Chevrolet’s legendary big-block engine, like all legends, carries plenty of myths that require regular debunking to ensure rumor control. When it debuted in 1965, neatly tucked between the fiberglass wells of the Corvette, what was named the Mark IV powerplant carried a total displacement of 396 cubic inches and generated a factory-rated 425 horsepower. While the 50 more horsepower it generated over the fuel…
It’s unfortunately a lost art in these days of electric computer controlled tuning. But the simple fact is, setting the proper engine timing and tuning your carburetion are key to making your musclecar run correctly. Certainly you can invest the money to install fuel injection on your upgraded musclecar, but for many, a simple carburetor and mechanical advance distributor is required to retain the vehicle authenticity. Even for those of you desiring more sophisticated ignitions will…
When it comes to building a collector car, choosing a set of tires proves to be one of the most challenging aspects. Size, style and construction are big factors in the selection process and even a slight…
Just like the used bicycle or not-quite-worn-out sneakers you inherited from your older sibling, technology also trickles down. That’s fortunate for those of us who cruise our cars on the street but race vicariously through the likes of Spiro Pappas, Vinny Budano, Tony Nesbit or John Urist. We crave to understand and adapt the technology…
It’s hard enough to make power when you know the playing field. Fresh engine, right rearend gears, perfect transmission setup – they all contribute. But when something as simple as an exhaust pipe that appears to be fine turns out to be a major performance deterrent, that’s a tough one.
For Mark Hoffman, his big-block ’68 Camaro had all the right stuff – and still seemed to perform in a lazy manner when he stepped on the throttle. After thorough research he still couldn’t find the problem,…
Just a few short years ago, automotive giants like Ford, General Motors and even Mercedes Benz were touting new six-speed automatic transmissions that were supposed to be cutting-edge technology. And some of the designs were—at least in terms of complexity. Another problem with many of these six-speed transmissions was they…
When Dart’s founder, Richard Maskin, decided to create the ultimate small-block for Ford and Chevy fans, he did a significant amount of research combined…
Great advancements come at the intersection of inspiration and need. Thermal underwear, for example, sells a lot better in Minnesota than Florida. Lots of people have great ideas but can’t find anybody who wants them. The trick is to match the inspiration with the people’s needs.
“We’ve interviewed hundreds of people at car shows and speed…
McHenry, IL (June 21, 2010) The star of this show-stopping sweepstakes campaign is a one-of-a-kind Raybestos ’32 Roadster Pickup. The promotion has been developed to help engage DIYers, hotrodders, and race fans in celebrating the racing heritage and performance of Raybestos Brakes and Chassis Parts. From now until August 31, 2010, consumers can enter to win a Raybestos ’32 Roadster Pickup — built by Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods in Burbank, California. The…
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. Good initial set up and keeping a close eye on the valve lash can alert you to a problem before it leads to a pernicious death of your powerplant. We checked with some of the industry’s top engine builders to find out what everyone should know about setting and adjusting valve lash.
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Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA claimed the $20,000 …
The Dodge County Speedway in Kasson, Minn., always seems to …
Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN won his first career Hillbilly …