Carburetor and EFI Conversions
Carburetors have long served the performance aftermarket and racing industry well. Although they disappeared from new vehicles back in the late 1980s to meet emission requirements, it was only a couple of years ago that NASCAR finally abandoned carburetors in favor of fuel injection.
The Complexities of Modern Timing
Let’s face it: timing used to be relatively easy. These days, however, as with most every other engine component, the technology and innovation that leads to more fuel efficiency and performance also means increased complexity with timing components.
Vanishing V8s: Downsizing Engines
The V8 isn’t dead yet, but storm clouds are brewing on the horizon. Concerns over global warming, CO2 emissions and dependence on foreign oil led the EPA to mandate new Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules. To achieve 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, automakers may abandon the V8 altogether or restricting it to a handful of limited production applications.
Engine Block and Head Repair
A cracked cylinder head or engine block may or may not be bad news depending on the size and location of the crack(s), the value of the casting and what it will take to fix the crack(s) versus what it would cost you to replace the casting. Read what your options are in this Larry Carley feature.
Important Facts to Share for Your Customer’s Next Diesel Oil Change
For your diesel power plant customers, there are a few things to consider for their next oil change to know if they’re giving the proper cleansing the engine needs. Negligent oil changes often lead to unwanted engine sludge and possibly engine failure.
Picking a Racing Oil
How do racing oils differ from everyday motor oils? You might think all racing oils are synthetics, but they are not. Some use conventional mineral base oils, others use PAO and ester synthetics, and some are a blend of conventional and synthetic oils. It doesn’t really matter which way a racing oil is created as long as it meets the criteria for which it was designed.
Selecting Pushrods, Rockers and Springs for Your Build
Everybody knows you need the right combination of valvetrain components to maximize an engine’s power potential. The trick is figuring out which components are the “right” ones for a given application. A high revving engine with an aggressive cam needs lightweight rocker arms and stiffer valve springs to keep up with the cam.
Shop Solutions – December 2014
In our shop, we don’t have a dyno or engine test stand. We work on a variety of engines from Chevys to Internationals to Continentals, so no engine start stand would suit everything we do. In an effort to find oil leaks, we have started to “smoke” our engines.
Choosing the Correct Camshaft for the Build
Choosing a particular type of camshaft for an engine build is an important decision that has to be made before any other parts are ordered or machined. Choosing a cam requires answering some basic questions, the most important of which is the engine application itself.
The Unique Engines of ARCA
ARCA uses older style NASCAR Cup cars. Specifically, they are the ones used just before the advent of NASCAR’s Car Of Tomorrow (COT) in 2007. This means teams running ARCA can do so with a safe, well-built race car without paying top dollar.
Engine Break-In Oil and Assembly Lube Needs
Engine building is a process that should go well when everything is done correctly. A lot of things can go wrong during those first few minutes following the initial start-up of a freshly built engine. The engine has to build oil pressure quickly so all of the critical wear surfaces will receive lubrication.
Chevy’s 348 and 409 ‘W’ Motors
Chevy’s 348 and 409 ‘W’ motors are having no problem keeping their popularity going. In fact, judging by the numbers of high quality parts being made for these motors today, they may even be more popular than ever. The quick and dirty of W motors and their parts today is that you can sit at
Carter Fuel Systems Expands Product Line
Carter Fuel Systems, LLC has introduced more than 120 new “Carter Complete” fuel module assemblies, electrical fuel pump sets, pump-and-hanger assemblies and other premium-quality products for millions of late-model foreign nameplate and domestic passenger vehicles. Carter Fuel Systems is a U.S.-based manufacturer of original equipment and replacement fuel system products. The expansion of the Carter
Diesel Engine Oil & Filters
Diesel engines have been around since the dawn of the automotive era. Over the years, diesels have become the engine of choice for powering heavy-duty trucks, buses, agricultural vehicles, off-road equipment, hard-working pickup trucks and stationary generators. More recently, diesels are competing against hybrid and plug-in electric powertrains as an alternative to gasoline engines in
Executive Interview: WIX Filters’ Edward Covington and Mike Harvey
WIX Filters’ Edward Covington, vice president of quality assurance, and Mike Harvey, brand manager, discuss what constitutes “normal” driving, seasonal car care tips and how the iconic WIX brand will mark 75 years in 2014. Edward, how can shop owners and technicians properly match oil filters to driving conditions? There are more than four million
Choosing the ‘Right’ Oil
Every engine builder knows the importance of using not only high-quality motor oil in an engine, but also an oil that has the right additive package and viscosity for the application. This is especially important in performance applications where extremes of heat and pressure can push many ordinary motor oils to the brink. Motor oil
Building a 392 Magnum for the Independence Fund
Ever since the column I did in about stroker motors a few years ago (“Love the One You’re With,” Engine Builder, March 2010), the idea of building one of these engines, a less than everyday stroker combination, has been on my mind. To recap, the premise of the article was simple — Look at the
December Issue Shop Solutions for Engine Builders
Piston Ring Gapping Tip Some of you may know this ring end gapping tip, but I have never seen it anywhere. Not even in ring package instructions. This has to do with checking the flimsy oil rail gaps. Most conventional size bores are not much of a problem. The rails on those sizes usually have a lot
IDUSA Launches New Premium Guard Extended Life Oil Filter
The new Premium Guard line is designed to deliver engine protection up to 10,000 miles when used with synthetic oil. International Distributors USA Inc. (IDUSA), a global supply network of automotive replacement parts, has announced its new line of Premium Guard Extended Life Oil Filters to meet the growing need for filters that are able
Roush Yates To Release Championship Technology to Engine Builders
The same technology used to build winning engines for Roush Yates Engines will soon be available to independent engine builders around the world. Mooresville, NC – Roush Yates capped off their winning season in dirt racing with two National Series Championships in 2013. Josh Richards brought home the World of Outlaws (WoO) Late Model Series
