Mailbag: 409 Stainless Steel vs. 304 Exhaust Materials
Q: What is the difference between 304 and 409 stainless steel? … A: All stainless steel contains chromium and other elements. The added elements make the metal harder, stronger, and […]
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Mailbag: The Difference Between Flat Tappet and Roller Camshafts
Q: What is the difference between a flat tappet and a roller camshaft? … A: Camshafts are classified by the type of lifter they use. The lobes on the cam […]
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Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Comparing Pedal Effort with Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Clutch Systems
Does a hydraulic system make the clutch pedal effort easier than a mechanical linkage? A friend of mine says the effort will be the same because all the force is […]
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Mailbag: Key Differences Between Internal & External Engine Balance
Q: What’s the difference between internal and external engine balance? … A: An engine must be balanced to ensure smooth operation. Balancing an engine minimizes vibration which maximizes engine life. […]
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Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Pro Tips for Mating a 2002 Chevy Trans to a 1999 Engine
Will a 2002 Chevy transmission work behind a ‘99 Chevy motor? Is wiring or computer an issue? I work at a junkyard and the interchange says one year only. This […]
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Mailbag: What is Valve Spring Coil Bind?
Q: What is valve spring coil bind? … A: Coil bind happens when the valve spring is fully compressed. The coils of the spring contact each other. This stops the […]
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Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Adding Power to a Ski Boat SBC—EFI or Carburetor?
I’ve got a direct-drive ski boat with a worn out 350 c.i.d. small-block Chevy. I’m thinking about building a new engine with modest goals. It’s a family boat, but I […]
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Mailbag: What Does an Oil Restrictor Do?
Q: What is an oil restrictor? … A: An oil restrictor installs in the oil passages of the engine block. It limits the flow of oil to certain parts of […]
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Mailbag: Identifying the Manual Transmission in the 2001 Ford Mustang
Q: How do I tell the difference between a Tremec 3650 and a T-5 transmission in my Mustang? … A: In 2001, Ford used two different manual transmissions in that […]
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Mailbag: Breaking in Ceramic Coated Headers
Q: How do I break in my new headers? … A: Most ceramic coated headers will come partially cured. The following break-in procedure will help to fully cure the coating. […]
