Intro to Optimizing Pushrod Length with Checking Tools
In most cases, the pushrods in your engine drop into a guide plate of some sort in the cylinder head, with the lower end fitting directly into the cup of […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: The Science Behind Low-Compression Engines
I’ve seen a couple of posts where the discussion is about how much compression to run and still use a supercharger. There were lots of ideas kicked around but it […]
The Easy Way to Make 820+ HP in a 4.8L Junkyard Pull
Never before have so many enjoyed so much for so little. Take a look around. We are smack dab in the middle of the second major Muscle Car era, and […]
Mailbag: Ford 302 Oil Pump Driveshaft & Distributor Alignment Tips
Q: After rebuilding a 302 Ford EFI engine, I am having an issue getting my distributor to seat down all the way in the engine block. It’s about ¼-inch short. […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Troubleshooting Valve Train on Small Block Chevy 355
I have a 355 c.i.d. small-block Chevy with a big cam, decent compression, and production iron heads. The cam is an Isky 268/272 at 0.050 with 0.640-inch lift. It has […]
4 Engine Assembly Tips for Maximizing Cam Bearing Performance
For many years, nearly all automotive camshaft bearings were manufactured with a babbitt-metal lining. Babbitt metal is a soft metal comprised mostly of tin (86 percent for Ford Motor Co. […]
Dyno Test: 120+ HP Gains and No Low-End Loss with Cam Swap on 6.2L LS Engine
Why were we so excited about swapping cams on the all-aluminum L92? Many reasons. The first was that we had previously run the Summit Stage 4 Pro LS cam (SUM-8711) […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Optimizing Compression in a SBC Corvette Boat Engine
I’m rebuilding a Corvette small block Chevy engine for my cruiser boat in Australia. It’s a mid-range torque engine. I’m using Scat forged, floating pin rods, and a mild Isky […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How 2618 vs. 4032 Alloys Affect Forged Piston Noise
I am building an LSA supercharged 6.2L motor. I would prefer to run a 4032 forged piston with a 12cc dish to create the proper compression ratio. I recently watched […]
Mailbag: Choosing an Engine Management System for an LS-Swapped Olds Cutlass
Q: I’m swapping a low-mileage 5.3L LS engine from a 2011 GMC truck into a Cutlass drag car. The engine will be upgraded with a Trick Flow® 455 HP GenX® […]