Tech Notes
Engine Builders: Because some automakers have extended the length of oil drain intervals in their new vehicles it is important to understand how to determine the correct oil change interval. Looking in a vehicle owner’s manual will provide you with the oil drain interval that is prescribed by the engine manufacturer. Oil drain interval is
Coretalk: Maxiforce Makes List Of Top Minority-Owned Businesses In Miami
“It’s a fantastic honor to be distinguished among so many impressive minority-owned enterprises in this city,” said Santiago Morales, CEO of Maxiforce. “We have always strived to understand the needs of our customers in both the United States and around the world, and we believe these awards underscore the importance of such efforts.” Specializing in
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: After 75,000 miles, your customers’ engines can begin to show their age. They may consume a bit more oil or oil could leak past intake valve stem seals. Higher Mileage specialty motor oils typically contain additives that condition the rubber seals to help reduce oil consumption. They can also have high quality base
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
Honing Stones & Equipment
The finish on the cylinder walls is critical for proper piston ringlubrication and sealing. The bore geometry is also important, and mustbe round, cylindrical and straight for optimum sealing and minimumblowby. The equipment used to hone cylinders has changed in recent years as thedemand for better surface finishes, faster cycle times and lowerproduction costs have
Drag Racing Crankshafts
With photos and words by Steve TempleAs any experienced engine builder already knows, a drag race engine is made up of hundreds of precision parts bolted together to form an assembly that spins at a furious rate in order to propel its vehicle to victory. Meeting this challenge requires that all those parts going into
From Block Work to Manufacturing – CNC Machines Wear Many Hats
From a shop owner’s perspective, a good employee is one who’s never late, is extremely productive and never asks for a raise. Enter the perfect employee: the multi-purpose computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine center can do the work of several employees and never complain about it. There is no doubt that today’s machine shops must
Performance Connecting Rods
The connecting rods are a vital link between the pistons and crankshaft. They connect the reciprocal motion of the pistons to the rotational motion of the crank. The weight of the rods is important because it affects the reciprocating forces inside the engine. Lighter is usually better because less weight means faster throttle response and
Shop Line
Can you tell me if there is an updated exhaust manifold torque specification for GEN III engines? The AERA Technical Com-mittee offers the following information regarding exhaust manifold bolt and torque update on 1998-2003 GEN III 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L and 6.0L engines. A new exhaust manifold bolt and torque specification was introduced to the GEN
Core Corner: Finding Your Direction With The Northstar
I’ll be honest, it’s had me baffled. Even I’ve struggled to understand why I would put much research effort into the casting proliferation of this engine. My perception was, "Who in his right mind would spend the money to put a reman engine into a car that is so old?" Yet, jump up onto AutoTrader.com
Dynamometers and Dyno Operating Systems
The data collected while an engine is running on a dyno can be analyzed to maximize the power gains from various modifications (changes in the fuel mixture, ignition timing, valve timing, compression, the induction system, exhaust system, etc.). Performance engine builders use dynos to measure horsepower and torque so they can optimize engine performance. By
Rebuilding The Chrysler 2.4L
Chrysler replaced its old SOHC four cylinders with an all-new family of SOHC and DOHC engines in 1995. There were 2.0L SOHC and DOHC versions, along with a 2.4L DOHC that was installed in the FWD cars and minivans. Add seven different head castings that came with and without EGR and A.I.R. and throw in
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: Everyone who works with cars or trucks is familiar with the terms Torque and Horsepower. But do you understand the difference between the two and can you explain it to your customer? It’s important to have a sound understanding of both and the ability to comprehend what defines each measurement of output. By
Fast Lane: New Markets Could Give Your Business Hope For Survival
[email protected] Although some automotive machine shop owners believe that – with engine life measured in six figures – the good days are over, the shops that continuously seek out new markets that parallel their talents and abilities will continue to survive. Those shops willing to invest the time and effort to find those markets will
Coretalk: Nashville Sheraton Site For PERA’s Spring Tech
The meeting, a combination of technical sessions and hands-on demonstrations, presentations and a facility tour, will begin on Thursday, March 22 at a special reception in the hotel’s Pinnacle Room. NHRA Top Fuel drag racer Hillary Will is scheduled as the reception’s special guest. The technical program will begin on Friday morning following breakfast hosted
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding an engine oil leak for 2005-2007 Toyota 3.5L 2GRFE engines. Some 2GRFE engines may display evidence of a small oil leak, located on the rear side of Bank 1. The source has been identified as unused side and end bolt holes in the right
AETC Review
The 17th Annual Advanced Engine Technology Conference (AETC) was held for the second year in a row at the Orlando Convention Center, Dec. 11-13, just days before the opening of PRI. While the weather wasn’t frightful, there wasn’t quite as much Florida sunshine as the previous year either, but the talk around each morning’s breakfast
Understanding High Performance Valvetrain Technology
Parts are getting lighter, stronger and capable of producing more horsepower than ever before. One of the driving forces behind these advances has been the proliferation of aftermarket cylinder heads that require unique valvetrain components. In addition, new computer-aided design, modeling and manufacturing techniques are making it easier and faster for valvetrain component suppliers to
Over the Peaks and Into the Valleys – Hones, Diamonds and Bores
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find the recipe for perfect bores…your instructions are to produce bores that are perfectly straight and round. This message will self-destruct after five minutes. Good luck.” Although it’s not “Mission: Impossible,” good bore geometry is critical in order to achieve proper ring sealing. Bore distortion
Heat Treating Processes
Heat-treating is defined as the controlled heating and cooling of a metal in order to change its physical and mechanical properties without changing its shape. A material often hardens or changes characteristics as a result of some sort of process that has been performed, such as machining or welding and is therefore an unintended consequence