Engine Builder 2016-12

DECEMBER 2016 EngineBuilderMag.
com
THE
BIG CHILL
What You Can’t See But Should
Know About Cryogenics
PLUS
Head Porting
How To Sell Balancing
The Fuel Injection Phenomenon
Circle 2 on Reader Service Card for more information
Contents 12.16
Features ON THE COVER
Cryogenic Metal Treatment

Head Porting Cryogenics is similar to heat-treating in that the metal is
strengthened; but the process does not make it harder, just
When the topic turns to more durable. Cryogenic processing involves lowering the
performance cylinder heads, temperature of metal engine components to more than -300°
the words flow and porting
F. This cooling process apparently rearranges the crystals
seem to always come up.
We all know the “why” of within the metal, realigning the atomic structure and relieving
port work (to achieve more stress. Contributor Bob McDonald gives us a more in-depth
usable power from the look at how this process benefits engine parts and whether it
engine), but the “how” can really works.
be a completely different
story. Contributor Tim Allen 32
illustrates this point with a
comparative look at two domestic V8 engines.
Fuel Injection
The intake on a fuel injection
power plant is the most
visible part of the engine
while the ram tubes, injectors,
and fuel lines make it look
36
intricately sleek. With recent
developments, simple
mechanical fuel injection (MFI)
24
is also useful for a level of complex control in performance
applications approaching that of electronic fuel injection
(EFI). Bob and Jennifer Szabo further explain the fuel
injection phenomenon.
Engine Balancing COLUMNS

Engine balancing principals
have not changed for years,
but balancing machines have. Vintage Voice................... 14
Although they have not really By John Gunnell
gotten any more accurate
Don’t throw those old Mustang parts away
the ease of completing a job
has been made much easier. 42
Engine balancing has to be
one of the top three upgrades that you need your customer Diesel Performance......... 18
to buy into when selling an engine or parts where the By Ron Knoch
assembly needs to be balanced. Proper balancing is critical
to add life expectancy to the engine. Diesel racing continues to grow in popularity
Departments Final Wrap....................... 48

By Doug Kaufman, Editor
News and Events..............................4 Engine Builder of the Year 2016
Shop Solutions...............................10
Commerce Connect.........................46 ENGINE BUILDER
founded Oct. 1964
Copyright 2016
COVER DESIGN BY RJ POOCH Babcox Media Inc.
ENGINE BUILDER (ISSN 1535-041X)
(December 2016, Volume 52, Number 12): Published monthly by Babcox Media Inc., 3550 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333 U.S.A. Phone (330) 670-1234, FAX (330) 670-0874.
Periodical postage paid at Akron, OH 44333 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ENGINE BUILDER, 3550 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333.
A limited number of complimentary subscriptions are available to individuals who meet the qualification requirements. Call (330) 670-1234, Ext. 275, to speak to a subscription services
representative or FAX us at (330) 670-5335. Paid Subscriptions are available for non-qualified subscribers at the following rates: U.S.: $69 for one year. Canada: $89 for one year. Ca-
nadian rates include GST. Ohio residents add current county sales tax. Other foreign rates/via air mail: $129 for one year. Payable in advance in U.S. funds. Mail payment to ENGINE
BUILDER, P.O. Box 75692, Cleveland, OH 44101-4755. VISA, MasterCard or American Express accepted. Publisher reserves the right to reject any subscription that does not conform
to his standards or buying power coverage. Advertising which is below standard is refused. Opinions in signed articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of this magazine or
its publisher. Diligent effort is made to ensure the integrity of every statement. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage.
2 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

Industry News
Federal-Mogul Motorparts’ Third Annual Industry Events
Automotive Technician Scholarships
For the third consecutive year, Federal-Mogul Motorparts will award $30,000 in — JANUARY 2017——
scholarships to future automotive technicians who are enrolled in accredited, U.S.-based 11-24 North American
automotive technical schools, colleges or universities. The scholarships are part of the International Auto Show
company’s comprehensive “Tech First” initiative, which includes the nationwide Garage (NAIAS 2017)
Gurus network of technical education centers. Detroit, MI
www.naias.org
Federal-Mogul will award 12 $2,500 Garage Gurus Automotive Technician
23-26 Heavy-Duty Aftermarket
Scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic year. Applications are being accepted now and
Week (HDAW 2017)
are available at www.FMgaragegurus.com/scholarship. All materials must be submitted Las Vegas, NV
by April 30, 2017. www.hdaw.org
Scholarship awards will be based on completed applications, written essays or
——— FEBRUARY———
videos describing “Why I want to be a top technician,” and other criteria. All applications
and related materials will be reviewed by Federal-Mogul Motorparts employees and its 25-26 Race & Performance Expo
Schaumburg, IL
team of ASE Master certified Garage Gurus. raceperformanceexpo.com
——— MARCH————
25-26 Mid-America
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow announces Jr. Dragster Series Trucking Show
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow has announced the addition of the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Louisville, KY
Dragster Series. In 2017, Hot Rodders will partner with Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super www.truckingshow.com
Series, which is run by Dave Beimfohr and supported by Trevor Wiggins from Comp Cams and
three-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown. The Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr.
Super Series is scheduled to run nine events next year.
“This new alliance between the HROT and the MJSS will allow
us to reach a much larger segment of our young enthusiasts, giving
them more opportunities to become involved with this great industry
and sport,” Dave Beimfohr said. “This is just the beginning.”
Both Brown and Wiggins currently have their children competing
in the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series.
Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series will bring an
additional 600 students into the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Program.
With the growth of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, and the addition of
the Protect the Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series, The Hot Rodders
of Tomorrow Program will have approximately 1,600 students
enrolled in 2017. Hot Rodders will use this blueprint to expand the
Series over the next few years to become a Nationwide Jr. Dragster
Program.
Lee Robinson, a National Sales Manager at Hedman Hedders, stated, “The merger between Hot Rodders and Protect the
Harvest Midwest Jr. Super Series will extend the reach of this fantastic program. The more kids that you can reach out to and
show there’s several different opportunities in the automotive world, the better.”
Performance Warehouse Association’s 2017 Election Results

Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) has announced the election results for the term of
2017-2018. PWA President, Tracie Nunez, stated, “We’re excited to retain Dave Ziozios, Motovicity
Distribution, and John DeBalso, AAM USA, for an additional term. Their experience and passion for
the industry will continue to be a tremendous asset to the PWA board.”
Dave Ziozios, Motovicity Distribution – PWA Treasurer
Dave Ziozios (above) Dave will be serving his second term as Treasurer on the PWA Board. He is dedicated to serving
John DeBalso (below) as an engaged and supportive member of the board who is eager to position PWA as the leading
source for industry news, events and all subject matter.
John DeBalso, AAM USA – PWA Board Member
John will enter into his second term as a PWA Board member. He has proudly served on the PWA
Board for two years and is dedicated to the causes that are important to you and our industry as a
whole.
For information PWA and its activities, visit www.pwa-par.org.

Industry News
PWA Names EPWI’s Paul Van Woensel

2016 Pioneer Award Winner
PWA named Paul Van Woensel for being named PWA’s 2016 Pioneer of the Year.
The Pioneer Award is voted on by active PWA board of directors in recognition
of outstanding contributions to the automotive aftermarket distribution
system and in appreciation of conscientious dedication to the industry and was
presented during PWA’s Annual Membership Breakfast in Las Vegas during
SEMA.
“Paul, president of Engine & Performance Warehouse, Inc., headquartered
in Denver has a great passion for the automotive aftermarket business. He has
labored to be a good steward of our industry and contributed significant time
and effort to the furtherance of our industry’s goals.
“During his entire career, Paul has been a well-recognized and an active industry participant and supporter. Paul has served on
behalf of numerous industry associations including the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA) Board of Directors.
“The Pioneer award is a very special honor given to the industry leaders who built PWA and the automotive distribution
system. Paul represents what a true leader is and PWA is fortunate he continues to serve PWA’s membership,” said Tracie Nunez,
president of Performance Warehouse Association.
“Thanks to PWA and its members. An award is always more special when it comes from your peers,” said Van Woensel.
Champion Racing Oil Announces ACDelco Launches New Diesel Training Seminars
2017 ‘Elite Racer’ Program
As part of its ongoing
The Champion 2017 ‘ELITE RACER’ Program commitment to keeping
in conjunction with Lane Automotive is an all- independent aftermarket
encompassing marketing program designed to technicians abreast of the
link Champion racing and performance lubricants latest vehicle technologies,
directly to regional and national racers for most ACDelco is launching six
sanctioned racing events in North America new online seminars. The
including the National Hot Rod Association web-based courses are less
(NHRA), All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC), than three hours long, and
American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), World of there are no enrollment
Outlaws (WoO), and the United States Auto Club prerequisites.
(USAC). Training Now Available:
For more information regarding the 2017 2.8L Duramax Diesel
Champion ‘ELITE RACER” Program the convenient Engines (S-EP08-84.01WBT):
on-line registration form can be found at https:// This course presents a description of the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine –
form.jotform.com/60314582661150. available in the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups – and
includes a detailed overview of the engine’s
applications and specifications. The course
will also provide a comprehensive overview
of the 2.8L diesel engine components, as
well as its aftertreatment system.
Diesel Engine Performance 4 (S-EP08-
86.01WBT): The content in this course
covers the new generation of diesel
aftertreatment systems. The course
will provide a general overview of the
aftertreatment system as well as cover its
operation. Students will be provided in-
depth information on components, sensors,
and the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system.
circle 6 for more information

