The biggest problem is when the diameter of the valvestem above the keeper groove is not the same diameter as the valvestem below the keeper groove. Check some of valves with a micrometer and you’d be amazed at what you find. I have not had these issues with Ferrea and REV products, which is the […]
Engine Balancing 101: Everything You Need To Know
A properly balanced engine operates more smoothly and with less dynamic strain. The results can include slightly better fuel economy, smoother operation throughout the RPM band, and most important, less life-draining and power-robbing harmonic vibration and avoidable stresses. In other words, a properly balanced engine lasts longer and has the potential to create more horsepower. […]
Installing a New Scissor Convertible Top
Removing the Old Top Depending on the condition of the convertible top that you are working on, the cross bow listings may have already come loose from the inside top decking. The cross bow listings are the last remaining items that are holding the convertible top material to the frame. To remove the old convertible […]
Pistons 101: Everything You Need To Know
This article deals with measuring and understanding clearance issues relative to the piston and piston rings. Here I discuss clearances involving piston to bore, piston dome to head, valve to piston, and ring clearances, in addition to file-fitting rings. Measuring Piston Skirts Prior to boring and/or honing cylinder bores, the pistons that are intended […]
How to Check for Clearance When Rebuilding an Engine
Main Bearings Using an outside micrometer, carefully measure the crankshaft’s main journal diameters and record the measurements. Set up a bore gauge to this measurement and adjust the gauge dial to the zero mark. Install the upper and lower main bearings and install the main caps; torque the main cap fasteners to specification. Insert the […]
How to Identify an Oldsmobile V-8 Engine
Oldsmobile engine blocks, as far as most Olds enthusiasts are concerned, started in 1965. The first V-8s in this new-style Oldsmobile engine line started as the 330-ci models for the small-block family and the 400- and 425-ci models for the big-block family. The engine-block designs remained virtually unchanged right up to the last Olds engine […]
How to Build a Pro Touring Chassis
As mentioned in earlier chapters, the stiffness and strength of the components play a large role in making a car handle and perform well. The same can be said for the vehicle’s chassis and body structure, which is the backbone of the entire system. If the chassis isn’t strong enough to support the abuse, you […]
Pistons, Rods, & Cranks, Oh My! How to Build Horsepower With a Buick Engine
A strong engine starts with a strong crankshaft, and all Buick engines use quality cranks. This is good because there are not many aftermarket cranks for Buicks. The small- and big-block engines, as well as the 3.8-liter V-6 turbo, use nodular-iron cranks, while the Nailheads run forged-steel cranks. Some people will tell you that the […]
Pushrods & Lifters 101: Everything You Need To Know
Never assume that a “stock” length pushrod is correct for any given build. A variety of alterations to the stock assembly can affect the required pushrod length, such as reducing block deck height, resurfacing the cylinder head deck, changing camshaft lift, changing rocker arm ratio, installing lifters that feature a different height, etc. Always measure […]
How to Upgrade the Oiling System in Buick Engines
The single biggest weakness of any Buick engine is the oiling system. The original design of the oiling system has more than a few issues, including small oil feed holes, misaligned bearings, and poor cam and lifter oiling. All of these issues are easily fixed if you take the time to learn the proper techniques […]
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