Mailbag: Low Oil Pressure and How it Affects Your Engine Bearings
Q: I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me: Could low oil pressure (15-20 psi) spin a main bearing or otherwise ruin an engine? How can you […]
Mailbag: Could Your Engine’s Power Loss Be a Sign of a Poor Cooling System?
Q: I own a Chevy Impala with a 468-cubic-inch big block Chevy engine. It has 12:1 compression, Crane 298-degree duration cam, oval port cylinder heads, 926 cfm Holley double pumper […]
Mailbag: Troubleshooting and Tuning a Holley 1850 Carburetor
Q: I have a 355-cubic-inch small block Chevy. The carburetor is a Holley 1850, 600 cfm with manual choke and vacuum secondaries. My problem is, the secondaries won’t open at any […]
Mailbag: How to Calculate Brake Pedal Ratio and Master Cylinder Size
Q: I’m putting together a disc brake system for a custom build. What can you tell me about setting up brake pedal ratio for optimum performance? Also, what can you tell me about […]
Mailbag: How to Read the Timing Marks on Small Block Ford Balancers
Q: I’ve purchased a new harmonic balancer for the small block in my 1965 Mustang. There are three separate sets of degree marks on the balancer. Which should I use to […]
Mailbag: Tips for Changing Valve Seals Without Removing the Cylinder Heads
Q: I’m changing the valve seals on my 1973 Camaro. The cylinder heads are on the engine, and the engine is in the car. I’m using compressed air to hold the valves […]
Mailbag: Diagnosing Erratic Tachometer Readings
Q: I recently installed a shift light tachometer into my 1969 Chevy C10 2WD pickup with a 250-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine. The engine has an HEI distributor. Even though I followed […]
Mailbag: Examining Causes for Sporadic Spark Plug Fouling
Q: I have a mild 383-cubic-inch small block with 9.5:1 compression, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, and 750 cfm Holley double pumper carburetor. It also has a mild hydraulic roller cam and roller rockers. My question is […]
Mailbag: Causes and Cures for Engine Oil Mist
Q: I have a Chevy coupe with a 383 motor, a four-speed transmission, and a 3.73-geared 12-bolt rear axle. The engine is a four-bolt with nodular iron crank, 9.5:1 compression forged […]
Mailbag: Building a Big Block-Powered 12-Second 1969 Chevy Camaro
Q: I’m in the process of building a street/strip Camaro. My goal is to run high 12s in the quarter, with a few restrictions. I am going to use a 454 […]