Steering feel: In all probability 90% of oval track racers don’t know how to acquire it
By Archie Bosman-- Kennesaw, GA: Using the correct flow valve: Electric steering in mass-produced road cars is now widespread. It is a little like ethanol in our fuel: you'll be hard pressed to find an enthusiast who favors it yet we are stuck with it. But actually...
Oil Leaks, Tuning Issues, and Proper Crankcase Ventilation
By Gordon Young: Is improper control of blow-by gases in your crankcase causing problems in your engine? If any of these questions below sound familiar, then read on. “Why does my engine leak oil? I took care when fitting the gaskets and seals.” “Why do my valve...
Clarifying piston balancing with a few words from Kaase
By Titus Bloom: “It’s hard for me to be persuaded on the merits of piston balancing,” said a leading oval track engine builder recently. “While operating, the piston is being thrust up against one side of the cylinder wall,” he continued, “wedged in one direction on...
Joe Hornick: The man who mastered consultancy in racing
By Bertie S. Brown: At the lower rear corner of the rear wing of 2017 Funny Car National Champion, Robert Hight, a decal displays three letters: JHE, an abbreviation of Joe Hornick Enterprises. Hight won this year’s national championship at Pomona, Calif., and JHE,...
Adding Boost? Compression, cams, and installation headaches.
By Fergus Ogilvy: The two most common uncertainties about the prospects of supercharging are fitment and engine tune. Will the supercharger fit under the hood and will it operate with all its accessories: alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning...
Vintage class winner: EMC attracts unexpected 600,000 views
By Alfie Bilk: Jon Kaase has won this year’s Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge Vintage class with a 473ci 1958 MEL (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) engine. Exploring the classic turf in distinctive fashion, it was not the first time Kaase had arrived with an unorthodox relic...
How camshaft grinds go awry:
Do not stray beyond the confines of the hard rim - By Titus Bloom: Two months ago, I confronted an industry friend, Jack McInnis, about Erson, asking about their progress. He told me they always seem busy. How so I wondered. They don’t rely much on publicizing...
What is core shift and why is it detrimental?
How a clever concept remedied misalignment in competition engine blocks - By Archie Bosman: No other engine deficiency would have irritated racers, particularly professional drag racers of the last century, like core shift. A bitter source of anguish, they would...
To intercool or not to intercool?
But first an amusing, brief story involving a big-block Chevrolet, an intercooler, and freon. By Sam Logan “I’m no authority on intercoolers,” admits performance carburetor specialist Dale Cubic of CFM, “but I do recall a memorable moment five years ago that involved...