Industry Insight
5 Mistakes Most Shop Owners Make Every Day

By Bob Cooper
I
have found over the years that very moment they walk through their of your shop, you should greet every
despite all their good intentions, there door. employee in the same heartfelt way you
are 5 mistakes that most shop owners 1. They forget to say two simple would if you just had one employee.
make, not just sometimes, but every words. Most shop owners fail to say, It’s a manager’s responsibility to keep
single day. The first mistake comes the “Good morning!” Regardless of the size employees inspired.
2. They forget to have clearly defined
goals. This is why the most successful
shop owners not only have their goals
in place, but they break them down into
monthly, weekly and daily goals. They
then share those goals with all relative
employees.
3. They forget to catch their
employees doing things right. Most shop
owners catch their employees making
mistakes, but unfortunately, they fail to
catch them when they are doing things
right. Regardless of whether it’s saying
something as simple as, “Great job,
Mike!” or taking an employee aside to
give them a heartfelt thank you for what
they have just done, it’s critical to the
success of every business. By praising
positive performance when it occurs
you’re reinforcing the behavior, and
improving morale.
4. They help … in the wrong ways.
It’s the role of a shop owner to help his
or her employees do their job well, but
not to do their job for them. If a shop
owner has a technical background,
and one of his technicians runs into a
problem, he will often jump in to help.
Although the intentions are good, there
is a better approach. Simply put, you
should lead employees to the answer,
rather than providing it to them. If you
give a man a fish, he will eat for a day,
yet if you teach him how to fish, he
will eat for a lifetime. It’s no different in
business.
5. They try to be everything to
everybody. Most shop owners have
big hearts, and they want to help as
many people as they can. Yet, what they
fail to realize is that they can never be
everything to everybody. Successful
owners understand the value of telling
some people that unfortunately, they’re
unable to help them with their particular
needs.
will increase the chamber size by a couple GET THE FACTS ON
of CCs, so you really can’t be sure of the USED OIL ANALYSIS
chambers volume without measuring There is an old adage that says, “You
them with a burette. can’t change what you can’t measure.”
I used to use water in the burette for Accurate measurements are basically
my measurments, but water doesn’t work facts you can use to make measurable
very well. It has high retention and is changes. When it comes to engine wear
clear which makes it harder to see. What protection, it’s always good to have
WATER PUMP VALVE I have found that works very well and FACTS, and used oil analysis provides
STAND is inexpensive is ordinary windshield facts.
I use some large water pump pulleys to wiper fluid. The windshield wiper fluid No matter what your application – a
hold valves while glass bead cleaning has low retention, its color is easy to see turbo diesel pulling truck, a naturally
them. I rest the valve on the rim of the and a gallon will last for months! Not to aspirated drag race engine, a farm
pulley, the overspray also cleans some of mention it also helps to keep the burette tractor, a boat, a motorcycle, a hot rod or
the other valves at the same time. This clean. anything in between - every situation is
also saves wear and tear on the floor of different and presents its own challenges,
the machine and prolongs the life of the Ben Hoitink but doing used oil analysis is easy and
gloves. Hughes Engines not very expensive. Collecting used oil
Washington, IL samples for analysis is quick and easy,
Wes Schell and it provides a wealth of information.
Schell Engine & Machine CALIBRATE FOR PENNIES Most heavy equipment dealers, like
Gregory, SD To calibrate our gram scales without an Caterpillar or John Deere, sell used oil
expensive weight set, I use a nickel. It analysis kits for about $30.
COMBUSTION CHAMBER weighs exactly 5 grams, so several of Take a 3 oz sample of lubricant
VOLUME SOLUTION them can be used to check accuracy in 5 directly from the engine (3 oz is not
Measuring combustion chamber volume gram increments (5=25g, 20 = 100g etc.). considered hazardous so you can send
is an important step when trying to it via regular mail) within a couple of
achieve a specific compression ratio in a Miles Rogers minutes of shutting off the engine. The
custom engine build. CNC machining the BP Rods engine must be properly warmed up
chambers or even sinking the valve job Magnolia, TX to ensure the oil has been circulated
Circle 10 for more information

well and that the sample is representative. heating, accelerated
Next, fill out the form to identify the wear and ultimately the
sample for processing and send it off to failure of the engine. If
the lab. You’re done. viscosity change is greater
In a few days, you’ll get the results than + or – 10% of the new oil
back and you don’t need to be Ph. D. to value, it is considered marginal;
read the report. The lab will provide a changes greater than + or - 20 %
general interpretation of results. It’s that
simple - and it can make a big difference.
are considered critical.
Measuring wear metals involves
Shop Solutions
It’s good practice to have the oil analyzed understanding the concentration of – The Power of
on a periodic basis, like every 6 to 12
months for road cars and at least every
expected and unexpected elements in
your oil. You can know what to expect
Knowledge
few races for a race car. by analyzing the new oil before putting Engine Builder and Engine
Correctly interpreting oil analysis results it in the engine. This becomes your Pro present Shop Solutions
is critical for making good decisions about reference sample. From this, you know in each issue of Engine
preventive maintenance and is a skill that is what metals like zinc and phosphorus Builder magazine and at
easily learned. It is important to understand are naturally in the oil, and it lets you see enginebuildermag.com.
that the report does not always pinpoint a which metals like iron are wear metals
specific problem, but it will provide details in the used oil. Elemental analysis cannot The feature is intended to
for troubleshooting. The results are usually measure particles larger then 10 microns provide machine shop owners
organized in a spreadsheet with numbers leaving a blind spot to larger particles.
and engine technicians the
opportunity to share their
indicating the test results. Some variance is normal in the results.
knowledge to benefit the entire
Check the report to make sure it includes Any change less than 20 ppm is typical, industry and their own shops.
your name, sample date, mileage or time changes greater than 50 ppm be cautious.
on the oil, the type of oil used and the ID of When you see changes greater than 100 Those who submit Shop
the engine. The lab has a rating system that ppm, be alarmed. Solutions that are published are
notifies you of normal, marginal and critical Contamination from even the smallest awarded a prepaid $100 Visa
levels, so the report will list the condition of particles – such as water, metals, dust, gift card.
your engine and lubricant. Any comments sand and rubber – can produce significant
from the analyst who reviewed your results damage, so monitoring the level of
can help you gauge the severity of a problem contaminants is critical. The goal is to detect
and provide a suggested course of action. the contaminants, identify their source and
These are the basic facts related to used oil determine how to prevent further entry.
analysis and how to interpret the results: Elements that suggest contamination
Viscosity is the most important test run include silicon, boron, potassium, and Engine Pro is a nationwide
on the oil. The test measures a lubricant’s sodium. Water is a terrible lubricant and network of distributors that
resistance to flow at a specific temperature. promotes rust and corrosion of metal warehouse a full line of
If not correct for the load, the oil film cannot surfaces, so it poses a serious threat to an internal engine components for
be established. Without enough oil flow, heat engine. domestic and import passenger
and contamination are not carried away at car, light truck, heavy duty,
the appropriate rates. The oil can not protect Lake Speed Jr. industrial, marine, agricultural
the engine properly which can lead to over Driven Racing Oil and performance applications.
They also produce engine

