Pro Stock Quandary
I think a book should be written about Pro Stock drag racing. Pro Stock has existed in a quandary of constant rule changes for 47 years. I was fortunate enough to have participated in Pro Stock for about 15 of those years and have more than enough stories to fill a book!
I Object!
Much can be learned consulting and comparing notes with colleagues and even clients. But carefully consider their comments and perhaps double check with another source to be sure their view is valid.
Wet & Dry Sump Oiling Systems
Choosing the Right System for the Right Job
Industry Still Strong, Say Readers
Engine Builder readers tell us business has changed, but opportunity still remains.
Midget Engines
Midget open-wheel racecars and the Stock (S Class) and Modified (A Class) inboard hydroplanes have provided thrills and chills for racing fans since the 1930s. And as the speed and performance of these radically-different racing machines has improved, so have the engines that power them.
A Job Well Done
If Timm Jurincie stopped accepting engine work today at his Avondale, AZ shop, Tuf-Enuf Auto & Marine Performance, he would still have enough work to last until September. Tuf-Enuf, which focuses on performance marine engines and street strip motors, is a sought-after engine shop in the Avondale and Phoenix area despite not advertising.
Rebuilding the 5.7L HEMI
Back in the early ’90s, when Chrysler realized that it would need a new truck motor to replace its 318/360 Magnum engines to meet the coming emissions standards, the company considered two pushrod engines along with one SOHC design and concluded that a pushrod motor with a pair of Hemi heads that really breathed would make a great truck engine and could still be used in its cars. This is how the 5.7L Gen III Hemi was born in 2003.
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.
Shop Solutions May 2016
One of the most difficult heads to pressure test is the BMW DOHC 6 cylinder. It is nearly impossible to plug the water outlet on the side of the head, until now. A “T handle drain plug” from a boat is the perfect size, and easy to install and remove.
Edelbrock E-CNC Heads For S/B Chrysler
These heads are for use on 1967-1991, 318-360 c.i.d. Chrysler LA engines. They feature fully CNC intake, exhaust ports, combustion chamber and have an intake port volume of 225cc.
Schumann’s Ultimate Series Oil Pump Covers
Schumann’s “Ultimate Series” external balance dual ball valve patent technology is now available for most engine families. First time for small block Chevy, big block Chevy, big block Olds, Pontiac, most 4 cyl., 6 cyl. and V8 Ford engines and small block Mopar.
To the Victor Go the Spoils
Ray Banyas was given two weeks to decide if he wanted to buy Myles Engineering and go from long-time employee to owner of the Cleveland-based engine shop. The alternative? The business would shut down after being open 70 years.
Cylinder Head Design, Selection for Engine Builds
Choosing the “right” cylinder heads for an engine build can make all the difference in an engine that delivers and one that falls short of its potential. Horsepower, torque and throttle response all depend on how well the cylinder heads, camshaft and induction system work together. Choose the right combination and you’ll build a winner.
Chevrolet Performance Aluminum Slant-Edge Air Cleaner Kits
Slant-Edge Air Cleaners are the perfect way to complete your dress-up look in premium Slant-Edge style. Whether you have Slant-Edge valve covers, or a set from a different series, these air cleaners with prominent raised or recessed emblems will bring your engine look together in head turning fashion.
Honing Aluminum Blocks
Manufacturers who produce “linerless” hypereutectic aluminum blocks today include Audi, BMW, Honda, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Yamaha. Most late-model engines have aluminum blocks to save weight, including most of the familiar domestic V8s such as Chevy LS, Ford 4.6L modular and 5.0L Coyote, and Chrysler 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi. Yet these have iron sleeves.
High Performance Engine Oils
Now we have break-in oils, high-performance oils, hot rod oils, and turbo oils in addition to traditional racing oils, each developed to be very application specific. So how in the world is the average guy supposed to understand all this new complexity?
Pistons and Rings – The Technical Price for Horsepower
One of the most overlooked components of the internal combustion engine is the piston ring. It is, by scale, one of the hardest working components in the engine. And when you are building an engine, before choosing your piston rings you have to determine your application.
Understanding How to Tune Carburetors
An engine only runs as well as it is tuned. You can build a killer motor using all the best parts and machine and assemble everything with the utmost care, but if it’s a carbureted engine and the carburetor isn’t set up or tuned right your killer engine may never live up to its full potential.
Shop Solutions February 2016
Most bolts broken off flush or slightly below the surface can be easily removed using a MIG welder. Place a flat washer the same size as the broken bolt over the bolt and weld through the center. Then, place a ½” nut on top of the washer and completely weld in the hole and tack weld the outer edge of the nut to the washer.
Racing Rod Options
Choosing a set of connecting rods is one of the critical steps in a performance engine build. The rods have to be strong enough to handle the anticipated speeds and loads, but also affordable for customers who have a limited budget.
