Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we’re talking about catalytic converters killing engine vacuum. L.R. Baltimore, MD Q: I have a 1979 Dodge Magnum with a 360 V8. It has a two-barrel carburetor and the Lean Burn ignition system. The only modifications I made to the engine were
Got questions? We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we’re talking about engine flooding and hesitation. T.M. Marietta, GA Q: I have a 1983 Chevy K-10 truck with a four-speed manual transmission and 3.08 rear axle gears. It originally had a 305, but the engine was replaced with a crate 350
My buddies and I got into a discussion the other day about why all the new car companies went with individual coils for each cylinder as opposed to sticking with a simpler distributor. And if a CD (capacitive discharge) ignition is so great, why isn’t that on new cars? D. B. Jeff Smith: Let’s start
You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. M.J. Cadott, WI Q: I own a 1967 Pontiac Firebird coupe with a mostly stock 1971 400 engine. The engine is bored. 030 inches over, has 91cc heads (6X-4), and Hooker Competition headers. The car also has a 2.5-inch dual exhaust system with Flowmaster
Okay, I keep reading about there is a difference between detonation and pre-ignition but it seems that whenever I ask anybody about this, they agree but don’t know the difference. The typical answer I get is “It’s really complicated.” So, is it really? J.M. Jeff Smith: This really isn’t all that difficult to explain. Detonation
You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. J.B. Harrison, AR Q: My 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton truck project has hit a snag. I recently installed a 283 small block, modified pedals, and a master cylinder from a 1960s Chevy truck. Somehow it has all added up to poor braking power.
You’ve got questions. We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. D.L. Kansas City, KS Q: My trusty 1936 Plymouth 4-door has a .060-inch over, 350 Chevy with an RV cam and a Holley 4-barrel. I’m also running a Powerglide transmission and a stock 1980 Cutlass 10-bolt rear end. Should I change the
In the ‘80s, GM used a 4.3L 90-degree V6 in many different cars. I know that this engine is basically a small-block Chevy with two cylinders removed. This got me to wondering why they haven’t built a 90-degree V6 using the 5.3L or 6.0L LS engines? M.S. Jeff Smith: This is a great “what if”
I’m considering buying one of those self-learning TBI fuel injection systems. I’ve heard that the fuel delivery system is the most important part of the installation so I’ve been reading up on electric fuel pumps. I’ve noticed that companies rate their pumps at different power levels based on how they will be used. Why does
If you missed it, Part 1 of the X-pipes vs. H-pipes Summit Racing Quick Flicks video series focused on the basic differences between the two designs and how to choose between them. It taught you about exhaust scavenging and how it affects your exhaust performance. In Part 2, a member of Summit Racing‘s tech department
Stay Connected