parts under the Engine Pro
name that offer premium
features at an affordable price.
EngineBuilderMag.com 11
ADVERTORIAL
Replica Cars, Original Engines

Buried deep within a convoluted, for decades, allowing manufacturers to sell have to ensure that the electronic controls
confounding and confusing document titled for individual aftermarket, performance are up to the task as well. Here’s the other
the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation and add-on parts for individual engines on stuff. “You have to use the production
Act” are a few paragraphs that enable particular vehicles for specific applications. engine, production harness and production
low-volume car manufacturers to supply The challenge has been, to get a complete controller,” explains Curt Collins, Associate
consumers with classically styled vehicles that engine package to meet these standards. Manager Chevrolet Performance, COPO and
resemble production vehicles manufactured Chevrolet’s E-ROD systems are the only Performance Parts Licenses. “Regulations
at least 25 years ago. engines available with a CARB E.O. dictate that you can’t change the control
Passage of H.R. 22 (and specifically, Sec. “California is the only state that actually system. Our controllers are looking for all
24405 within it) means that the National can make its own emission regulations, and sorts of things: it may be the chime when you
Highway and Traffic Safety Administration they can do it as long as it’s as stringent or open the door or don’t plug in your seatbelt;
(NHTSA) is required to create a simplified it’s talking to the radio; navigation and all
regulatory program that takes into account those great features in a new car, all have to
the unique differences between a go in that replica car because that engine
company that mass produces a very controller and body controller – things that
large number of cars and one that hand you can’t touch – are looking for them. If
crafts a limited number. the controller doesn’t find them the check
“This new law presents an engine light comes on, and you don’t
opportunity for our member companies pass emissions – the car may not even
to grow and diversify their business run.”
models,” says The alternative is to use a certified
SEMA President engine package from one of the original
and CEO Chris equipment manufacturers. “CARB is much
Kersting. “In the more flexible because its system is basically
process, it will create a derivative of the existing aftermarket parts
skilled-labor jobs in the auto system, so it already has a mechanism that
industry, help meet consumer demand allows for the necessary modifications that
for classically styled vehicles and ensure that more stringent than at the federal level,” you need to do. We’ve modified the E-ROD
our automotive heritage is preserved.” explains Frank Bohanan, Performance Parts package, basically dumbing down the ECU to
Obviously, replica vehicles have been Project Lead Engineer for General Motors. create a completely different controller than
available in America for decades, but those “By virtue of that, it also gives them the what’s in a production car,” Bohanan says.
cars were classified as “kit cars,” rolling ability to match the federal regulations when “Unlike some of our competitors,” he
chassis in which the buyer installed the they come out. Now, since they already continues, “we still retain the functionality
engine and/or transmission. Kit cars are not know what the purpose of the law is, and of things like variable valve timing. Some of
held to the same motor vehicle standards they already have a law on the books for the stuff out there, they give you a control
and owners may find it difficult to obtain specially constructed vehicles, all California system, and they lock the cams, and you’re
financing, registration and insurance. The is doing is to take this existing law and not getting anywhere near as much of a
new law will allow consumers to purchase expand its applicability from just individuals performance or efficiency benefit.”
complete “turn-key” cars complete with to individuals plus low-volume manufacturers. General Motors currently stands alone
vehicle identification numbers (VIN). The law gives you two options. You can either in the industry with an LS3 E-ROD engine
By definition, a low volume manufacturer have an engine that California blesses or an package designed and certified for the low-
is a company whose annual worldwide engine that the EPA blesses. There’s a big volume vehicle manufacturer. The complete
production (including by a parent or difference between the two because the EPA/ package includes complete emissions
subsidiary of the manufacturer) is not more NHTSA way of doing things is essentially equipment as well as the engine controller
than 5,000 motor vehicles each year, with no saying you take a production engine and and harness and installation instructions.
more than 325 of those being sold in the U.S. you lift the whole emissions system out of a Three other models of E-ROD engines are
The new law allows replica car production car and you put it in a low-volume also available with CARB E.O.: the 6.2L LS3
manufacturers to install a current-model-year car. There are some very practical limitations (430 hp); 6.2L supercharged LSA (556 hp) and
engine system produced by one of the large to doing that.” 6.2L LT1 with direct injection, all designed
automakers and certified by the EPA and Not only would you have to fit the entire for individuals wishing to upgrade their older
California Air Resources Board. The entire fuel tank, exhaust system and any related vehicles.
engine must have a CARB E.O. number. emissions components from a current-year
CARB has been issuing E.O. numbers vehicle into a vintage-looking car, you would For more information: www.chevrolet.com/hr22.

