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 […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How and Why Camshaft Manufacturers Grind Advance Into Camshafts
I’ve read something about camshafts that some cam companies grind advance into the camshaft. I thought that you could only advance the cam once it was installed in the engine? […]
Mailbag: Properly Installing Battery Disconnect Switches
Q: My new battery disconnect switch has two large terminals, and two smaller terminals. How should I hook it up? A: The large terminals should be connected (in series) to positive battery […]
Mailbag: Understanding Internal Balance vs. External Balance Chevy Flexplates
Q: The 350 engine in my 1990 Chevy truck needs a flexplate. Some guys tell me it’s internally balanced, while others say it’s externally balanced. I don’t know which flexplate to […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Can I Use a Big Block Oil Pump on a Small Block Chevy?
A friend of mine suggested using a big-block oil pump on my small-block Chevy in order to get smoother flow and more volume with a stock volume pump? Will that […]