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
Rebuilding the Chevy 3.4L/3.5L Engine
(Download the illustrated pdf here) We’re going to take a look at two of these engines, including both versions of the latest 3.4L that was used in the Chevy Equinox (and Pontiac Torrent) and the original 3.5L that was installed in several ’04-’07 Chevy cars and crossovers. And, we’ll give you an overview of what
Evolving Crankshaft Designs and Applications
In the early days, a crank didn’t have to be very sophisticated or strong because most engines were an inline design, and the loads and speeds were relatively low. Fast forward to today. The evolution in engine technology, power and performance has led to a whole new generation of performance crankshafts that are a mechanical
King Introduces Simplified Numbering System
King Engine Bearings has introduced a new simplified numbering system for its performance engine bearings. Under the new system, King Engine Bearings retains the "core number" from the OE replacement bearing and changes the suffix to reflect material and features. "Our new part numbers make it easier for engine builders and race teams to
Liberty Engine Parts To Host AERA Regional Conference March 26
Along with the outlined technical programs, Engine Builders Association (AERA) is inviting leading manufacturers of engine building/rebuilding tools, supplies, services, parts and machinery to attend this conference. These suppliers will have table-top displays that will be accessible during the conference. AERA says that meeting these suppliers in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to
Federal-Mogul Reports Strong Fourth Quarter 2010 and Full-Year Results
Federal-Mogul Corp. has reported higher sales, gross margin, net income and EBITDA for the fourth quarter and full-year 2010. The company’s sales in the fourth quarter increased $180 million to $1.6 billion with growth in all business segments and all markets, led by a 20 percent OE and 12 percent U.S. aftermarket sales increase versus
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: February 2011
Making the Most of Every Job Quote Often times when my people are quoting a job, I will ask if the customer wanted gaskets, to which the reply is typically, “uh, I don’t know.” That’s just a lost sale every time the phone hangs up if you ask me – it’s only selling part of
Selecting The Right High Performance Rocker Arms
The rocker arms in a pushrod engine serve two purposes. The rockers serve as fulcrums to redirect the upward motion of the lifters and pushrods into downward motion to open the valves. The lift ratio of the rockers also serves to multiply the amount of valve lift generated by the cam lobes. Stock rocker arms
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: January 2011
Keeping Gaskets In Their Place Can’t get a hard to reach gasket to stay in place even using various types of sealers? Try this trick that worked for me. Simply tie the gasket in place with sewing thread through available bolt holes/studs and/or any area that can be used for a temporary tie off. Once the gasket has
MAHLE Clevite Inc. Announces Renewed Commitment to NASCAR and Grassroots Racing
The three-year agreement includes both the NASCAR national series as well as the NASCAR regional and local grassroots series. Clevite engine bearings will also remain an exclusive NASCAR Performance product – preferred by every NASCAR engine builder. Additionally, as a Prize Money & Decal (Contingency) Program sponsor, the iconic MAHLE decal will be displayed on participating
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: November 2010
Cleaning Up Cam Bearings After Installation Once in a while you may get an engine block that has an imperfect or misaligned cam bore. Rather than taking the time to scrape the newly installed cam bearings to fit by hand I took old cam cores and made cutter cams. Verifying the cores are straight, I
Nailing Down The Buick Nailhead
Likethe Small Block Chevy, the Rocket 88 Olds, the Ford Flathead and the ChryslerHemi, the Buick Nailhead engine is one of those that has the immortal smell ofhistory all over it. Yet,unlike its more familiar brothers, cousins and even competitors, the Nailheadhas an aura of mystery about it as well. TheNailhead had a
Build Your Own Competition-Worthy 600 HP Engine
Last month, we introduced you to the UMP Modified racing engine being built by the engine experts at Earnhardt Childress Racing in Welcome, NC. The engine – a 600 hp, 411 cid plant built for UMP Dirtcar Modifed competition – will be awarded to the winner of the Sunnen Rev It UP Raffle at the
Michigan Racer Wins $20,000 Engine At US 131 Motorsports Park
Dave Lorentz says winning the 565 cid Big Block Chevy motor in the Engine Pro-Dart Machinery-Performance Engineering Engine Giveaway will make it possible for him to move from his 1970 Nova into a dragster. This is the third year that Engine Pro, Dart Machinery and Performance Engineering have teamed up with other engine parts
Final Wrap: Multiple Winners of IMIS?Engine Raffle Include Children
Earnhardt Childress Racing has been having an exciting year building racing engines. As of this writing, RCR?teammates Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer sit 3rd, 8th and 12th, respectively, in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup. ECR Engines, in Welcome, NC, also builds engines for NASCAR’s Nationwide and Camping World Truck series, as well
Bedplates Have Presence In Today
One of the technologies that has been implemented for many of theengines today is the configuration of the block. Many of today’sengines are using “bedplates” (see Figure 1).The block is split at the main bearings or the crankshaft centerline sothere are two distinct pieces to the block; an upper part that housesthe cylinders and the
Post-War Engines: The Greatest Generation?
“The popularity of the post-war engines being rebuilt is not much different than the pre-war models,” says Packard Industries’ Bob Rovegno. “GM rules the roost, with Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Buick leading the way, and surprisingly, Lincoln-based 383s, 410s, 430s, 462s are next and the old Mopar or Ford flathead V8s are up there in the top
Heavy-Duty Diesel: Big Opportunity, Big Challenges
One of the most sought-after status symbols in America is a pickup truck with a Cummins, Duramax or Powerstroke engine. The expectation continues that diesel automotive engines will soon find their way in larger numbers to our shores. A rebounding economy should help get trucks moving again and recapture some lost maintenance dollars. First, what
Diesel Performance: Camshafts, Lifters and Valvetrain
Diesel performance is nothing new. What is new is the level of interest in diesels for all kinds of racing; everything from traditional truck and tractor pulling to drag racing, even sports car and endurance racing. Diesel engines are a different type of animal when compared to gasoline engines. While both use the same four-stroke
2010 Stroker Engine Guide: Building a Late Model Hemi Stroker
What is the purpose of stroking a motor? The answer is simple: toobtain more cubic inches. And in today’s economic times, it’s alwaysbest to achieve “more” with less – as in less money. The key word tomany stroker enthusiasts today is “budget”. However, the word “budget” has a way of being interpreteddifferently by different people.