Engines & Components

The ring gap allows the expansion of the piston rings in the bore – due to engine heat – without butting the ends up against each other. If there isn't enough gap and the ring butts up against itself, it will distort the ring's shape, causing a leak path against the cylinder wall........... Read more ... >>

The LS engine has been around for over 20 years now, and one thing that makes this engine such a popular choice with enthusiasts is its durability of the engine. It’s not uncommon to see these engines in stock form go well north of 200,000 miles on the odometer........... Read more ... >>

Crankshaft balancing is just that, a balancing act. When an engine is running, there are many different forces working against each other that need to work in harmony. Unfortunately, the balancing process is something that many enthusiasts rarely give a second thought........... Read more ... >>

The LS is officially 20 years old now, yet it seems something new comes along almost daily with regard to performance-building these engines. On the traditional small-block Chevy, everyone learned at a tender age about setting lash, whether it was clearance on a solid lifter cam or preloading the lifters for a hydraulic cam........... 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 ... >>

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 ... >>

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 ... >>

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 ... >>

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 ... >>

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 ... >>

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 ... >>

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 ... >>

Ron Rotunno of Fel-Pro discusses engine-sealing issues, particularly with regards to head gaskets. He touches on topics like casting motion and thermal shock, and he also offers advice for installing gaskets... Read more ... >>