Mailbag: Tracking Down Causes of Full-Throttle Power Loss
Q: I have a 455-cubic-inch Pontiac with a pair of cylinder heads from a 400. The compression ratio is estimated at 9.3:1. The engine was completely rebuilt by a professional engine […]
Mailbag: Tips for Building a 300-Plus Horsepower Fox-Body 5.0L
Q: I have a 5.0L Mustang that I have modified over the last year. I’d like to know what you think about the changes I have made, and if there is anything […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: What is a Digital Dial-Back Light and How Does it Work?
I just bought a new, digital timing light to replace my old original light. When I push the button, the timing moves but I’m not sure I know exactly what’s […]
Mailbag: Cylinder Head Bolts vs. Studs — and How to Determine the Right Torque Values
Q: I recently purchased Milodon main and head stud kits for a 390 in a Ford Fairlane GT. The torque specifications that came with the kits are general and don’t refer […]
Mailbag: Why is My Rebuilt Engine Still Using Too Much Oil?
Q: I have a Ford 390 engine. I had the block re-bored and was told to use moly piston rings. When I was finished with the rebuild, the engine began to […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Port Matching vs. Pocket Porting — Which is a Better Use of Time?
I’m still buying parts to assemble a 355-cubic-inch small block Chevy for my ’55 Chevy. My buddy was over this past weekend and told me that I should make sure […]
Mailbag: Transmission Swap Advice for a Ford 351 Cleveland
Q: I have a 1973 Mustang fastback that I have restored with the help of parts from Summit Racing. It has an FMX transmission, which I would like to swap for […]
Mailbag: These Two Unlikely Suspects Could Be Stealing Your High-RPM Power
Q: I am currently running a 12:4 compression 351W in a Pinto. The engine has World Products Windsor heads, 926 cfm double pumper carburetor on a Victor Jr. intake, 254-degree duration (at […]
Mailbag: Budget-Friendly Ways to Lower Engine Operating Temps
Q: I bought a 1988 Camaro IROC-Z with a 350 TPI (the second I have owned). My question is about engine running temperature. When the car is not moving faster than 30 […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: The Great 5.3L Truck Swap Debate Revisited!
Editor’s Note: The following letter is in response to an answer in a previous column concerning whether to go with a 5.3L LS engine or a larger 350ci small-block Chevy. […]