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
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
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
Q: The 350 engine in my 1990 Chevy truck needs a flexplate. Some guys tell me it’s internally balanced, while others say it’s externally balanced. I don’t know which flexplate to order. Can you help? A: Prior to 1986, all Chevy small blocks were internally balanced (except the 400). These two-piece rear main seal engines had
Q: I have a 1989 5.0L Mustang, and I recently purchased a Ford Performance X303-grind cam for it. I have some questions concerning valve clearance. Can I run stock pistons with this cam, or will it be necessary to alter the piston to achieve the proper piston valve clearance. How much clearance is recommended with this cam?
Q: I have a 1988 Chevy 350, bored .060-inch over. It has TRW forged flat top pistons, 230-degree duration (at .050-inch lift)/.560-inch lift COMP Cams roller cam run straight up, and iron heads with 64cc chambers, 2.02/1.60-inch valves, and ported intake runners. The intake is an Edelbrock Torker II with a Performer 750 cfm vacuum secondary carburetor.
Q: I built a 350 engine using parts from Summit Racing. At about 3,000 miles the engine would make a clacking noise at startup, but only when the engine hadn’t been run in a while. When the oil pressure came up (60-70 pounds), the noise stopped in a second or two. At about 3,500-3,800 miles, I
Q: I have a street/strip 1969 Camaro with a 427 big block that puts out about 475 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The engine has an 800 cfm Holley fed by a factory mechanical fuel pump running fuel through a 3/8-inch fuel line. I have seen quite a few mechanical and electric fuel pumps that are rated
Q: I have a couple of problems I hope you can help me solve. I have a 1969 383 Mopar that shakes right after the first cold startup, but only if it’s been longer than 24 hours since the engine was last running. I was told this might be because the electric choke on my Edelbrock
Q: I’m getting ready to plumb my ’33 Ford with new fuel lines. What type of line should I be using? A: It’s no secret, the formulation of pump gas has changed dramatically over the years. Your next fill up is likely to contain a blend of gasoline and ethyl alcohol (ethanol), plus an ever-changing recipe of
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