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Whether its your grocery-getter or high-performance vehicle, valves are a critical component, and in the realm of engine building for both spectrums, valve manufacturers are constantly refining valve design and [...]

Working as a professional automotive technician, one of the most important things you learn with experience is how deep to get into a repair. The best decisions you can make are when a job should be passed on to someone else, for example an expert in any given area., One such repair is rebuilding an engine. Sure, most technicians have completely rebuilt an engine, and likely more than once. We often have a project at home such as a [...]

Many of us grew up in the automatic transmission era of the Ford C4 and C5, the GM TH350 and 400 and the Chrysler 727. For a while, the majority [...]

Most of us are familiar with the Enzo Ferrari quote, 'What's behind you doesn't matter.' We can all agree the man responsible for these iconic words knew a thing or [...]

Many consider the connecting rod one of the hardest working components in an engine, and there doesn't appear to be too many lining up to dispute the claim. Connecting rods [...]

Increasing horsepower is all well and good until you blow a head gasket. Theoretically, it will happen at some point. You can't avoid it forever. It's like death and taxes. [...]

We've all likely experienced the sudden THUMP, THUMP, THUMP of an unbalanced washing machine. It feels like the house is coming off the foundation at times! Well, consider that most [...]

Diesel and heavy duty go hand-in-hand. There's no way around it. High compression causes high cylinder temperatures, with peak cylinder pressure often as high as 2,700 psi (or higher). This [...]

There is a lot of information out there about engine bearings, so I figured I'd try to set the record straight about a few things related to this tiny, but [...]

Fop many years, cylinder honing has often been represented as a routine and simple procedure, but that's only true in the hands of a professional engine builder. Modern scientific knowledge [...]

When it comes to trying out new methods and theories to improve upon performance, often times, we're learning using the old-fashioned way through trial and error. After any type of [...]

Media blasting first came to my attention when I entered the automotive industry as a technician. At the time, I was only familiar with sandblasting, which I thought of as [...]

Clean up in aisle nine! I used to poke fun at 'grocery getters.' These were cars you might see just driving to the market, or back and forth to church. [...]

When you work as an auto technician, high performance is rarely a topic in your normal day-to-day routine. The majority of the motoring public bringing you their car simply doesn't [...]

In the context of high-horsepower engine building, the pressure on a cylinder head can be so great that it can, in effect, marginally push it away from the engine block. [...]

We may never know if the chicken on the egg came first, but we do know the can was here before the drag race, though not by much. It didn't [...]

Since I was a little kid, I've been into the muscle cans of the '60s and early 70s. Of course, in my day, they were already long gone off the [...]

I'm not sure anyone ever complained about the performance of a Gen III on Gen IV small block Chevy as they came from the factory. Let's face it, they run [...]

Why is technology so interesting? Fop me, it's because it always changes. No matter what it is, and no matter how good we make something, we always strive to make [...]

Classic and vintage can culture in is a diverse one. It's more than just muscle cars. In addition to the unmistakable rumble of American V8 power, vintage European and Asian [...]

When I hear baking soda, I start to think there might be a batch of chocolate chip cookies coming out of the oven in the near future. I had seen [...]

The more I learn, the less I know. That's what I recently realized about engine oil. Engine oil is complicated, involving chemistry that goes way beyond what my gray matter [...]

Over the years, I've developed a skill fop weeding out the good garage sales from the bad. First and foremost, if it's in a development that was built in the [...]

During the early days of WWII, American bombers were falling victim to the German Luftwaffe and we were suffering incredible losses. The problem? We didn't have a fighter plane that [...]

The article discusses the latest tools showcased at the annual ISN Tool Dealer Expo in Orlando, FL. Some of the featured tools include the Sunex Tools Juic'd BOX, a heavy-duty cart with integrated power strips and storage for over 20 power tools; the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC305, a 12-volt lithium jump starter and power supply; Grip Edge Tools' RPT Line, which prevents damage to fasteners; Atlas Automotive Equipment's Spray Wash Cabinet, a high-pressure spray wash cabinet for cleaning; Mayhew Tools' Torx, Metric Hex, and Triple Square Socket Bit sets; CTA Tools' NOx/Soot Sensor thread chaser; Ingersoll Rand's Drive Xchange System (DXS) impact sockets; and Maxxeon's Cyclops work light in various colors. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the value and benefits of using an oscilloscope as a diagnostic tool in automotive repair. The author explains that while electricity can be a difficult subject to understand, oscilloscopes are valuable tools that can provide detailed visual representations of voltage waveforms over time. By using an oscilloscope regularly and comparing readings before and after repairs, technicians can gain familiarity with waveforms and easily identify problems in ignition systems and other components. The article emphasizes the importance of practice and familiarity with oscilloscopes to maximize their diagnostic capabilities. [Extracted from the article]

The modern-day restoration has taken on a different meaning than restorations of the past. There will always be the purist who restores a car to its original, off-the-showroom state, and [...]

