Camshafts are the command center of the engine. As a primary contributor to VE they govern the precise valve action that controls the intake and exhaust system and thus exert enormous influence on an engine’s power potential. Choosing a camshaft … [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...]
Mastering Exhaust System Math to Build High-Performance Engines
Exhaust systems don’t generally invoke the glamour and gut level appeal associated with many high-performance induction systems, but they certainly play a critical role in the performance of every engine. Through decades of experience we have learned … [Click here to read more...]
Engine Tuning Outputs
Now that the inputs to the computer have been covered, it’s time to look at what the outputs can do. Not that many outputs are required to operate most engines. The advantage of EFI is the ability to very precisely control each of these outputs. … [Click here to read more...]
Fine-Tuning Suspension for Maximum Traction
This chapter explains some of the methods to correct or adjust the rear suspension of your ill-handling race car. I discuss methods to improve the car’s 60-foot times. Once those are within reason, the rest of the run will be greatly simplified. … [Click here to read more...]
How to Blueprint Engines: Camshafts Guide
The camshaft can be viewed as the brain of the engine. Its profile dictates when and for how long the intake and exhaust valves open and close, which is a major factor in how the air/fuel package enters, remains in, and exits the cylinder. Today’s … [Click here to read more...]
Carb to EFI Conversion: Tuning Basics
Tuning can be an intimidating topic and the verbiage tossed around difficult to comprehend. So, let’s get you familiar with it. You may ask, “Why should I learn any more than I need to know if I am converting to EFI anyway?” Quite simply, this is one … [Click here to read more...]
The Basics of Wet Flow Cylinder Head Testing – Part 4
When you throw a lit match onto a gasoline-soaked rag, it ignites very easily. This is not an experiment I recommend or that is even needed. However, when gas so easily combusts, it’s hard to imagine there ever being a problem igniting it in the … [Click here to read more...]
Engine Tuning: The Ignition Guide
Knowing that engines produce power by harnessing the dramatic pressure increases resulting from the ignition of the air/fuel mix, let’s take a look at how that pressure plays into the calibration requirements. Cylinder pressure is directly related to … [Click here to read more...]
The Rise of Drag Racing
Looking back on the glory days of drag racing, it’s easy to see where the hobby got its roots, even though modern-day drag racing is so far away from its earliest beginnings. These days, drag racing is a highbrow business, with big-money … [Click here to read more...]