Scratching the Surface: Coatings and Treatments for Engine Components
When it comes to preserving performance parts, it’s the ‘Icing on the Cake’ Various kinds of coatings and surface treatments can be applied to engine parts like icing on the cake to improve durability, enhance scuff resistance and lubrication, control heat, boost thermal efficiency and reduce friction. No single coating or surface treatment can
SBI Releases New 2013 Anniversary Catalog
In honor of its 30th anniversary, S. B. International, Inc. (SBI), of Nashville, TN, has released a 1,072-page 2013 valve train parts catalog. The catalog has an emphasis on the more than 200 additions to its comprehensive line of cylinder head parts since its previous catalog in 2010, as well as a 32-page supplemental catalog
Parts Making With Your CNC
Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machining allows engine builders to achieve almost unbelievable levels of accuracy and consistency. The programmability of a digital computer not only automates the operation of the equipment but also provides a level of repeatability that can’t be matched by manual equipment. That’s why CNC has been the backbone of virtually all
World’s Smallest V8 Engine
Gary Conley’s 30-year quest to manufacture a true production V8 engine in quarter-scale almost went up in smoke twice, once in 2001 when a foundry fire claimed all his critical molds, and later when oil smoke proved a stubborn problem during run-offs of the engine. Conley overcame the first setback with years of sheer determination.
Keeping Your Cool With The Ford 6.0L/7.3L Powerstroke
I often wonder why so many owners aren’t more concerned with the condition of the coolant in their engines. I don’t know if it is the price of the coolant that tends to scare them away or what. Most mid-size truck diesel engines take approximately six gallons of coolant to fill the system. That would
Breakin-In Is Hard To Do
Before we begin discussing assembly lubes and break-in oils, I would like to emphasize that no one factor is responsible for racing success (or failure). It’s like an algebraic equation with a lot of variables, all of which must be addressed. The same is true of engine assembly and break-in. You must utilize only those
Brief Overview of Caterpillar C7 Engines
This popular engine can often be found in on-highway trucks, and also in off-highway applications such as loaders, skidders, excavators, motor graders, and industrial and marine units. It is actually a 7.2 liter (439 cid) engine with a 4.33? bore (110mm) and 5.0? stroke (127mm). Note: This engine was also covered in more detail in
Identifying Ford Duratec 3.0L Cylinder Blocks
The Duratec 30 is an aluminum blockwith cast iron liners, aluminum DOHC cylinder head with four valves percylinder, fracture-split (cracked) forged powder metal connecting rods,and a forged steel crankshaft. There are two versions of the Duratec 30: DAMB – Lincoln LS, Jaguar, Mazda 6 and MPV, which use direct-actingmechanical bucket (DAMB) tappets. Here the camshaft
Keeping Valve Jobs Profitable
Okay, so head work accounts for a large percentage of your business. But is it as profitable as it should be or could be? Do you have a good handle on cylinder head related costs (parts, labor and cleaning)? Are the employees who are doing the head work competent and productive? Is your valve guide
Lower Cylinder Bore Damage Caution for CAT 3400, C15, & C18 engines
The wear shown in Figure 1 is an example of the damage that can result on a worn cylinder block. The cylinder block should be repaired prior to installing a new cylinder liner. With newer engines developing higher cylinder pressures and horsepower, and older engines possibly having been overhauled a few times already, making sure
Power Adders: Turbos, Blowers and Nitrous
The engine can only inhale so much air because the atmospheric force that’s pushing air into the engine is only 14.7 lbs. per square inch at sea level. To make matters worse, atmospheric pressure decreases with elevation. Air density also decreases with temperature because hot air is thinner than cold air. Most stock naturally aspirated engines
Recent Advancements in Racing Oils
The racing oil community has been very busy this past year. This is much more satisfying to an old “oilhead” who has seen years where there were no new racing oil developments. Racers and engine builders traditionally focus more on improvements in hard parts, because that’s what they understand best. However, recent successes in racing
Cylinder Bores-Machining To Sleeving
The function of a cylinder bore is fairly simple yet quite demanding. The bore is nothing more than a cylindrical void which contains the engine’s air/fuel mixture as it undergoes compression and combustion. The walls of the cylinder have to be strong enough and rigid enough to withstand high combustion pressures and temperatures
Piston Ring Selection In Chrome Plated Cylinders
It is recommended that chrome plated rings not be installed in chrome plated liners under any circumstances. Catastrophic destruction will likely result. Plain cast iron-manganese phosphate coated, or molybdenum rings may be used. It is normally difficult to detect visually in a used cylinder if it is chrome plated or not. If any doubt exists,
Smooth Moves: Today’s Surfaces Often Demand Different Finishes
When multi-layer steel (MLS) head gaskets became commonplace a number of years ago, there was a lot of concern that aftermarket surfacing procedures might not be able to reproduce the mirror-like finish that the vehicle manufacturers said was absolutely necessary to seal MLS head gaskets. The challenge was to duplicate the factory finish using out-dated
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
SBI Announces New Web-based Catalog
Known throughout the industry for its catalogs, SBI has released a Web-based version of its acclaimed catalog in order to provide users with real-time updates on additions to the company’s line of replacement valvetrain parts for close to 3,000 applications divided among the categories of late-model domestic and import passenger car, light truck, performance, marine,
Marine Engine Market: Tugboats to Tankers
According to the American Waterways Operators (AWO) association, there are about 4,000 tug boats in operation nationally on inland and coastal waterways. Thanks to increased environmental awareness, many of those tugs are working harder than ever. Likewise, the engine rebuilders servicing this market segment are working hard as well. According to Mike Haight of Ironman
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: August 2011
Securing Cam Gears Years ago it came to my attention that the replacement aluminum cam gear used on 4- and 6-cylinder GM inline engines has a tendency to walk off the camshaft. I wanted an easy way to resolve the problem, and here is what I came up with. I grind a notch about 5/16?
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