Tech Articles

When our hot rods were new, the limited output of the alternator was enough to sustain the power needed to run the engine with the headlights on. Back then, high-amp stereos, electronic ignitions, and fuel injection were not part of the power draw on the battery. That meant there was no need for high-amp alternators............ Read more ... >>

Back when the automobile was in its infancy, things were very basic. You could rebuild your Model T with a flathead screwdriver, a couple wrenches, and a hammer. Today, technology has advanced to well beyond using simple tools and techniques to build our modern-day high-performance engines........... Read more ... >>

Engine connecting rod and main bearing clearances have tightened in recent years for many racing applications, but there are caveats to this trend that engine builders need to acknowledge........... Read more ... >>

The relative merits and technology of curved vs. straight fan blades have been debated for some time. Davies Craig conducted a thorough research program to formulate the design of fans in which several design types including straight blades and curved blades with and without a ring were considered. Read more ... >>

Cams, cams, cams.. While camshafts can and do "go out," something other than a bad core more often than not is to blame. We list the top 10 things to think about before calling foul on your cam........... Read more ... >>

When talking about drag racing tyres, the front tyres are often discounted with being nothing more than along for the ride.............. Read more ... >>

Radial tyre racing has become a staple of competitive drag racing across the country and around the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down............. Read more ... >>

We often hear the heated debate between auto builders about 12-point and 6-point bolt heads and nuts. Both have their own pros and cons and arguments can be made for each........... Read more ... >>

A question came up regarding MSD distributors and ignition systems. The forum member wanted to know which was best: the Ready-to-Run (RTR) distributor or the Pro-Billet distributor combined with an MSD 6AL ignition box.......... Read more ... >>

As camshaft profiles become more aggressive to keep up with larger ports and engine builders strive for higher compression ratios, the chances of the piston and valve playing patty-cake with each other also increase.......... Read more ... >>

Setting and adjusting the valve lash is often overlooked as a simplistic and unsophisticated task for proper engine maintenance, yet much can be gained by paying attention to valve lash.............. Read more ... >>

For the most part, OEM engines rely on internal wet sump oil systems. There are a few vehicles out there using dry sump systems at the OEM level, but these are the exception, not the rule............. Read more ... >>

The LS engine platform has firmly established itself as the engine of choice for many builders. From mild to wild combinations, the LS has shown incredible performance in varied applications............ Read more ... >>

Dart Machinery’s founder and Pro Stock legend, Dick Maskin, gives us all the insider information on this cutting edge new engine block............ Read more ... >>

It’s hard to imagine a world without bolts. Bolts and nuts are literally what holds nearly everything we use together, especially things that will have to come apart eventually........... Read more ... >>

Should the oil pan be installed after buttoning up rotating assembly and installing the oil pump and pickup? Or is it a better practice to bolt down the oil pan after the long-block is fully assembled and the intake manifold is in place? Read more ... >>

Torquing fasteners. What it means to you and why should you practice sound torquing techniques........... Read more ... >>

Stroud Safety offers a versatile range of fire suppression delivery systems for all motorsports applications. With a full range of systems, accessories, and components for your needs, what makes Stroud stand above the rest?.... Read more ... >>

The Phantom Fuel System is a complete kit that gives you everything you need to install a fuel pump and baffle / basket into almost ANY fuel tank. It’s like putting the fuel system from a new Commodore into your muscle car or street rod.... Read more ... >>

Bob Stroud took his knowledge of parachutes and safety equipment to the racing industry & created Stroud Safety. These efforts by Stroud have made racing much safer for the driver, car, track & spectator. So what chute do I use?.... Read more ... >>

We’ll be installing a twin disc clutch from McLeod Racing on a high horsepower car that will be hitting the race track. But is that clutch too much for your daily driver? McLeod gives us some pointers.... Read more ... >>

Top off your pride and joy with Wilwood's new DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Perfect for show cars, its special formula makes it non-corrosive on paint surfaces, so spills and drips are no longer a cause for alarm........... Read more ... >>

MSD Performance’s Atomic LS Electronic Fuel Injection system makes quick work of installing a programmable engine management system on any LS-powered machine. Check out the details of its operation inside!.......... Read more ... >>

Your car has more in common with NHRA's top teams than you might think. Just like your performance engine needs extra antiwear chemicals like zinc and phosphorus, or friction modifiers and ester basestocks, the teams you see on TV run with products from Red Line that use the very same ingredients........... Read more ... >>

Bolts often the get the blame when a part fails inside an engine. ARP's Chris Brown talks about bolt failure and some of the contributing factors may challenge any bolt's strength. His TECH5 column also discusses "friction factor" and how to address this oft-ignored dynamic.......... Read more ... >>

Controlling crankshaft vibration and engine harmonics becomes more crucial as engines rev faster and are built with high-pressure-inducing power adders. J.C. Beattie, Jr. of ATI Performance offers tips and advice on damper selection and addressing vibration issues......... Read more ... >>

TCI forms an alliance with RideTech to be their exclusive supplier for shocks. The goal for TCI was to provide their customers with performance and reliability, and both companies have long admired each others’ products. When the call was made, RideTech answered. Check inside for more details.......... Read more ... >>

While cylinder head porting receives most of the attention, valve design is also important. After all, there’s no greater restriction in performance intake systems than the traditional poppet valve. Ferrea gives EngineLabs advice on selecting the right valve and insight into understanding airflow around the valve.......... Read more ... >>

Chances are you probably have a K&N Air Filter installed in one of your cars. What has become one of the simplest performance upgrades you can add to your vehicle, is often the most overlooked, as far as maintenance.......... Read more ... >>

Ever wanted to know if a restored small block Chevy engine block from the junkyard was that much of a budget saver. We compared DART Machinery’s SHP block to a restored junkyard block build to see what the difference was. The results are going to change your mind on budget builds.......... Read more ... >>