I’ve heard that late model engines now run much thinner rings than the older production engines. Are these thinner rings just there to improve fuel mileage or is there a power advantage with these new rings? I’m about to rebuild my small-block Ford and I’d be willing to try something newer if it’s better. Thanks
Q: I’ve installed a set of steel roller-tip rocker arms on my Ford 302 engine. The cylinder heads are also equipped with aftermarket rocker arm studs and pushrod guideplates. Unfortunately, the rocker arm nuts keep coming loose. What can I do? A: Most aftermarket steel roller-tip rocker arms use OE-style self-locking nuts. If your rocker arm studs
I was checking the timing on my small block Camaro yesterday and noticed that the timing doesn’t return to initial like it should. I set my initial timing at 14 degrees but then when I rev the engine and allow it fall back to idle, the timing light shows that the timing now is at
Q: My 1969 Roadrunner has a new diaphragm-style clutch. While shifting at high rpm, the clutch pedal sticks to the floor. When the engine speed decreases, the pedal comes back up. Can you help me out? A: Remove the clutch pedal’s over-center/assist spring. While it was originally installed to help with heavier Borg and Beck clutches, it can
Was it possible for the 1970 big block 396 (402) Nova to come with the 10-bolt rear-end installed from the factory? I know the 12-bolt was optional for around $150 from the dealer at the time but that was a lot of money to the car buyer in 1970. Did the factory turn out some
Q: I have a 1941 Ford sedan with a small block Chevy. I would like to replace the TH-350 transmission with a TH-700-R4. How much difference is there in the physical size of the transmissions? Will I need to change the transmission mount? Would the driveshaft need modification? A: The TH-350 is 27¾ inches in total length and
Q: I just finished rebuilding the 5.0L engine for my 1989 Mustang. I made the following modifications: World Products Windsor Jr. cylinder heads with 58cc combustion chambers Ford Racing X-303 camshaft Trick Flow Street Burner intake manifold 70mm throttle body and EGR plate 73mm Mass Air meter BBK cold air induction BBK adjustable fuel pressure regulator
I’ve got a 454 H.O. crate engine and we installed a small ProCharger centrifugal on the engine to bump the power. I thought this would work well with the engine’s 8.75:1 compression ratio. I then took the combination to the chassis dyno but ran into all kinds of problems. The engine just lays down at
Q: I need some help getting my 1969 Camaro in the 12s at the track. The car has a 350 small block (bored .010-inch over) with 10:1 compression, .488/.510-inch lift hydraulic cam, ported Chevy “turbo” iron heads, Holley 750 cfm double pumper carburetor on an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, Mallory Unilite distributor and coil (38
Q: Electrical is not my strong suit, but the time has come for me to complete the wiring on my latest project. Electrical systems can be extremely complex, but are there any basic tips you can share to get me going in the right direction? I am particularly concerned about establishing a good, solid ground to avoid any
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