Marine Performance Engine Building
This is the first installment of a three-part series on marine performance engine building. This series will look at this market from three different perspectives, the “meat and potatoes” refresh, turning big power into bigger power and then culminating with a look at the mega power that pushes 50-foot offshore endurance racers to over 200MPH.
The Science Behind Wet Sump Oil Pumps & Oiling System Upgrades
All automotive internal combustion engines are equipped with some type of pressurized oiling system. Oil lubrication is essential for reducing friction, preventing wear and cooling vital engine components. Pumping oil to the main and rod bearings creates a friction-reducing hydrodynamic film between the bearings and crank that allows the crank to spin with minimal friction.
Top Fuel Racing Engines – Containing the Explosions
It’s been over 60 years since Vic Edelbrock starting experimenting with nitromethane as a racing fuel in the early 1950s. In the 60 years of hands-on education since, along with the help of modern technology, there have been some amazing results. Earlier this year, I wrote a Memory Lane column titled “Going Faster in 1954”
Sleeves & Liners – Selection and Installation
Engine sleeves have long been used to repair worn or cracked cylinders that can’t be bored to oversize. Installing a sleeve can save a block that would otherwise be unrebuildable. But sleeves can also be used to strengthen cylinders, especially in performance engines that are being pushed way beyond their original design tolerances. A prime
RELATIONSHIPS – Saving them without a therapist
How’s your relationship? I hope things are good at home, but I was thinking about at the workplace. Merriam-Webster defines relationship as: “The way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other.” Have you ever stopped to think about your relationships with your customers? How
The Fuel Injection Phenomenon – What Normally (Naturally) Aspirated Engine Builders Need to Know
On a basic level, fuel injection just looks really cool. The intake on a fuel injected power plant is the most visible part of the engine while the ram tubes, injectors and fuel lines make it look intricately sleek. With recent developments, simple mechanical fuel injection (MFI) is also useful for a level of complex
Diesel Racing Continues To Grow in 2016
It was a busy year for all of us at DIESEL Motorsports and for supporters and fans of our association. We hosted eight regional events along with 50-plus affiliate events across the United States during 2016. Starting in Nebraska in April and ending in Missouri in October, DIESEL Motorsports held diesel drag racing, sled pulling,
What I Learned From ‘Maverick’ Golden and the Little Red Wagon
What would become known as “The Little Red Wagon” started out life as a 90-inch wheelbase Dodge A-100 compact economy pickup that was normally powered by a slant-six.
Are Carbs Making You Look Bad? – The Best Engine Build Means Nothing If It Doesn’t Run Right
It’s hard to believe that we’re still talking about carburetors in 2017, especially since the last vehicle sold in America with a carburetor was more than 25 years ago. This seemingly rudimentary device has been fueling the internal combustion engine since its inception more than 100 years ago.
10 Things You Might Not Know (But Should) About Pistons and Rings
We asked various aftermarket piston and ring suppliers what type of questions commonly arise when a customer is buying a set of pistons or rings for an engine.
V-Twin Validation – How a Harley Discussion Changed an Engine Builder’s Fortunes
What we will be covering here is a general overview of the most common practices and procedures we use in servicing and rebuilding Harley-Davidson engines and things that are unique to V-twin.
Dyno Decisions – Your Test Requirements Should Dictate Your Correct Dyno
Most engine builders either have an engine dyno or rent the use of an engine dyno at someone else’s facility. The purpose of running an engine on the dyno is primarily a way of “protecting the investment.” This not only insures the workmanship of the engine builder but also the interest of the customer.
Valves & Seats
When it comes to engine components working together, there are few areas that share the same level of relationship as the valves and valve seats. The factors that affect this duo’s ability to reside in harmony inside an internal combustion engine encompass everything from material compatibility to thermal conductivity. In regard to the actual physical
Making the Plunge into CNC
Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines are changing the way many machine shops build engines. CNC provides a level of automation, sophistication and accuracy that manually operated machines can’t match. CNC also has the potential to dramatically increase productivity and profitability.
Today’s Grassroots Drag Racing Market
Bracket racing is the most popular form of drag racing. Participants in various bracket racing classes make up the majority of NHRA & IHRA land racers in the U.S. Drag races usually cover 1/8 or 1/4 mile tracks on land, a couple hundred feet for mud and usually 1/4 mile for water. Some high-powered land
Race Engineering’s Secret To Success Is Spec Miata Engines (and Everything Else!)
What makes Chris Graham’s engine shop Race Engineering a successful business is no secret to him. He realizes that it’s more important to sell relationships than it is to sell a product. That’s not to say his relationship skills are better than his product, because he is well known in the import engine arena for
The Best Way To Boost Your Business? Build a Rapport and Relationships
It’s important for you to get familiar with and interact with many more people in your business than just your customers. Getting familiar with your banker, suppliers, services and the media can be a big help. One thing that helps me has been my racing and involvement in motorsports. Even if you are not a
A Review of the History and Technology in 2.5L Hydroplane Racing Engines
Modern marine engines are as varied as their road- and track-going counterparts. Whether they’re powering working habor tugs, ocean-crossing container ships, leisure and fishing boats or hardcore racing boats, marine engine builders are dedicated to improving their performance and reliability through innovation. 2.5L engines have been used in both midget racing and hydroplane applications for
Why You Should Know How Different Fuels Need Different Motor Oils (But Proabably Don’t!)
A tremendous amount of attention has been focused on alternative fuels. However, little attention has been paid to lubricating oils for use with those fuels, and each different alternative fuel prefers oils with slightly different compositions.
Understanding Borg-Warner’s R-10/R-11 Overdrive Transmissions
Borg-Warner overdrive transmissions were first introduced in 1934, originally designed to reduce engine rpms at highway speeds. The early overdrive transmission is actually a two-speed planetary transmission attached to the rear portion of a standard three-speed transmission.
