Ask Away! With Jeff Smith: Improving a G-Body Monte Carlo’s Handling and Stance
I have a 1988 Monte Carlo. I want to improve the stance and handling, and perhaps even do something to improve braking. I don’t want to build a race car […]
Budget Big Block Chevy Street Torque!
You’ve got to love the Chevy big block for its raw ability to make aggressive amounts of bone-crushing torque without breaking a sweat. It also loves high-revving horsepower, giving you […]
Fire in the Hole: 24 Tips When Starting A Fresh Engine for the First Time
Building a fresh engine, plugging it in the car, and firing it up is a big undertaking (not inexpensive either). No secret to anyone out there we’re sure. When the […]
Lashing Out: How to Adjust Valve Lash
Setting valve lash isn’t hot rod voodoo. It’s not some sort of mechanical magic or wrenching witchcraft reserved for the automotive illuminati either. So why do some people seem so […]
Crew Chief Confidential: A Longtime Crew Chief’s Perspective on the NHRA’s Pro Stock Rule Changes
Like anyone who competes in drag racing, Rob Downing has experienced a wide range of emotions since becoming an NHRA crew chief in 1998. During his 13 years as crew chief […]
Easy Power Plays for 4.6L 3V Mustangs (Part 3): Boss 302R Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) Conversion
In the past 10 years or so, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) has gone from a newfangled thing to commonplace on new cars. More and more cars have begun adopting […]
Road Trip Essentials: 8 Things to Keep in Your Car
Whether its summer vacation season or not, it’s always a good time to think about a road trip tool kit to keep in your car. That’s especially true if you’ve […]
Ask Away with Jeff Smith: Setting Up a Throttle Valve (TV) Cable on a GM 700-R4 Automatic Transmission
I’m considering a 700-R4 overdrive for my C-10 pickup project since I have a trans that I got for a really good price. I know that a lot of people […]
Not Your Father’s Creeper: A Look at Modern Mechanic’s Creepers
Mechanic’s creepers have been around forever. In the old days, creepers had some sort of wooden framework, a wood base (usually plywood) and a (barely) padded headrest. They almost always […]
It’s No Theory: How to Contain Carnage from the Big Bang Clutch Explosion
More than 40 years ago, a friend came hobbling into my shop on crutches. His right foot was in a cast. He wasn’t very happy. As the story goes, he […]