Mailbag: Why Won’t My Trans-Brake Engage? (and Other Transmission-Related Questions)
Q: I have a 1969 Chevelle with a 402 big block, a Turbo 400 transmission, and a 12-bolt rear axle with 4.56 gears. I used to run 7.20s in the eighth-mile and […]
Quick Tech: 8 Tips for Properly Tuning Your Nitrous System
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 […]
YJ Rehab (Part 2): Rebuilding Drum Brakes (Yes, Drum Brakes) on Our Jeep YJ Project
In Part One of YJ Rehab, we showed you how to restore the suspension and upgrade the fuel system on a 1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. In this exciting episode, we’ll […]
Mailbag: Tracking Down Common Causes of Sluggish Engine Response
Q: I recently rebuilt a Mustang 5.0L engine. I had it bored from .03o-inch over and installed a Ford Performance Parts E303 camshaft, Melling high-volume oil pump, Edelbrock intake, Holley 600 cfm […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Waking a Stock Ford 302 Small Block with Simple Bolt-Ons
I have a 302-cubic-inch small block Ford engine that I’ve inherited from a friend. It’s an older carbureted engine that I think is stock – it still has a 2-barrel carburetor. […]
Mailbag: Choosing a Transmission and Torque Converter for Racing
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 […]
Infographic: Cylinder Head Torque Sequences for Chrysler I6 & V6 Engines
Following the rules is sometimes not as fun as not following them. But when discussing torque sequences and recommended torque specifications, vehicle owners will have a happier life by following […]
Booster Basics: How Carburetor Booster Design Relates to Your Vehicle’s Performance
To truly understand how carburetors work, you first have to know Daniel Bernoulli. Bernoulli was an 18th century scientist who discovered that pressure is inversely proportional to velocity. This principle, […]
Monday Mailbag: A Basic Introduction to Ignition Timing
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 […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How and Why Camshaft Manufacturers Grind Advance Into Camshafts
I’ve read something about camshafts that some cam companies grind advance into the camshaft. I thought that you could only advance the cam once it was installed in the engine? […]