The engine block is the foundation of any build, and several critical machining processes are often required to bring the bores, deck, and dimensions of the block into precise and correct specification. When someone refers to an engine as balanced … [Click here to read more...]
Holley Carburetor Preparation and Tuning Guide
Which intake manifold should you choose? Holley and other manufacturers offer a wide array of single- and multiple-carb manifolds. In basic terms, if you want low-end torque at lower engine RPM, consider a dual-plane intake manifold. Single-plane … [Click here to read more...]
Interesting Ford Muscle Car Facts
Fact 1: Bruce Springsteen loves to sing about cars and despite some occasional technical boo-boos (see Fact #17), most efforts are spot-on. A great example is the song “Ramrod” from his 1980 album The River. The Boss describes taking “Dolly” out … [Click here to read more...]
Introduction to Engine Tuning
Before this book even begins, I wish to make it perfectly clear that this is not an engine design or combustion theory text. The goal here is for the educated enthusiast, skilled technician, and automotive engineer alike to all be able to come away … [Click here to read more...]
Automotive Painting Guide: Final Finishing
This is finally it—the step that makes all that other work worthwhile. Many painters get real satisfaction from learning how to lay down a smooth, glossy, wet coat of paint with no orange peel or runs. But, even for a first-time amateur, seeing that … [Click here to read more...]
Ford Engine Tuning and Examples
The Ford Mustang is arguably the most popular vehicle for the do-it-yourself tuner. Ford refers to its PCM as an EEC, or electronic engine control. Starting with the 1988 California specification, and 1989 50-state versions, the Mustang has been … [Click here to read more...]
How to Build a Flow Bench for Port and Flow Testing Cylinder Heads – Part 3
May 2008 was something of a milestone for me as far as the modification of cylinder heads for more performance was concerned. It was 50 years since I performed my first cylinder-head flow test. The technique I used was crude, to say the least, but … [Click here to read more...]
Drag Racing Traction: Rear Suspension: Coil Springs and Four-Link
This chapter looks at muscle cars with rear suspension systems using coil springs with two upper and two lower control arms. These cars include GM intermediates built in 1964–1977 (A-Bodies), 1978–1988 (G-Bodies), 1994–1996 Impala SS cars (B-Bodies), … [Click here to read more...]
Tools and Equipment for Rebuilding a Holley Carburetor
Carburetor service requires a selection of conventional hand tools as well as a select number of specialty tools. Many specialty tools are available from Holley as well as popular aftermarket suppliers, such as Summit Racing and Jegs. Having all of … [Click here to read more...]
Interesting Dodge Muscle Car Facts
Fact 1: Gene Snow is a legendary Dodge funny car pilot. His daily driver has got to be something wild, right? Not so much. I had a chance meeting with the Snowman at the 1992 NHRA Winternationals in the (since decommissioned) Pomona timing … [Click here to read more...]