Custom Crankshafts and Connecting Rods
As an engine builder, you get to decide what parts go into the engines you build. If you’re rebuilding a stock engine to stock specifications, you’re probably going to use a reconditioned stock crankshaft and connecting rods to keep costs down. There’s no reason to upgrade these parts because they should be adequate for the
Connecting Rod Selection for Performance Engines
The types of rods are broken into four families: stock, aluminum, 4340 forged and 4340 billet. I know there are some 4130 and 5140 aftermarket rods available, but I have no experience with these. Stock rods vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, not only in size and shape, but in the amount of power and RPM’s
New Products for Modern V8 Engines
The numbers aren’t there yet, but engine builders and suppliers are taking notice of the new V8s. What has taken so long? For one, the new engines are more expensive and more complex. Some shops do not have the capability or expertise to work on them just yet, but more and more shops do. One
Engine Bearings and Crankshafts: Best Friends Forever (BFFs)
Bearings appear to be such simple engine components. On the surface, they’re just half-circles of metal whose only purpose is to reduce friction between and support moving parts. The engine bearing has to establish and maintain a film of oil between moving and stationary parts to prevent wear to expensive engine components. They look like
Why Must I Install New Lifters With My New Flat Tappet Camshaft?
The following illustration demonstrateswhy you must install new lifters: • A new lifter has a slight "crown." A new cam has a slightly tapered face that causes the lifter to rotate. Note the smooth, wide contact patern in Figure 1. • Installing a new cam with used lifters creates a concentrated contact pattern on the
2011 Stroker Engine Guide: Unlocking LS Stroker Engine Potential
Modifying the LS for more power is as easy as falling off a log, to apoint, then some tough issues arise, especially if you are building ahigh-rpm race engine. But until you reach that point, the LS respondsnicely to boring and stroking, improved cylinder head flow and theyrespond especially well to power adders. The only
PRI Offers Race Engine Builders Opportunities to Increase Efficiencies, Profit in 2012
The PRI Trade Show is being held December 1-3, 2011, in the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla. It is open to the racing trade only. You must be part of a racing business or professional race team to gain admission. “The PRI Trade Show is where you go when
Racing Rotating Assemblies: Cranks, Rods and Pistons
Building a performance engine requires assembling the optimum mix of rotating components that are compatible with the block and heads, properly matched with each other, and balanced to precise tolerances. The easiest way to get the right combination of parts is to buy a complete rotating assembly from a supplier who offers such kits. Most
Inside Flat Tappet Camshaft and?Lifter Technology
Roller cams have a couple of advantages over traditional flat tappet camshafts: they reduce friction, and they can be ground with more aggressive cam lobe profiles to make more power. You can also swap roller cams without having to replace the lifters. But the roller cam’s main disadvantage compared to flat tappet cams is its
Build Horsepower the David Vizard Way
The principle speaker for the event will be tech author and engine guru David Vizard. He is recognized as one of the top authorities on the production of high engine output. Along with Vizard’s expertise, the seminar will also freature a presentation by Chris Osborn of Pac Springs, who will be showing high-speed video of
Tips for Hotter Street & Strip Performance
Long’s HO Enterprises Performance Auto (www.hoenterprisesclassics.com) in Birnamwood, WI, sells hot rod parts, but his once traditional view on performance is changing as he sees his sons working on late-model imported cars with port fuel injection and “coffee can” exhausts. “Yeah, I think it’s all electronics now, but at least they’re car guys” Long points
Unlocking LS Stroker Engine Potential
Editor’s Note: Our March 2013 Issue will feature the 6th Annual Engine Builder Stroker Guide with a detailed listing, broken down by engine, of the components and part numbers currently available. Be sure to stay tuned! Modifying the LS for more power is as easy as falling off a log, to a point, then some
How to Degree A Camshaft
These items are: • A large Degree Wheel, such as LUNATI CAMS P/N 80000 • A Dial Indicator & Magnetic Base Stand, such as LUNATI CAMS P/N 80012 • A Steel Deck Strap Kit, such as LUNATI CAMS P/N 80013 • All of the above is available as LUNATI CAMS DEGREE
How To Verify Proper Valve Train Geometry
The following is a method of verifying proper valve train geometry. After you have estimated the required pushrod length using a Pushrod Length Checker, use this method to verify that the valve train geometry is correct (using the rockers you are using in your engine): 1. The first step is to install a solid
Rocker Arm- Form & Function
For all the changes in the performance engine over the years, one constant remains – no matter what series they’re running, no matter what the payout, no matter if it’s just a couple of guys trying to outdo each other stoplight to stoplight, racers will often spend money they don’t have in search of the
Vizard’s View: Avoiding Flat Tappet Cam And Lifter Failure
There is nothing worse than building a cost effective engine for a customer, shipping it, and then having it come back a short while later with the installed flat tappet cam wiped out. Even if the cam and valve train was warranted by the cam manufacture, you, as the engine builder, will bear the brunt
Crankshafts:Stock and Performance
The crankshaft is the working arm of the engine. All the force generated by combustion and the downward motion of the pistons is focused on the crank throws. The leverage effect of the force exerted on the crank journals twists the shaft and converts the up-and-down reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion of
Small Engine Performance
Most businesses have the same problems and each must look for ways to remain competitive by reducing costs and exploring new markets for existing products or services. And so it is in engine building. There is always someone that is able to provide more features per dollar than you (or at least make someone believe