Don’t Throw
Vintage Voice
Those Old
Mustang JOHN GUNNELL
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Parts Away
JGUNNELL@ENGINEBUILDERMAG.COM
D
on’t throw those old their obsolete parts. Perkins acquired Mustang Boss 429s. If you know
Mustang parts away. That’s quite a collection of Ford hardware your Mustang history, you’ll
what Bob Perkins of Perkins and today he uses those parts to remember that 500 of these cars had
Restoration (www.perkinsrestoration. build ‘just-like-they-came-from-the- to be built as “production models” in
com) in Juneau, WI told many Ford factory’ Mustang restorations. order to qualify the Boss 429 engine
dealers back in the 1970s. Perkins Although Perkins’ collection for use in NASCAR stock cars.
somehow came up with a list of of parts, engines and cars covers Perkins Restoration does just
every Ford dealer in the country and all Ford Motor Co. cars – not just about everything other than
whenever he traveled around, he Mustangs – his specialty is super- machining. “We do things no one
would visit them and try to buy up authentic restorations of six-figure wants to do, like putting the cylinder
A big-block Ford Boss 429 sits on an engine stand at Perkins Restoration in Ju-
neau, WI. It is flanked by a pair of other hot Ford Motor Co. power plants.
A new old stock Boss 429 8-venturi

(four two-barrel carburetors) inline
induction setup sitting on top of
its original Ford packaging. This is
a factory performance option you
really don’t see every day.

Vintage Voice
heads with o-rings on,” he told Engine

Builder. “We don’t have a dyno and we
don’t do chrome plating, but we do all
the engine assembly work right here in
our own shop.”
According to Perkins, it’s hard to
justify a professional restoration on
a regular Mustang because time and
materials will cost more than the car
is worth when it’s done. However, a
Boss 429 with a $500,000 restoration
can be worth $900,000 when finished.
“It’s still a good investment for the guy
who’s laying the money down for the
restoration,” Perkins explained. “That
The shelves at Perkins Restoration are lined with very hard to find
makes the high-end Mustangs like authentic Ford performance parts. Note the Member Shelby Racing
Shelbys and Boss 429s worth doing.” Division license plate.
Perkins’ collectibles include
dealership signs that promote different Hubert Platt’s ’69 “Canted Valve” 429 engine as “Ford’s answer to the Hemi
Ford engines and literature and Mustang engine that appeared on the Mopar Barracuda.”
memorabilia, as well as a number cover of Hot Rod magazine’s February Perkins does sell some of his rare
of rare engines including drag racer 1969 issue. Hot Rod described this parts and often lists items on his

Vintage Voice
website. Some of his recent

offerings include a new, old
stock Boss 302 engine, a new,
old stock Boss 429 8-barrel
inline induction setup and
a new, old stock 1950s Ford
engine dress up kit.
Bob Perkins is also a
contributing editor and
technical advisor to the
Mustang Club of America’s
Mustang Monthly. He writes
the “Resto Roundup” column
for that magazine and serves
as MCA’s Authenticity head
judge. He is also head judge
for the Shelby American
Automobile Club (SAAC).
He has been a Bloomington
Gold Survivor Zenith Judge
for Ford products and serves
as a Ford answer man for the
“My Classic Garage” expert
panel. ■
Q: What engines
do the neon signs
promote?
A: 1955 Ford 223-cid

inline six
with Holley single-
barrel carburetor 120 Mustang restorer Bob Perkins enjoys a rare moment of relaxation among his Ford
memorabilia and parts collection. If the boy with the most toys really wins, Perkins has to be
hp @ 4000 rpm and right up there.
1955 Ford 272-cid

overhead valve V-8
with Holley two-barrel
carburetor 162 hp at
4400 rpm.
Note: A 182-hp
Power Pak version of
this engine with a
four-barrel carburetor
was optional.
Diesel Racing
Diesel Performance
Continues To
Grow in 2016 RON KNOCH
PRESIDENT, DIESEL MOTORSPORTS
RKNOCH@ENGINEBUILDERMAG.COM
I
t was a busy year for all of us helped with this event last year for newcomer diesels. Diesel won in
at DIESEL Motorsports and the first time and in just a year we two classes and gas won in one class
for supporters and fans of our saw a big advancement in the quality with a lot of claims coming from
association. We hosted eight regional of performance diesels in Nebraska. both groups. The track owners said
events along with 50-plus affiliate This shows the sport is still growing a totally different crowd from their
events across the United States during into new areas where young people weekly fans came to watch these
2016. Starting in Nebraska in April (18-35) are embracing the sport of grudge matches.
and ending in Missouri in October, turning their farm diesel truck into a This is usually the case when
DIESEL Motorsports held diesel drag performance vehicle for drag racing DIESEL Motorsports brings an event
racing, sled pulling, dyno and show- or pulling. to a facility – the crowd is different
n-shine competitions, reaching many In May, we jumped over one state than the usual drag racing crowd.
thousands of fans and participants. to Missouri for a first-time event at The sport encompasses a lifestyle
The Nebraska Diesel Show is the US 36 Dragway with a “Diesel vs that appeals to rural people who use
managed by a state group of young Gas” pickup truck drag race in three diesel engines in their work, farm
men who love their diesels and have classes. This was very competitive or pleasure vehicles. There is even
held a show in Kearney, NE for over with a lot of long-time gas drag a difference between the diesel race
eight years. DIESEL Motorsports trucks wanting to go up against the group and the diesel pulling group,
but the one item that brings them
together is the diesel engine.
June’s event was in Muncie, IN
and is the oldest “diesel only” event
in the country. Thunder in Muncie
was started in 2001 by DIESEL
Motorsports owner Gene Mohney
and Eric McBride (DHRA) because
local drag strips and county fairs
would not allow diesel pickups into
their competitions. Well, a lot has
changed in just 16 years because you
can find a diesel pull and/or drag
race from Nebraska to New York
every night of the week in each state,
Monday through Sunday from June
first to the end of August.
Bruce Block won the Points

