Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Crate Engine or Junkyard Rebuild for a First-Time Engine Build?
I have a ’72 Ford pickup that I’m slowly upgrading. It was originally a 6-cylinder truck and still has the original automatic I want to build this truck as a fun father- and-son project so I’m looking for suggestions. I’m thinking that a small block wouldn’t be a bad way to go. We don’t need
Mailbag: Tips for Choosing the Right Tie-Downs for Your Race Trailer
Q: I need to buy some new tie-downs for my race trailer. What are some rules or guidelines that should be followed when purchasing tie-downs? How about tips for proper installation? Anything else I need to know before I hit the road to the first race of the year? A: First and foremost, your tie-down straps must be
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Rotor Phasing and How it Relates to Aftermarket EFI Systems
If I’m using timing control on my FiTech EFI, why do I need to buy the adjustable MSD rotor? Can’t I just lock out the distributor and then ensure the rotor aligns with the Number 1 spark plug terminal and make final adjustments to sync timing with the ECU using a timing light? Or, could
Mailbag: Installing a FiTech GoStreet EFI on a Pontiac 400
Q: I have a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am with a 400 cubic-inch engine. I am looking at the FiTech GoStreet EFI 400HP Self-Tuning Fuel Injection System. Will this system mount straight up to my Pontiac engine? A: This self-learning EFI system features straightforward installation with application-specific modifications required. The system delivers a quick and accurate start-up process
Mailbag: Correcting Speedometer Gears for Accurate MPH Readings
Q: I am having trouble finding the correct speedometer gear for my 1970 Mustang. The car has a top loader 4-speed transmission and a 4.10:1 rear-end ratio. I’m running 26-inch-tall rear tires, and a 21-tooth speedometer driven gear. The 21-tooth gear is the largest I can find, and the speedometer reads about 27 mph fast.
Mailbag: Taking a 1970 Mustang into the 9s at the Track
Q: I have purchased a 1970 Mustang. I have a 1969 460 engine that I’m told will fit in the engine compartment. I want to build a car that will do 9-second quarter-miles. The engine will be bored .060 inches over, have a stroker kit, Cobra Jet heads, and an Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake. I need
Mailbag: How Tire Size Affects Your Engine RPM
Q: I have a Chevy 350 engine bored and stroked to 383 cubic inches. It has 76cc heads, COMP Cams 280-degree, .480-inch lift cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake with a 650 cfm Holley double pumper carb, and a Mallory electronic distributor. The engine is hooked to a Turbo 400 transmission with shift kit. The car is a
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How to Upgrade the Capacity of Your Existing Shop Compressor
This is a little different question but maybe you can help me with it. I have a small oil-free, 115-volt air compressor with a 20 gallon tank. It will make 150 psi but because the tank is small, it can’t keep up with some of my air tools. I was thinking of relocating it outside
Mailbag: The Importance of Matching Camshaft and Cylinder Head Size
Q: I own a 1986 Camaro. I recently installed a 1969 327 and a Turbo 400 transmission. The engine has cast pistons, a Weiand Stealth intake manifold, a 278/288-degree camshaft, and the heads off the car’s old 305. The engine is strong, but I would like to get more power out of it. I want to use
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Choosing an Optimal Camshaft and Ignition Timing for Double Hump Heads
This is directed to Jeff Smith – great article on ignition timing. I have a few questions. My problem is I can’t seem to get the timing right with either the initial or top end total and my engine is slow to start. I have a ‘67 Camaro with a 327 with double hump heads running stainless steel




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