Federal-Mogul Launches Product Technology Partnership With John Force Racing
Federal-Mogul Corp.and John Force Racing Inc. (JFR) have announced a technology partnership for the development and testing of next-generation performance spark plugs on nitromethane-fueled drag racing engines and other demanding applications. "Even the most sophisticated computer-based simulations and other advanced engineering tools can’t begin to match the operating environment of a nearly 8,000-horsepower Top
Tight Engine Timing Belts Can Cause Havoc
If one day it sounded like a cat was being tortured under the hood, yougot out your trusty wrenches, loosened the generator mounting bolts,and tore up your knuckles as you used a pry bar, pipe or 2×4 to pryaway until it stoped making noise. You then tightened the bolts againand went on your merry way.
Valve Seat & Guide Machines
A valve seat and guide machine is an essential piece of equipment for any shop that does cylinder head work. So whether you are thinking about upgrading your existing equipment, buying a brand new machine or finding a good used machine, there are a number of important factors to consider as you make your decision.
Racing Rocker Arm Technology
The rocker arms play a more important role than ever these days in high performance valvetrains. The rockers are the teeter-totters that translate the upward motion of the lifters and pushrods to the downward motion that opens the valves. It seems like a relatively simple task, but it demands the utmost from the design of
Using Your Next Best Marketing Tool
If you look at anyone you know under the age of about 30, just take a look at your kids, their lives are in the palm of their hands in the shape of a cell phone. Most use it for all their communications these days, including email, texting and Internet, particularly with the smart phones
Piston Ring Installation in Smaller Bores
Piston rings have been reducedin diameter as cylinder bores have become smaller, with correspondingwidth and wall reductions. Compression rings 1.5 mm wide (.0575?) arebecoming more common than rings that are 2.0mm (.0775?) or wider. This reduction in the cross sectional size of the ring has caused thering to become somewhat more fragile with respect to
Chevy
When the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette arrives late next year, it will be powered by a technologically advanced 6.2L V8 that delivers an estimated 450 horsepower and runs 0-60 mph in less than four seconds. The new Corvette LT1 engine, the first of the Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, combines several advanced technologies,
Team Motive Gear Wins ‘Showdown At SEMA’ Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championship
Loara High School Wins Their Third Straight National Championship Title Team MOTIVE GEAR – Loara High School from Anaheim CA. won the 4th Annual "Showdown at SEMA" their third straight, with the average time of 21:24 minutes. The top three teams were so competitive that they all ended up less than a minute apart! All
Engine Builder Magazine To Host Free
Engine Builder magazine will host a free seminar titled “Race Engine Roundtable: Real World Tips to Take the Checkered Flag” on Friday, December 7, 2012, during the International Motorsports Industry Show in Indianapolis. Scheduled to participate are champion engine builders including Tony Bischoff, BES Racing Engines; Matt Dickmeyer, Dickmeyer Automotive Engineering; Jim Feurer, Animal Jim
The Plane Truth About Flatness
The plane is also the basis or reference for most dimensional and geometric measurements; including height, location of features, squareness, and datum’s. A reference plane may be a feature on the part itself, or it may be part of the measuring instrument; but in either case, the measurement can only be as accurate as the
GM Unveils All-New 450 hp Small Block LT1 V8 for 2014 Corvette
The new Corvette LT1 engine, the first of the Gen 5 family of Small Block engines, combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timingto support an advanced combustion system. “Our objective for the development of the all-new LT1 was to raise the bar for performance car engines,” said
Crack Detection and Correction
First off, let’s get one thing perfectly clear – there’s no such thing as “flawless.” Like those shocking tabloid photos of that Hollywood actress who gets blindsided beside a bistro, even the most conscientious engine builder sometimes has to deal with surprising surface imperfections. And just as she has paparazzi to expose the damage and
Removing Crankshaft Pilot Bearings (#3)
Soak the paper in water and stuff it into the hole, and then drive it in with a bolt or other tight fitting tool. Keep cramming in more wet toilet paper until the bearing pops out. In my experience, this method is much quicker than using bearing removal tools and is way cleaner than
Proper Fastener Preparation (#8)
The best way to insure that threads are in optimum condition is by utilizing thread restoring tools. These tools are designed to clean and restore existing threads, not to cut new ones. Most typical tap and die sets are designed to cut new threads and their ability to remove material is detrimental to used threads.
How To Prepare Your Shop For The Next Opportunity
There are also times when your equipment breaks down — with no warning— and business is at a standstill until it can be replaced or fixed.Having cash available is essential to keeping your business movingforward during both types of situations. However, it can be difficult keeping extra cash on hand to put towardthese situations. Many
CNC Machining Advantages
Running a profitable machine shop these days requires a lot of things: skilled machinists who know what they are doing, accurate equipment that can perform all of the tasks that are required to machine cylinder heads and blocks, an efficient work environment that maximizes both shop labor and equipment usage to boost productivity, a commitment
Understanding and Profiting From the Caterpillar C7
I believe society naturally directs the outcome of its environment: if someone manages a quality independent automotive repair shop, they will always be looking for ways to increase their education and specialty tools as technology changes. In order to take care of their customers when the warranty runs out and they no longer visit the
Hail to the Chiefs
With all of the talk of special interests, pork barrel spending and polarization, the political landscape across America seems hopelessly mired in rhetoric. But while it may be politics as usual in Washington, DC, on the airwaves and at both of the major party conventions, constituents of the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) will celebrate
Torque Wrench Maintenance and Usage Tips
Guidelines are typically provided noting acceptable torque ranges, theorder in which specific fasteners are tightened and the number of timesa fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torqueapplication. Failure to properly torque fasteners can lead toequipment damage, personal injury or worse. It is important to follow acceptable maintenance and use practices, such as:
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: September 2012
Editor’s Note: This coming October will mark the 5thanniversary for the Shop Solutions column, and to help Engine Pro celebrate, we’re putting plans into place to have a “Top Five from the Past Five” contest where you get to choose your favorite Shop Solution from the past five years. Send your favorite Shop Solution to