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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Automotive Engine Performance Coatings and Treatments
Professional racers have used internal engine component coatings for more than 20 years. These coatings offer increased horsepower, reliability, and engine longevity. They are not, however, intended for everyday commuter engines (since the cost likely isn’t justified). Instead, these coatings should be considered for high-performance street and racing engines only, where power and engine life […]
How to Blueprint Engines: Timing Systems Guide
In this post I discuss the three most commonly used methods of camshaft drive (the manner in which the camshaft is driven by the crankshaft). These are chain drive, belt drive, and gear drive. Chain drives are the norm for most traditional OHV V-type engines in the performance arena. Many late-model OHC and DOHC OEM […]
How to Blueprint Engines: Balancing Guide
For any engine to operate at its peak, all vital components of the rotating assembly must be balanced. You need to perform the balancing procedure once all components have been verified for use and all primary machining and fitment has been accomplished. Don’t waste time and money by balancing the crank until you’re certain that […]
How to Blueprint Engines: Intake Manifolds Guide
The intake manifold provides a pathway for the intake air charge. On an engine that is carbureted or that has throttle body injection, the manifold carries the air and fuel mixture to the cylinder head. On an engine with direct-multi-port fuel injection, the intake manifold’s job is primarily responsible for ducting the intake air charge. […]