Mailbag: Troubleshooting Ignition Timing on Dual-Carb, Supercharged 355 Chevy
Q: I built a 6-71 supercharged 355 c.i.d. Chevy. It ran fine for two summers until I took the car to the track to dial it in. On the fourth pass, […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How to Choose (or Build Your Own) PCV System to Control Oil Vapor
I have a 472-cubic-inch engine in my ’69 Cadillac and I have a problem with oil vapor covering my nice new aluminum valve covers. I had a PCV valve on the […]
Mailbag: How to Install a Standpipe on an AN Fitting
Q: I have a Ford 428 engine and I’m installing AN fittings on the heater hoses. The fitting that goes to the intake manifold requires a standpipe. How can I […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Vacuum Advance and How it Relates to Part-Throttle Timing
Our tech column seems to be gathering quite a following of guys who want to know more about their cars and engines. One reader posted a comment (below) in response […]
Monday Mailbag: How to Choose Motor Mounts for an Early Small Block Chevy
Q: I need a set of Chevy small block motor mounts for my 1969 Camaro. I’ve been told there are two sizes available. How do I determine which size is correct? A: In […]
Mailbag: How to Cure Spark Plug Fouling During Idle
Q: I own a 1971 Dodge Demon with a 400. The 10.5:1 compression engine has a forged crank and “LY” rods, and has a balanced bottom end. The heads are 906 castings […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Converting a Draw-Through Carburetor to Blow-Through
I have a 850 Mighty Demon carb marked BC 56. The carb is designed for use with a Roots or draw-thru supercharger. I want to use it for blow-through using a […]
Mailbag: Checking Hydraulic Lifter Preload with Non-Adjustable Rockers
Q: We have a 1976 Ford F-100 pickup we use as a tow vehicle. It has a 360-cubic-inch two-barrel engine running Crane stock replacement cam and “anti-pump-up” hydraulic lifters. The heads […]
Mailbag: Diagnosing Engine Breakup at Highway Cruising Speeds (& Broken Dampers, Too)!
Q: I have a 1970s-era Ford Ranchero with a 302 engine with a two-barrel carburetor, a C-4 transmission, and an open-type rear axle with 3.08 gears (I think). The only modifications […]
Mailbag: Top 3 Ways to Cure a Pre-Ignition Condition
Q: I have a Ford truck with a 390 FE engine. I had the heads redone and installed a new cam and lifter set, true roller timing chain, valve springs, single […]