Tech

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We work with the Summit Racing tech department to help you tackle your auto-related conundrums. In this week’s Mailbag, we’re answering several questions about an Olds 350 engine build. Q: I am building a 1977 Olds 350 that I will be installing in a 1976 Nova. The engine has 9.5:1 compression pistons,

With some exceptions, namely older diesels and Corvettes, most tachometers use electrical pulses from the ignition system to indicate an engine’s rpm. Though this method delivers an accurate reading, installing a new tach can be confusing because of the different ignition systems used by the OEMs and the aftermarket. Tachometer installation can be as simple

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We work with the Summit Racing tech department to help you tackle your auto-related conundrums. In this week’s Mailbag, we discuss upgrading valvetrain components on a 1976 Toyota FJ-40 powered by a 350 small block. Q: I have a 1976 Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser with a 350 small block from a 1973 Camaro.

Q: What is the proper intake gasket installation sequence for an aluminum intake on a Chrysler 440 engine? Should it be gasket, then valley pan, another gasket, and then manifold? The Fel-Pro gasket set I have has four facing pieces, but the full gasket set only has two intake gaskets and the valley pan. If

H-pipe vs. X-pipe? Which crossover exhaust system design is better? That depends, but we’re going to try to help you make the best choice. Where does the H-pipe or X-pipe go in your exhaust system? You always want to place the H-pipe or X-pipe as far upstream as possible because of the science behind how

Congratulations, you’ve settled on a nitrous system. There are any number of great systems on the market, and choosing a nitrous kit that’s right for your vehicle can be an accomplishment. If you watched our earlier video post, Your Top Nitrous Questions Answered, you know there are specific horsepower guidelines for picking the right system,

Just how important is engine mounting in a drag car? Very. Consider the case of a common rear-wheel drive production line car: Typically, mounts are laid out in a three-point arrangement — two mounts on the side of the cylinder block and one at the very end of the transmission (usually on the tail shaft).

When your hunt for automotive performance gains turns to upgrading your transmission and shifting performance, it’s important not to overlook the “brains of the transmission” — the valve body. In this edition of Carl’s Tech Talk video series from Summit Racing, tech expert Carl Pritts will walk you through the process of modifying your transmission’s valve body. Transmission

Following rules isn’t always fun, and being unique often sounds appealing. But when it comes to torque sequences and recommended torque specifications, doing the “boring,” rule-following thing is strongly encouraged, as that is how we achieve good, reliable seals. Torque specifications vary by fastener brand, the lubricants we use, and other things. But the correct head bolt

Q: I have a 1976 Chevy Blazer with a 320 hp small block. It has a 600 cfm carburetor, MSD 6A ignition with an HEI adapter kit, and a heavy duty distributor cap and rotor. I keep melting a hole through the distributor cap, plus the center terminal (spring included) and the arc seal. I swapped