[portfolio_slideshow id=27531] Some call it a harmonic balancer. Others refer to it as a harmonic damper. Whatever you call it, that big chunk of metal hanging off the crankshaft snout of your engine is essential to your powerplant’s wellbeing and performance. Its job is to absorb harmonics, so from here-on-out we’ll refer to it as a harmonic damper (its only true
Properly mating your distributor gear to your camshaft is a critical step when building an engine. In this video, COMP Cams will explain the various types of distributor gears. They’re made from different materials: composite, bronze, cast iron, and hardened steel. You’ll learn how to figure out what materials make up your camshaft so that
Got questions? We’ve got the answers when the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we help eliminate an engine knock problem. L.P. Roseburg, OR Q: I just put a new 9.7:1 compression 383 small block engine in my 1978 Chevy 4 x 4 pickup. It has less than 100 miles on
The transmission is the little brother of the powertrain. It doesn’t often get the same respect or attention as the engine—until it starts acting up. You’ll most likely see dozens of engine build stories in magazines before you see an article on a transmission. And we spend hours under the hood or around an engine
What’s the most-important property of a lubricant? Viscosity. Learn the difference between viscosity grade and viscosity index. Learn what all of those viscosity numbers and letters mean by listening to the specialists at Driven Racing Oil break it down. Should you use a 15W50? A 10W30? A 0W20? Watch this video and learn how to
Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we examine ideal camshaft lobe separation for nitrous applications. D.M. Pitman, NJ Q: Can you shed some light on camshafts made for nitrous engines? Why would they have a lobe separation of 112-114 degrees, versus 106-108 degrees for an otherwise
[portfolio_slideshow id=27187] Properly mounting engine driven accessories onto your LS V8 swap, may at first, seem much more difficult than anticipated. LS swap engine mounts, headers, and cross members, make it easy to install the engine in a variety of early model GM muscle cars and trucks. But adapting the A/C compressor, alternator and
In this Summit Racing Quick Flicks video, you will learn the basic differences between electric fuel pumps and mechanical fuel pumps. You will also find a few tips that could help you decide which type of pump is best for your vehicle application.
Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we help properly convert a Ford 428 FE engine from a hydraulic to solid lifter camshaft. T.B. Boise, ID Q: I have a 428-cubic-inch FE Ford engine that I want to put in a 1971 Mustang. The block is
Editor’s Note: The year 2013 gave us the C7 Chevrolet Corvette and took from us performance legends like Dean Jeffries and Stu Hilborn. We had a light-hearted look at the half-dozen Fast and Furious movies and got serious with dozens and dozens of new tech articles and how-tos. We even put a hot rodder’s spin on March
Stay Connected