Mailbag: Correcting Speedometer Gears for Accurate MPH Readings
Q: I am having trouble finding the correct speedometer gear for my 1970 Mustang. The car has a top loader 4-speed transmission and a 4.10:1 rear-end ratio. I’m running 26-inch-tall […]
Author: Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews was a mechanic for the U.S. Army, a Ford dealership, and served for many years as a fleet mechanic for construction companies. Now a technical content producer at Summit Racing, Dave has spent decades working on everything from military vehicles to high performance race machines.
Monday Mailbag: A Basic Introduction to Ignition Timing
Q: I‘ve owned a few vehicles, but I’m new to engine tuning and automotive mechanics in general. What can you tell me about ignition timing? In particular, how does advancing or […]
Mailbag: Properly Installing Battery Disconnect Switches
Q: My new battery disconnect switch has two large terminals, and two smaller terminals. How should I hook it up? A: The large terminals should be connected (in series) to positive battery […]
Mailbag: Understanding Internal Balance vs. External Balance Chevy Flexplates
Q: The 350 engine in my 1990 Chevy truck needs a flexplate. Some guys tell me it’s internally balanced, while others say it’s externally balanced. I don’t know which flexplate to […]
Mailbag: Choosing Fuel Lines for a Street Rod Build
Q: I’m getting ready to plumb my ’33 Ford with new fuel lines. What type of line should I be using? A: It’s no secret, the formulation of pump gas has changed […]
Mailbag: Choosing a Cam, Gear & Converter for Optimal Cruising Power
Q: The 350 Chevy in my Pontiac LeMans needs a new bumpstick, and I’m looking at COMP Cams Extreme Energy XE274-10 camshaft (part #CCA-CL12-246-3). I plan on running a TH-350 transmission […]
Mailbag: The Frugal Gearhead’s Guide to Determining a Car’s Weight
Q: I am converting my rear suspension to a coil-over system, and I see spring options vary by the weight of the car. What is the most cost-effective way to determine […]
Monday Mailbag: Setting Up a Brand New Carburetor for Optimum Performance
Q: I was shopping around for a new carburetor recently, and I noticed some carburetors being described as calibrated and ready-to-run out of the box. Is there really such thing as a “ready-to-run” […]
Mailbag: How to Adapt Braided AN Line to an Aftermarket Transmission Cooler
Q: My ’72 C10 has a TH-700-R4 transmission. I want to run braided AN line to an aftermarket transmission cooler with -6 AN ports. What fittings will I need to adapt […]
Mailbag: Return vs. Non-Return Style Fuel Pressure Regulators
Q: I’m building a fuel system for my 1969 Chevelle. I plan on running an electric fuel pump that puts out a maximum pressure of 14 psi. What type of fuel […]