Each meeting consisted of 8 to 10 machine shop owners and a moderator. Three questions were asked during the meeting. “What’s working? What’s not working? What do you need most to help you ‘make it’ for