Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Why Do I Keep Killing Alternators?
I did a LS2 swap in my ‘54 Belair. The engine came from an ‘05 GTO. It has a modest stereo system operating on a 10-amp fuse. It has a 16-inch […]
Mailbag: Finding a Transaxle & Turbo for a Lotus with a Ford Engine Swap
Q: I have a 1970 Lotus Europa S2. It’s a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive car. With a little cutting and welding, I managed to take a Ford 302 (bored .30 over) and […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Engine-Building Strategies for 700 HP in a Vintage El Camino
I’m asking this for a friend and I know you will have suggestions. He’s building a vintage El Camino and has decided on an LS swap. He wants 650-700 hp […]
Mailbag: Tech Advice and Upgrade Recommendations for a ’67 Ford Galaxie
Q: I’m finishing a build on a 1967 Ford Galaxie convertible. Here’s what I’ve got so far: a 1971 351W, bored .030 over, flat top pistons, stock 69cc heads and […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Bottle Brush Honing vs. Machining Cylinders on Used Engine Blocks
I just bought a used 5.3L iron block engine out of a truck. I’ve decided to put new replacement pistons and rings because I found a set of cheap take-out […]
Mailbag: Chevy 350 Engine Tuning for Quicker Launches
Q: I have a Chevy Caprice with a 350 4-bolt main, a 292 Lunati cam with .480” of lift, and a high-rise intake with a 750 Holley carb. My heads […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How Much Power Can I Make By Adding Ported Vortec Heads to My SBC Engine?
You did a tech answer around two years ago which was about adding a set of Vortec heads to a small-block Chevy. How much of a horsepower gain could you […]
Mailbag: Choosing Cam Size for a Big Block 460-Powered Street/Strip Mustang
Q: I have a Mustang Foxbody that will get a 1970 460 big block. So far, the engine has been bored .030 over, has TRW 10.5:1 forged pistons, ported and […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Should I Use Fine-Wire Spark Plugs in a Small Block Chevy?
I’m confused. I see all kinds of opinions about iridium and platinum spark plugs versus the normal copper plugs. Some say they’re good while others say not to use them […]
Mailbag: Performance Upgrades for a Daily-Driven El Camino with a Small Block Chevy
Q: I have a 1970 El Camino that will be used as a daily driver performance car. I have a Chevy 350 small block that I want to assemble with […]