Championship for the third straight
year in his 2004 Dodge Ram 2500

Diesel Performance
At Thunder in Muncie we saw a lot

of fast diesel drag trucks with speeds
hitting 155-160 mph in the ¼ mile.
Many trucks were well over 1,500 hp
and many street trucks topped the
1,000 hp level.
DIESEL Motorsports’ largest event
of each year is the East Coast Diesel
Nationals in July at Numidia Dragway
in Pennsylvania. We had over 300 trucks
competing with over 5,000 diesel fans
watching diesel-only drag racing and
sled pulling going on simultaneously on
parallel tracks. Jake and Joe Slingluff in Empty Pockets pulling for the win in Numidia, PA.
Our team uses August as a tryout
month for new areas, which included
a drag race in Pennsylvania and a sled manufacturers and diesel shops that getting beat by outsiders bringing their
pull at the State’s largest fair in Wilson maintain the diesel trucks in those areas. trucks to the newer events. Then the
County. The new events open the market Another aspect of going into locals start spending more dollars to
to new areas and expands the sport new markets is meeting competitors upgrade their performance diesel truck
across the country. And expanding who think their trucks are the best in in order to compete the next year.
the sport means new business for horsepower and torque and end up In September, we went to the number

Diesel Performance
one state for diesel performance – both racing and pulling classes along in Quick Diesel and ET Bracket. Greg
Ohio. The venue at Marion County with the usual that have stepped up Hogue won the Top Diesel Points
International Raceway is another track their game with improved trucks. Championship in his GM Performance
at which we run drag racing right next Based on what we saw, the sport is Duramax Dragster.
to sled pulling. We saw many fast growing in power, not only in the top The sled pulling top points
trucks since the first part of the day classes, but in the street trucks too. The champion was in the 3.0/2.6 Class and
was slicks-only racing by the trucks. performance upgrades to the engines it was the team from Pennsylvania,
Those knobby tires tear up the surface this year were really the difference Jake and Joe Slingluff in their truck
of a drag track so we limited it to slicks makers for many of the trucks. Those “Empty Pockets.” These teams who
only for four hours in order for the fast improvements included performance travel the circuit and compete against
trucks to run. We had a lot of fast times cams, rods, pistons, rings, bearings, hundreds of other trucks work after
from 140-160 mph during those four gaskets, turbos, heads and the every event to either repair or upgrade
hours and then the other two classes ran components that added extra hp and in order to win.
in the afternoon. torque. There seems to be no slowing down
For the first time we ran a sled Both racers and pullers found ways the diesel performance movement
pulling class for Work Stock called to increase hp and torque, but also and I think following the elections, we
Super Street, which includes all OEM- found ways to drop weight for extra will continue to see an increase in the
like turbos with varied configurations time and inches for distance. Many use of diesel trucks along with newer
so long as they did not exceed a plug of of our rural shops are getting creative replacements for some of the older
2.55. There were a lot of trucks pulling in many different ways in order to trucks.
for the win but a 70+ year-old puller accomplish what their customers want This affects your business in many
from Indiana, John Shew took the win in their performance diesel trucks. different ways, by giving you the
in his Dually Dodge, pulling 304 feet. Those who came out on top for the opportunity to service newer trucks
We ended up back in Missouri with season in diesel drag racing include with accessories and performance
another “Diesel vs Gas” drag race Bruce Block who was crowned Top upgrades as well as repairing and
by popular demand and both sides Points Champion for the 2016 season running maintenance on the older
stepped it up a notch to compete for in the Unlimited Heads-up Class; and trucks still being used on a daily
purses. We saw a lot of new trucks in Larson Miller as Top Points Winner basis. ■
Greg Hogue in his GM Performance Duramax Dragster

THE
Cryogenics
BIG CH
Cryogenic Metal Treatment Benefits
May Not Be Visible But Are Real
By Bob McDonald, Technical Contributor
bmcdonald@enginebuildermag.com
and Larry Carley, Technical Editor
lcarley@babcox.com
W
hat is the purpose behind deep freezing engine parts
(and other components)? Though its roots go back to the the characteristics of the structure.
1800s, the cryogenic craze started about 20-plus years ago The uniformity of the crystalline or
micrograin structure of the metal is at
when news was that some Pro Stock teams were “freezing” engine
an atomic level. When a piece of steel or
parts. The only answer given when asked “why” was that the cold
cast iron is hardened, it is heated up into
temperatures somehow moved the grain structure in the alloy a range where the atoms of iron and the
making it more durable. atoms of carbon form a particular type
As time has passed, cryogenics has the treatment side and the end-user of crystal called austenite. This has a
become a well-known process that has side, being “well known” and “well relatively soft grain structure with weak
proven to be very effective. Today, there understood” aren’t the same thing. points. The cryogenic process causes this
are quite a few shops that specialize in While the process itself has a proven austenite to change to the more wear-
cryogenics and the process has become track record, there is still a certain resistant, yet more brittle martensite,
more affordable. In order to appreciate level of skepticism about the process’s which presents a more even crystalline
cryogenics let’s take a look at the process legitimacy. Rather than just being “snake structure.
and the benefits associated with it. oil,” designed to quickly part customers Heat treatment going up to about
Cryogenics is similar to heat-treating from their money, cryogenics actually 1,500° F removes some of the austenite
in that the metal is strengthened; but does something – whether you can see but you have 10-15 percent retained
the process does not make it harder, just it or not. austenite in the metal. These are
more durable. Cryogenic processing The cryogenic process changes the literally voids and imperfections in the
involves lowering the temperature of microstructure of metals by subjecting metal, and once they are converted to
metal engine components to more than them to super cold temperatures Martensite, it leaves the metal with
-300° F. This cooling process apparently usually around -300 degrees F. This only 1 percent Austenite. This gives a
rearranges the crystals within the metal, cold treatment creates changes in tougher, more durable metal without
realigning the atomic structure and heat-treated steels, cast irons, and other any imperfections.
relieving stress. alloys. Whether the steel is forged or All heat treated steels have a
According to experts, both on cast, heat-treating is used to change percentage of allowable Austenite that is

