Five Points to Ponder Prior to PRI
Being an FE Ford fan, and having raced them, and still owning several, “Animal” Jim enjoyed Engine Builder’s article about FE Fords in the April Issue. Jim has been in love with FE’s since his brand new ’63 R code he had when he was 22. In this article he share’s five points prior to the 2014 PRI show.
Magnificent Millers in Milwaukee Mile
Auto racing enthusiasts Bob Sutherland, David Uihlein and Chuck Davis started the Millers at Milwaukee Vintage Indy Car Event at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in 1995. At that time, the three never dreamed that it would become an annual event drawing cars from across the country and showcasing in retrospect the ideas that sprung from auto racing to advance auto engine technology. But that’s exactly what it is today.
All-New 2015 Magnum Performance Gaskets Catalog Launches at PRI
Magnum is introducing its first fully illustrated, full-color catalog of Magnum Performance Gaskets. Detailed gasket specifications will allow street performance and racing enthusiasts to select the gaskets and seals they need. More than 80 new Magnum Performance Gasket sets cover the most popular Chevy, Ford and Chrysler Small Block and Big Block V8s, as well as the GM LS family of engines. Visit Magnum Performance Gaskets at PRI in booth #2513.
Behind the Scenes Look at Scat Crankshaft Manufacturing
With over 50 years of manufacturing experience, SCAT Crankshafts proudly produces some of the finest crankshafts in the world. With thousands of race proven wins, SCAT ensures customers receive the highest quality components on the market. In addition, SCAT rods are made from a two-piece chromoly steel forging to ensure maximum strength and durability for small and big block Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, Pontiac, Honda and many more. Visit SCAT at PRI in booth #2125.
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.
Upgrading Valve and Seat Equipment
If high quality head work is a cornerstone of your business, you should review your current situation to see if an equipment upgrade could improve not only the quality but also the quantity of your work.
Going Hohl School
During the 1950s and ‘60s, building and tuning a performance race engine was a different world from today. It was definitely more of a hands-on situation where the feel, sound and smell of an engine were important tools of early engine builders.
Pontiac’s Straight 8s
The Pontiac L-head straight eight was used in production cars for 21 years between 1933 and 1954. This classic engine was advertised as a powerplant that could run 100,000 miles without a major overhaul.
November 2014 Shop Solutions
One of the main problems with blocks that need to be align-bored is the lack of squish between the main cap and the block. What I am referring to is the interference fit between the cap and main register that holds the cap in alignment, and is the reason a light tap is needed to seat the cap. If the caps do not fit tight, the crank will not be held as solidly as it was intended, and also results in inconsistent bearing clearances.
When to Upgrade a Performance Head Gasket
A rule of thumb for performance engine building is that if you are doubling an engine’s power output, or are going much over 550 to 600 hp, you should upgrade to some type of aftermarket performance gaskets. Upgrades usually require no additional modifications. You just swap a performance MLS gasket for the stock head gasket.
Industry Changes
It’s obvious that today’s engines are made up of a lot of moving parts, and those parts have changed along with the numerous changes in the industry over the years. What our advertisers have seen change the most over the years has been related to engine size, increased foreign competition, issues with getting younger people
Engine Builder 50th Anniversary
The next time you’re on a TV game show or playing trivia with friends, and the question is, “What is the most significant month in the history of the transportation industry?” let me suggest that you answer, “October 1964.” May I present the evidence for my argument? October 1, 1964: The world’s first high-speed rail
The Ultimate Small Block Stroker Engine Build
Installing the valve train, intake and and ignition in a 427 cu. in. small block Chevy.
Edelbrock Super Victor II Intake Manifolds
Edelbrock Super Victor II single-plane intake manifolds are designed for use with large cubic inch big-block Chevy engines using the latest design conventional port heads. They are ideal for any 1,000+ horsepower drag race engine with high airflow requirements. They utilize modern casting techniques to create smooth, thin and extended divider walls for optimal “out of the box” performance.
Head Surfacing and Straightening
Clean, smooth and flat have always been requirements for proper head sealing whether you are building a stock engine or a monster motor for a ProStock drag car. Head gaskets can only accommodate so much distortion and roughness across the face of the cylinder head and deck. Resurfacing the desk surface on a cylinder head and/or engine block should restore flatness and achieve the required smoothness.
Corsa Performance Corvette Air Intake
CORSA Performance has added air intake applications for 2008-2013 6.2L, 2006-2009 7.0L Z06 and 2005-2007 6.0L Chevy Corvette models. The air intake gives enthusiasts a state-of-the-art way to increase engine performance for significant improvements over stock systems.
Breaking Rules With Our 392 Magnum Engine Build
Breaking Some Rules — that’s what we’ve been doing and promoting with our 392 Magnum engine build. And with our plans to raffle the finished product and raise money and awareness for the work being done by the Independence Fund (www.indepencefund.org ) for our disabled veterans, we’re really doing something different, at least for us.
Chevrolet Camaro Wins Champion Spark Plug Daily Driver Contest
A gleaming, custom-green 1967 Chevrolet Camaro is the grand-prize winner of the Champion Spark Plug brand’s “King of the Road” contest and $5,000.
Schumann Energy Recovery Oil Pump
The “Energy Recovery” oil pump design by Schumann’s Sales & Service Inc. is currently undergoing patent review for its ability to self-prime a front-mounted oil pump like those used in Chevy LS and other late model engine applications. The pump’s unique flow characteristics provide instantaneous oil pressure and consistent output at all engine speeds. The
Head Gaskets and Fasteners
The relationship between head gaskets and head bolts is an intimate one. The clamping load applied by the head bolts is what allows the head gasket to maintain its seal. For this marriage to last, there has to be constant tension – not too much, otherwise the bolts may stretch or break, and not too
