Built for Auction
The criteria for selecting Engine Builder magazine’s inaugural “Performance Engine Builder of the Year” included much more than the ability to put together race-winning engines. Things like community involvement and the support of training and education were part of the mix. To be sure, our 2012 award winner, Ed Pink Racing Engines of Van Nuys,
Sleeves & Liners
I often hear customers ask about the difference between a sleeve and a liner. It’s an understandable question. Automotive guys call them sleeves and diesel guys call them liners. And while they may be used for similar purposes, the perception of what they do may be very different among different groups. Many automotive enthusiasts understand
Knowing You, Knowing Me
For almost 30 years now, Engine Builder has been asking the professionals in this industry about business. We ask you for detailed information on how much you charge, how much you make, how much you spend and how much you have left over. We compile all of this information into several different reports each
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: May 2013
Using Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Head Gaskets As the name implies, MLS gaskets are constructed from 2 to 5 layers (depending upon the application) of heat treated stainless steel. Each layer is separated by a thin layer of a nitrile rubber coating. They have also been embossed in key areas to aid the sealing process, and to
Nickels Performance Opens Fourth Distribution Center
Based in Piney Flats, TN, Nickels Performance has opened its fourth U.S. distribution center. The new Kansas City, MO, warehouse marks Nickels’ fourth distribution center in the United States. “Forty percent of the United States can now take advantage of Nickels’ next-day service area,” said Ryan Gebhardt, Director of Purchasing and Marketing at Nickels
Restoration Engine Market Update
The resto market can be a good source of extra business or a solid specialization option You might joke that the restoration engine marketplace is a “dependable” business niche. Trying to get a handle on its size, shape and character depends on with whom you talk and what they consider a vintage car to be.
Technical Information on Rebuilding GM LS Engines
The Issue: When the OE composite designed cylinder head gasket changed to an improved Multi-Layered Steel (MLS) design for the 4.8L & 5.3L in 2001 and 6.0L in 2002, the cylinder head gaskets were no longer interchangeable. This prevents engine builders and technicians from installing the best MLS designs in older engines of the GM
Heavy-Duty Coolant Options
While the fundamental duty of engine coolants has not changed – they must transfer excess heat and offer freeze and boiling protection, plus corrosion and liner protection – modern coolants must transfer more heat than in the past, largely due to new emissions systems. When considering the energy consumed to power a heavy-duty diesel
Nitrous
A nitrous engine can be built as a stock rebuild or it can be a dedicated effort to maximize the total performance package. As more power is generated, more waste heat, exhaust air flow and combustion pressures push the limits of engine strength. Often more beef is needed in the drive train and tires. The
Prestolite Performance Launches A Search For The New ‘Mr. Gasket’
Prestolite Performance has announced the launch of the "Search for Mr. Gasket," the company’s first-ever contest that will give one lucky fan a one-year contract to become Mr. Gasket’s official spokesperson. “If you spend your weekends working under the hood, we’re looking for you,” said Rob Koller, brand manager for Mr. Gasket. “We’ve found
Sealing Audi 1.8T Valve Cover Gasket at Critical Points
Cylinder Head Cover Gasket Installation Before installing a new Cylinder Head Cover Gasket, it is necessary toapply a small amount of sealant on six critical transition points ofthe sealing surface of the cylinder head. Before new sealant is applied old sealant and oil residues must be removed (sealing surface must be thoroughly cleaned). Seal the
Cylinder Head Bolt Torque Specification: GM 3.1L and 3.4L Engines
The revised specification is as follows: • Tighten the cylinder head bolts to 44 ft.lbs (60 N-m) in the order shown in illustration. Use the J 36660-A torque angle meter in order to rotate the cylinder head bolts an additional 95 degrees. Tighten the bolts in sequence to the the specified torque. With all
Dry Sump Oiling Systems
Dry sump oil systems are used on all kinds of racing applications from NASCAR, circle track, road course and Formula One racing to ProStock drag racing. Dry sump oil systems are even found in some current production applications such as the LS9, LS7 and LS3 engines in late model Corvette ZR1, ZO6 and Grand Sport
High Octane Educations
In October, you learned about the teachers at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH, involved in the school’s High Performance program. This one-year certification program provides hands-on, certified automotive training for skilled entry-level positions in automotive dealerships, independent garages and motorsports and other auto-related industries. Its auto department is recognized as a leader in training
Building A Top Class 565 Engine
What does it take to put a top-notch Sportsman drag racing engine in the winner’s bracket? Obviously, parts selection, assembly expertise and a talented driver are key. Over the years, Engine Builder has been an advocate of mastering the first two – the last one is always a gamble. But in some cases for that
Career Building: Developing Engine Building Experiences in School Starts with Instructors
For some older technicians and mechanics, servicing vehicles and tearing down engines was something learned on the job. For others, automotive skills were developed through an automotive program at a high school or technical college. According to an employment forecast from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), between 2010 and 2020, the nation’s workforce will
Got Leaks? Try Putting the Silicone Away (#7)
Many times oil leak comebacks are caused by the use of silicone or some other type of sealant coating that is used with the gasket. Newer, high-tech gaskets, in many cases today, require no sealer at all, just a clean dry surface, proper torque and good mating surfaces. Intake manifold applications may require a very
Inspection: Vacuum Check That Engine (#14)
I have found a few brand new castings to have porosity holes in them after they were torqued down. All of these heads were aluminum SB Chevy heads and were made overseas. These heads were “good” prior to proper installation. More than once I’ve found brand new water pumps to have leaking seals at
Determining the Correct Head Gasket on Cat 3114, 3116 & 3126 Engines
Oversized head gaskets may not be something you would normally think about when repairing or rebuilding a Caterpillar engine. As the 3114, 3116 and 3126 (2-valve) engines age you may encounter engines that have or will require thicker (oversized) head gaskets. IPD does not offer these oversized head gaskets at the time of this publication,
Ten Head Bolt Installation Tips
The following are useful tips for technicians andengine specialists who spend any time sealing up engines. 1. Make sure all the head bolts are in perfect condition with clean,undamaged threads. Dirty or damaged threads can give false torquereadings as well as decrease a bolt’s clamping force by as much as 50%!Wire brush all bolt threads,