HILL
Cryogenics
retained during the heat treating process

to form the Martensite. The Cryogenic
process can help form additional
transformation of the steel from
Austenite into Martensite. This helps
eliminate imperfections in the steel’s
microstructure that can be seen using
X-ray or microscope.
Stress Relief
Cryogenic treatment is also used as
a form of stress relieving. Regardless
of whether the metal is aluminum,
copper, steel or cast all metals have some
amount of residual stresses created when
the metal changes from its molten state
into its solid form. As the cooling process
takes place, natural stress fractures
occur. In addition, even after the metal
is formed, cooled and then heat treated,
it will usually undergo manufacturing
processes such as grinding, cutting,
machining, and forging where other
stresses and fatigue are introduced.
Cryogenic treatment helps eliminate
and reduce fatigue and stress from the While most parts can be cryogenically treated individually, it will be more cost
manufacturing process. effective to treat all components if applicable. Most cryogenic machines have
the capacity as in this case to treat all engine components at the same time.
Precipitation of
Eta-Carbides is placed into a cryogenic treatment But while cryogenics works with
When steel is formed, it is made chamber. The chamber is sealed, and severe cold, the truth is, it’s actually
with iron and other elements such as the temperature is then slowly lowered an extension of the heat-treating
carbon. The amount of carbon along to -320° F using liquid nitrogen. The process. A key component of the
with the other elements control the subfreezing condition is maintained for heat treating process is, of course, the
quality of steel such as hardness, several hours; then the temperature is cooling stage. As parts return to room
ductility, and strength. The greater the carefully and slowly raised again. Many temperature they develop their desired
amount of carbon contributes to how materials then require a heat tempering microstructure. However, certain
hard and strong the steel will be. The cycle, so the temperature is raised even high strength steels require very tight
Cryogenic process helps modify the higher and then returned to ambient. atmospheric control during the heat-
carbon structure into “Eta-carbides.” These cycles may be repeated as needed. treating process.
The formation of “Eta-carbides” visible Precise control of these processes is Cryogenic treatment does not take
with a microscope) causes the steel to critical, and the computerized chambers the place of heat treatment, rather, it
be more wear resistant. must remain sealed during the cycles. completes what the heat treater started.
Experts say this process is less well To properly treat components may take When heat treating, the temperature
understood than the others. More Eta- from several hours to many days, after is increased to the proper “high”
carbides give increased wear resistance. which the treated parts are stronger and temperature for the type of metal
Scientists have theories about this more structurally stable. being treated. At the correct time, the
anomaly but haven’t been able to really Today’s treatment methods, which parts being heat-treated are put in “the
explain it – however, tests have been use liquid nitrogen flashed to vapor quench,” at which time the temperature
conducted to prove it happens. and computer-controlled dispersal begins to decrease. It is during the
Basically, how cryogenic treatment systems, use no liquid in the treatment quench that the improvement actually
works is this: engine blocks, pistons, chamber, so parts are treated gently and takes place. Parts become cooler and
crankshafts or any other component completely. cooler, and better and better. The

Cryogenics
heat treater considers the treatment degree per minute until the temperature on the biggest, thickest cross-section.
completed when the temperature of the reaches 300° F. Although other metal The entire thickness is treated and
parts reach room temperature. products including engine blocks, receives the benefit which is normally
When cryogenic treatment is machine tool cutting bits, rifle barrels, improved performance, reduced
properly performed, the process begins razor blades, sewing needles can all wear and breakage, longer between
at room temperature and drops via be cryogenically treated at the same rebuilds or replacement, reduced costs,
computer-control at the rate of one time, the treatment time must be based and (hopefully) a more successful
motorsports season. In other words,
cryogenic treatment is not a surface
treatment.
Cryogenic treatment is not a coating,
nor is it a simple surface finish that
can simply be “machined out.” The
computerized treatment process ensures
that the thickest cross-section of the
metal is treated – in other words, the
entire volume of the metal is structurally
changed throughout. As such, a certain
amount of machining can be done after
the parts are treated.
Fantastic claims that cryogenically
treated components are indestructible or
that a treated engine will not break are,
however, wishful thinking. According to
experts, more than 75 percent of engine
components fail because of fatigue. To
the engine builder and racer alike, the
benefits of this lengthy treatment process
are three-fold: increased dimensional
stability, stress relief and improved wear
resistance.
As part of its core competency, Elgin
Industries offers nine different types
of commercial heat-treating options,
including cryogenics, though not
necessarily at the individual builder
level.
“Let’s face it – it’s not an inexpensive
process,” explains Elgin’s national sales
and marketing manager Rick Simko.
“We’ve treated blocks and other parts for
certain teams we’ve sponsored, but the
normal guy isn’t likely to want to spend
the money with us for it unless he knows
what he’s getting.”
Today, the cryogenic process is
often overlooked when considering
an expensive engine build. Maybe it is
because it is something that you can’t
see, feel or touch. After parts have been
through the cryogenic process they come
back looking virtually unchanged. The
actual benefits lie underneath the surface

