Tech

The trick to successfully installing an aftermarket exhaust system isn’t just about your tech expertise or wrenching abilities. Many times, the most crucial step is simply selecting the right exhaust system during the purchase process. As a tech adviser for Summit Racing, Carl Pritts is familiar with some of the common mistakes and pitfalls that customers encounter

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, the engine misfired through the blower. The blow-off valves on the supercharger intake manifold released like they were supposed to. When I got back to

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 engine, but at highway speeds it would sometimes push out the dip stick so I removed it and just put a big breather on the

It’s no secret that heat kills automatic transmissions. This is especially true in big-power, street-strip machines that combine lots of horsepower with a small torque converter and steep rear axle ratio. Engine rpm is up across the board, and the automatic transmission builds heat. This is also true for trucks that haul heavy loads or tow trailers battling tough conditions

Having the right tool for any job often results in a successful completion of the task, and it can often save time as well, which can translate into more free time and/or more money. A tool that offers both of those attributes and saves you from asking for assistance—well, now that is like hitting the

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 install a standpipe on an AN fitting? A: Normally you’d have to piece together several fittings to get the results you’re looking for. However, JOES

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 to my answer about ignition timing curves. The original post was roughly a year ago and has resulted in over 20 comments on the answer.

Stamped steel rocker arms are common on budget crate engines, and many race classes require the use of stamped steel rockers. Because they do not feature a roller bearing pivot, stamped steel rocker arms generate more friction than performance-oriented roller rockers. That’s why proper break-in of stamped steel rockers is a must to maximize the lifespan

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 the early years, Chevy used two different motor mounts. The “short and wide” version measures 2⅝ inches between the ears, and 1¾ inches from the

In this episode of Project LS Next, we find out what Mike Mavrigian’s 440 cubic-inch LS engine made on the dyno—after he installed the induction system, ignition, and a pair of valve covers. Don’t cheat and scroll to the end of the story—that’s not cricket. [portfolio_slideshow id=64153] Induction System We opted to go with a carbureted