Super Class Act: Super Comp Engines and Drivers are a Different Breed
The three Super Classes are the only ones allowed a throttle stop. In the beginning of the Super Class fixed index racing history, racers had to set up the car and physically control their driving in order to run as close to the index as possible. When the throttle stop entered the picture, things changed drastically.
Connecting Rods
They say an engine is only as reliable as its weakest link. The connecting rods that join the pistons with the crank can be a strong link or a weak link depending on the rods that are used.
Built for Auction
The criteria for selecting Engine Builder magazine’s inaugural “Performance Engine Builder of the Year” included much more than the ability to put together race-winning engines. Things like community involvement and the support of training and education were part of the mix. To be sure, our 2012 award winner, Ed Pink Racing Engines of Van Nuys,
The Raptor Takes Flight
In an age when kids would rather hot rod their computers than their cars, it’s kind of amazing that old fashioned hot rodding still exists – even thrives in today’s society. While computers certainly have their place, the younger generation is still looking for entertainment and thrills – whether captured in HD?or in real life.
Building A Top Class 565 Engine
What does it take to put a top-notch Sportsman drag racing engine in the winner’s bracket? Obviously, parts selection, assembly expertise and a talented driver are key. Over the years, Engine Builder has been an advocate of mastering the first two – the last one is always a gamble. But in some cases for that
SEMA Scholarship Fund Charity To Auction Engine
The program has been significantly enhanced for 2012, as the winning bidder will have the engine custom built to his or her requirements from a variety of options. Long-time Scholarship Committee member Bill Holland of Holland Communications will again spearhead the program. “We’ll be opening the bidding for the engine during the SEMA Show and
New Products for Modern V8 Engines
The numbers aren’t there yet, but engine builders and suppliers are taking notice of the new V8s. What has taken so long? For one, the new engines are more expensive and more complex. Some shops do not have the capability or expertise to work on them just yet, but more and more shops do. One
Piston Ring Installation Tips
Measure the ring end gap with a feeler gauge or equivalent device. Calculate the recommended ring end gap from the chart (Figure 1). A proper ring gap filing tool must be used. Ring filing should be done in an inward direction and square to the sides of the ring. Be sure to de-burr all edges
Roster of Participating Manufacturers Set for SEMA Scholarship Engine Project
Nearly twenty SEMA-member companies have come together in support of a unique project that will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Their products are being used to build a big-inch small block Ford engine that will be auctioned off on eBay in conjunction with this year’s SEMA Show. The engine – which is being constructed
Tips for Hotter Street & Strip Performance
Long’s HO Enterprises Performance Auto (www.hoenterprisesclassics.com) in Birnamwood, WI, sells hot rod parts, but his once traditional view on performance is changing as he sees his sons working on late-model imported cars with port fuel injection and “coffee can” exhausts. “Yeah, I think it’s all electronics now, but at least they’re car guys” Long points
Quarter Mile Foundation To Raffle Mondello ‘Vintage Rat’ Engine for PROJECT 1320
“Mary and I discussed the Project 1320 Raffle Engine and with Joe’s crew at the Mondello Technical Center,” said Hrudka. “Everyone at the Technical Center is fully committed to completing the engine well in advance of the drawing. Mary told me, ‘Joe would want this engine finished. It will be a wonderful tribute and a
Performance Valve Springs and Retainers
Old school thinking on these matters has usually been to increase spring pressure as much as possible by using the stiffest dual or triple springs that can be installed in the engine. But that kind of thinking is changing, thanks to improvements in spring technology. Stiffer springs are obviously needed if you are building a
Performance Marine – Is It the Last Engine Frontier?
It is said to be one of the last great open frontiers. Many experts say that it’s just about the last place on Earth where there are no rules to confine speed or size. It’s a place that has lured men with adventure and danger for centuries and now may be calling you, the engine
The Ups And Downs Of Valves
It’s always good to take a fresh look at some of the many engine components we work with. Rather than being lulled into complacency, the idea is to see what’s new, what trends are in play and to get a current reading from others on the inside. In other words, it’s good to keep it
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
Coretalk: Jasper Engines Unveils ‘Authentic Custom Drivetrains’ Program
Alex Ernst, Jasper Authentic Group Leader, says the division expects to produce approximately 1,300 engines in 2007. He says the number of drivetrain components that fit the profile of a Jasper Authentic built product will increase as the company begins to establish itself as “one of the premier custom remanufacturers in this market. With traditional
Rebuilding The Ford 4.6L
That’s good news for rebuilders, because most of them are in vehicles that are worth fixing when they need an engine, but there’s some bad news, too. Ford has made a lot of changes over the years, so building the right engine can be a challenge. In fact, if you include the front cover with
Valve Guide Repair Options
One thing you can almost always count on when rebuilding a cylinder head is worn valve guides. The guides experience a lot of wear because of the constant friction between the guide and stem. To make matters worse, positive valve seals on late model engines prevent the guides from receiving much lubrication. Side forces on