Does it just work, op is it a work of ant? We're talking about a well-detailed engine tucked between spotless fenders with freshly restored components. When it comes to engine [...]

If you ever travel through the back roads and hills of Northeastern Ohio, you just might come up on the small town of Fredericksburg. Quaint and unassuming as you pass [...]

The simple answer is yes. Market analyst I am not, but the luxury of personal watercraft (PWC) is that they are fun and, well, people just like to have fun. [...]

A statement that just might tie the most important advice you can give your customers when it comes to their transmission. Being guilty of it is a very common mistake, [...]

Conk and rubber? I know it's certainly not the common gasket material of the 21st century, but it once was a popular combination for engine sealing, and it makes for [...]

It's safe to say we're all familiar with an LS swap. At least the idea of it. First showing up between the fenders in the late '90s, GM's popular LS-based [...]

'Its a whole different ball game,' were his exact words. 'The tools that are crucial to them are their precision tools,' he said. 'They call me for hand tools and [...]

Since the 2020 trade show was cancelled due to Coronavirus concerns, the industry is more excited than ever to get back together and catch up from the last two years. [...]

The article discusses the changes in air conditioning (A/C) service equipment and techniques over time. It explains that the switch to environmentally friendly refrigerants, such as R-134a and R-1234yf, has necessitated more precise system operation and pressure control. The article also highlights the importance of accurate A/C machine calibration and the use of UV dye for leak detection. It emphasizes the need for modern A/C equipment that meets industry standards and warns against using excessive dye or incompatible oil in electric compressors. Additionally, the article mentions the significance of maintaining proper airflow across the condenser and checking radiator fan operation for optimal A/C system performance. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of knowledge and safety when working with electric vehicles (EVs). Due to the high voltage in EVs, it is crucial for everyone working in a facility that services EVs to possess automotive knowledge and tools. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers two certifications, xEV Level One and Level Two, to ensure that individuals are aware of the hazards and safety measures associated with EVs. The Level One certification is for anyone who may encounter an EV in the workplace, while the Level Two certification is for high-voltage vehicle technicians. Personal protective equipment (PPE), insulated hand tools, and physical barriers and signage are also necessary for safety when working with EVs. [Extracted from the article]

Metrology is defined as the scientific study of measurement, not to be confused with the next closest word, meteorology, which is defined as the scientific study of weather, or in [...]

Friday night. The local cruise-in. Amidst the Beach Boys blaring on the loudspeaker and the smell of fresh-grilled burgers, the cars pull in and the hoods go up. Whatcha got [...]

TechShop looks at the most common cooling system tools used by technicians on a daily basis and discusses some of the technical aspects that make them beneficial for every tool [...]

What do cylinder sleeves and a certain rodentary rock band from the '80s have in common? You guessed it, the shape. But we're going to leave the rockin' to the [...]

I admit, the last place I thought I'd ever go was Disney World, and it's also the last thing I would ever guess I'd bring up in an engine magazine. [...]

The article discusses the changing definition of special tools in the automotive industry. It explains that special tools are typically designed for specific purposes and are necessary for those purposes. In the past, mechanics didn't require many special tools, but as technology advanced, the need for them increased. Examples of special tools include pressure brake bleeders, diagnostic connectors, and timing belt alignment tools. The article also mentions ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) equipment as a special tool in today's context. It concludes by stating that special tools are subjective and depend on the individual's perspective. [Extracted from the article]

Their name almost speaks for itself, and it's had a lot to say oven recent years, leaving an undeniable impression on the performance industry with the creation of their V12 [...]

It's no secret in any aspect of performance that everything after the engine becomes the weak link when you start adding power, and quite often, the transmission is next in [...]