Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Compression Options for a Chevy 427 Big Block
I picked up a 1969 L72 427. It has a stock short block with 11:1 pistons, a forged steel crank, and four-bolt mains. I’m using a COMP Cams 270 hydraulic […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: How Piston Valve Reliefs Can Affect Combustion Chamber Volume
I am building a 355ci small block Chevy and considering which piston to use. I’m leaning toward a set of stock replacement cast pistons with four valve reliefs. What I […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: Calculating Compression Ratio on an Unknown Engine with Domed Pistons
My dad built this 383 small block Chevy probably 20 years ago. The heads are off the engine and it has domed pistons but I don’t know any details—like the […]
Ask Away: How to Figure Out Compression Ratio On an Engine with Unknown Dished Pistons
I have a 355ci small block Chevy that I bought that has dished pistons but I don’t know anything about them. The heads are off right now. I’d like to […]
Ask Away! with Jeff Smith: The Science Behind Low-Compression Engines
I’ve seen a couple of posts where the discussion is about how much compression to run and still use a supercharger. There were lots of ideas kicked around but it […]
Mailbag: Will Advancing Your Cam Solve Your Low-End Power Problem?
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. We work with the Summit Racing tech department to help you tackle your auto-related conundrums. In this week’s Mailbag, we’re helping a reader find low-end power in […]
Mailbag: Understanding Compression Ratios and Cylinder Pressure
Q: I have a question about engine compression. What would the following compression ratios be in terms of pounds per square inch (psi) of cylinder pressure? 8:1 compression 9:1 compression 10:1 […]