Mailbag: How Tire Size Affects Your Engine RPM
Q: I have a Chevy 350 engine bored and stroked to 383 cubic inches. It has 76cc heads, COMP Cams 280-degree, .480-inch lift cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake with a 650 cfm […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How to Upgrade the Capacity of Your Existing Shop Compressor
This is a little different question but maybe you can help me with it. I have a small oil-free, 115-volt air compressor with a 20 gallon tank. It will make […]
Mailbag: The Importance of Matching Camshaft and Cylinder Head Size
Q: I own a 1986 Camaro. I recently installed a 1969 327 and a Turbo 400 transmission. The engine has cast pistons, a Weiand Stealth intake manifold, a 278/288-degree camshaft, and the […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Choosing an Optimal Camshaft and Ignition Timing for Double Hump Heads
This is directed to Jeff Smith – great article on ignition timing. I have a few questions. My problem is I can’t seem to get the timing right with either the initial or […]
Mailbag: Converting a V6 S-10 Blazer to a Small Block Chevy
Q: I have a 1985 S-10 Blazer with a carbureted 2.8L V6, 4WD, and a 4-speed manual transmission. What parts do I need to covert the truck to a small block […]
Mailbag: Why Won’t My Trans-Brake Engage? (and Other Transmission-Related Questions)
Q: I have a 1969 Chevelle with a 402 big block, a Turbo 400 transmission, and a 12-bolt rear axle with 4.56 gears. I used to run 7.20s in the eighth-mile and […]
Mailbag: Tracking Down Common Causes of Sluggish Engine Response
Q: I recently rebuilt a Mustang 5.0L engine. I had it bored from .03o-inch over and installed a Ford Performance Parts E303 camshaft, Melling high-volume oil pump, Edelbrock intake, Holley 600 cfm […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Waking a Stock Ford 302 Small Block with Simple Bolt-Ons
I have a 302-cubic-inch small block Ford engine that I’ve inherited from a friend. It’s an older carbureted engine that I think is stock – it still has a 2-barrel carburetor. […]
Mailbag: Choosing a Transmission and Torque Converter for Racing
Q: I have some questions about a torque converter for my engine combination. The car is a 1981 Malibu that weighs 3,500 pounds. It has a 388-cubic-inch small block with 11:1 […]
Monday Mailbag: A Basic Introduction to Ignition Timing
Q: I‘ve owned a few vehicles, but I’m new to engine tuning and automotive mechanics in general. What can you tell me about ignition timing? In particular, how does advancing or […]