How to Fix a Stripped Head Bolt (Ask Away with Jeff Smith)
I finally collected all the parts to assemble my small-block Chevy 350 but when I torqued the head bolts, one of the holes stripped. I’ve heard there’s a way to […]
Mailbag: Aluminum vs. Copper-Brass Radiators
Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we’re talking about examining aftermarket radiator options. V.R. Fort Wayne, IN Q: I have a 1967 Impala […]
Mailbag: Is Your Catalytic Converter Affecting Engine Vacuum?
Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we’re talking about catalytic converters killing engine vacuum. Q: I have a 1979 Dodge Magnum with […]
Mailbag: Diagnosing Engine Flooding and Hesitation
Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we’re talking about engine flooding and hesitation. A: Those driveability problems are hard to diagnose from […]
Ask Away with Jeff Smith: Capacitive Discharge vs. Inductive Ignition
My buddies and I got into a discussion the other day about why all the new car companies went with individual coils for each cylinder as opposed to sticking with […]
Mailbag: Unleashing a (Mostly) Stock Pontiac 400
You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. Q: I own a first-gen Pontiac Firebird coupe with a mostly stock 1971 400 engine. The engine is […]
Ask Away with Jeff Smith: What’s the Difference Between Detonation and Pre-Ignition?
Okay, I keep reading about there is a difference between detonation and pre-ignition but it seems that whenever I ask anybody about this, they agree but don’t know the difference. […]
Mailbag: Solutions for Poor Brake Performance and Excessive Fade
You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. Q: My vintage 1950s Chevy truck project has hit a snag. I recently installed a 283 small […]
Mailbag: How to Improve Highway Mileage in a Vintage Hot Rod
You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. D.L. Kansas City, KS Q: My trusty 1936 Plymouth 4-door has a .060-inch over, 350 Chevy with […]
Ask Away with Jeff Smith: Inside GM’s New 90-Degree V6 Engine
In the ‘80s, GM used a 4.3L 90-degree V6 in many different cars. I know that this engine is basically a small-block Chevy with two cylinders removed. This got me […]