Q: I recently rebuilt a Mustang 5.0L engine. I had it bored from .03o-inch over and installed a Ford Performance Parts E303 camshaft, Melling high-volume oil pump, Edelbrock intake, Holley 600 cfm carburetor, and a complete MSD Ignition system. The heads have 2.02-inch/1.60-inch valves, the headers are one-and-5/8-inch shorties, and the fuel pump is a Carter electric
I have a 302-cubic-inch small block Ford engine that I’ve inherited from a friend. It’s an older carbureted engine that I think is stock – it still has a 2-barrel carburetor. What kinds of parts should I buy like a four-barrel carburetor and maybe a big cam or something to make more power? I’m relatively new
Q: I have some questions about a torque converter for my engine combination. The car is a 1981 Malibu that weighs 3,500 pounds. It has a 388-cubic-inch small block with 11:1 forged pistons, Brodix Track One cylinder heads, Crane roller cam (260-degree/270-degree duration at .050-inch lift, .611-inch/.615-inch lift), a Holley 750 carburetor on a Weiand Team
Following the rules is sometimes not as fun as not following them. But when discussing torque sequences and recommended torque specifications, vehicle owners will have a happier life by following the rules. Torque specifications vary by fastener brand, lubricants used, and other factors, but the correct head bolt torque sequence usually remains constant for each
To truly understand how carburetors work, you first have to know Daniel Bernoulli. Bernoulli was an 18th century scientist who discovered that pressure is inversely proportional to velocity. This principle, called Bernoulli’s Principle, was originally applied toward fluid dynamics (think fuel flow vs. fuel pressure), but it also pertains to airflow. Specifically, as air speed increases,
Q: I‘ve owned a few vehicles, but I’m new to engine tuning and automotive mechanics in general. What can you tell me about ignition timing? In particular, how does advancing or retarding the timing affect performance? And what variables might affect where my timing should be set? A: Measured in crankshaft degrees, ignition timing refers to the
I’ve read something about camshafts that some cam companies grind advance into the camshaft. I thought that you could only advance the cam once it was installed in the engine? How does the cam company grind advance into the cam? L.T. Jeff Smith: This is a great question. Everyone tends to look at the intake
When you think of an automotive cooling system, the first thing that likely comes to mind is your radiator…or maybe your cooling fan. The oft-overlooked fan clutch doesn’t get a ton of credit or attention, but it’s an essential piece of the cooling equation in many vehicles. It helps your cooling system operate effectively and your engine operate efficiently. But
Q: My new battery disconnect switch has two large terminals, and two smaller terminals. How should I hook it up? A: The large terminals should be connected (in series) to positive battery cable. This will protect sensitive electronic equipment in the event of a ground failure. The smaller terminals are used to shut off power at the
Just how important is engine mounting in a drag car? Very. Consider the case of a common rear-wheel drive production line car: Typically, mounts are laid out in a three-point arrangement — two mounts on the side of the cylinder block and one at the very end of the transmission (usually on the tail shaft).
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