TorqStorm Updates: Sales, Relocation, and what we can learn from Tuner Kits
By Martha Maglone: According to Chris Beardsley of TorqStorm, the Michigan supercharger firm produced and supplied more kits by July 2018 than it accomplished during the entire year of 2017. Formed in 2009, TorqStorm is a subsidiary of Accelerated...
Yoder on the foolish selection of aggressive camshafts, roller lifter failures, and valve springs
The primary reason for selecting an aggressive camshaft profile is to bolster the inefficiencies of a cylinder head. The more aggressive the cam profile, the more spring loading is required to keep the lifter in contact with the lobe. Aggressive cam profiles are...
Valve springs, valve clearance, bounce, float, and surge: A few helpful details
By Archie Bosman: Valve springs have two primary tasks: first, to close the valve after the camshaft opens it and, second, to maintain proper valve clearance, also known as valve lash. Why valve clearance is required for solid tappets (lifters) Valve clearance, or...
Developing Benetton’s F1 Active suspension system
By Dave Hamer: I joined Benetton in 1988 when they decided to create an R&D department to support their Formula One active suspension ambitions. Both Lotus and Williams had already seized the moment, pushing well ahead with similar programs. Though Benetton was...
How Kaase’s 2017 EMC-winning engine proved a point:
This two-paragraph brief from engine builder Jon Kaase was uncovered during our research of the more extensive accompanying article on valve springs, valve clearance, bounce, float and surge. Excessive valve spring pressure and its effect on lifters By Alfie...
Resurrected from the depths after 34 years.
By Freddie Heaney: Donald Campbell’s 300mph record-breaking jet-powered hydroplane, Bluebird K7, has been rebuilt. The vessel was salvaged in March 2001 from the bottom of Lake Coniston, in Cumbria, England, following Campbell's fatal crash in 1967. It is now...
Sig Erson: the rise of an unusual mind
This story languished for a month, at least; materials revealing the timeless technique of racing camshaft development seemed obscure and far away. Then Californian Lyle Larson, the accomplished former drag racer, emerged with illuminating experiences from the...
Tom “Mongoose” McEwen
By V. Moore: Tom McEwen was a rare bird: he had an intelligent, productive mind, a gambler’s nerve, and a dependable nature. Remembered for his lack of envy and guile, he was one of the most popular and charismatic personalities in US drag racing. More importantly,...
Hot Rod Power Tour visits Chattanooga
Sunday, 10 June 2018: The grounds of the Chattanooga State Community College, located on the banks of the Tennessee River, hosted the first stop for the participants of this year’s Hot Rod Power Tour. Hundreds of Long Haulers, many revisiting the vivid images of...
Competition valve locks: Brief guide.
By Fergus Ogilvy: Even a brief assessment of the valve lock will quickly convince us it’s at the heart of the competition valve train. If engines are exposed to over-revving—provoking valve springs and sometimes valve retainers to float—we are dependent upon the valve...
2018 Hot Rod Power Tour: World’s largest traveling car show
Meet the TorqStorm crew on the Long Haul. TorqStorm co-founders Scott Oshinski (third from right) and Chris Brooker (far right), together with their factory crew, have committed to the Long Haul option of this year’s Hot Rod Power Tour, Saturday 9 June...
Joe Hornick provides technical aid to three top finishers at NHRA Topeka
Courtney Force, Robert Hight, and Shawn Cowie. TOPEKA, Kan., 21 May 2018: Courtney Force captured her first career back-to-back NHRA Funny Car victories on Monday afternoon at the 30th annual Menards NHRA Heartland Nationals. Poor weather postponed track activity...