Cryogenics
unnoticeable by the naked eye.

In case you are wondering if it really
works, as Simko points out, race teams
practice the use of cryogenics on most
parts for the entire car. If it did not work,
especially on some of the small exotic
pieces that see 9,000 rpm, it probably
would not be practiced.
One word of advice would be to
make sure that all of the machining is
performed before having the cryogenic
process performed. Whether you are
considering a few pieces of an engine
build or all of the components needed,
make sure that the machining is
The cryogenic process is considered a very proprietary process. Temperatures
performed and the assembly mocked up
are usually taken down to -300*F and then held for approximately 24 hrs. Then
before having it done. This isn’t because
depending on the application, parts may be taken slowly back to ambient
subsequent machining is impossible, but temperature and then heated. The process may be repeated several times to
it is certainly tougher because the metal establish certain hardness characteristics.
becomes harder.
In fact, I have personal experience we sent the assembly off to be treated. only to find out that the exhaust spring
with this. Some time back I had an Once the engine returned we then sent pockets now had to be machined an
engine assembly treated for a spec the components out to be coated with additional .060”. I’m not sure how that
class race engine. All of the machining various other forms of engine coatings was missed but the problem had to be
was performed and the engine was before the assembly. After the coatings corrected. The solution was, of course,
mocked up to finalize everything before were applied we reassembled the engine to cut the spring pockets and continue
on. But that simple cutting of the
spring pocket became something of an
The Cost of Change undertaking because the cryogenically
Although some people think heat treat- to freezing, so the freezing process must treated cylinder head was now so hard
ing is a mysterious black art, it's actually be adjusted to match the alloy and the and durable that it just kept dulling
an exact science – as is cryogenics, which application.
is heat treating at super cold tempera- So how much does it cost? Prices vary
the cutter blade. We could machine the
tures. Screw up any step in the process depending on the vendor. Some charge spring pockets but it was surprising
and you'll end up with weak or brittle by the pound while others charge by to experience how the material had
metal that fails when put to the test. the component. Here are some ballpark changed so aggressively through the
The best way to cryogenically treat figures of what some companies charge cryogenic process.
parts is to use a company that has to cryogenically treat engine parts:
expertise in this area. You CAN buy an
It became evident that even though
* V8 engine block - $325 the process is something that you can’t
insulated freezer tank and a bottle of
liquid nitrogen and try to treat your own * Cylinder head - $130 actually see what you paid for sure does
parts but there is a learning curve with * Valve springs - $3 each carry a lot of merit once you realize how
this process and it takes a fair amount of it completely changed. Keep in mind
know-how and experience to do it right. * Pushrods - $2 each
If done incorrectly, it can stress parts and
that most shops that perform cryogenics
* Cylinder sleeves - $10 each
may cause some components to crack keep their processes proprietary. As
or fail. Chilling parts too rapidly and * Camshaft - $30 mentioned before, the process does bring
allowing parts to reheat too quickly can * Crankshaft - $125 temperature down to -300 degrees F.
induce thermal stress in the metal. But how they arrive at that temperature
* Connecting Rods - $9 each
The critical aspects of the process are
and then bring the temperature back to
controlling the gradual freezing of the * Pistons - $9 each
parts, the cold soak period, the rate at ambient is their secret.
* Valves - $3 each
which the parts are allowed to return to Still, at the end of the day it really
room temperature – and in some cases Add up the individual components doesn’t matter because you have pieces
additional heating and/or cooling steps and the total cost may be $700 to $1000
that are stress relieved, more wear
that may be needed to fine tune the re- or more to do the entire engine. Most
sults. Different alloys respond differently vendors will give a package pricing that resistant and more durable than they
saves you some bucks. were new. ■

Head Porting
Performance Cylinder Heads
Going with the Flow
By Tim Allen, Technical Contributor

tallen@enginebuildermag.com
F
low…that magical, mystical For engine number 2 we’ll make
word that is seemingly carved a massive jump to the opposite
in stone anytime the discussion end of the spectrum and look at a
topic turns to performance cylinder 762 cube Top Sportsman build. To
heads. Whether you are a seasoned start, the port work itself can be examine the physical aspects of a
veteran in the engine wars or summed up in three letters: CNC cylinder head that affect the flow
finalizing the specs for your first (computer numerical control). This, characteristics.
ever build, it is virtually impossible of course, is being performed after
to avoid it. extensive work on a flow bench has OEM Modifications
The flip side of that coin always extracted all of the power enhancing We’ll begin at this point because
carries another word attached to it – capabilities that the head has to these types of engines are being built
porting. We all know the “why” of offer. After determining the final on a daily basis all across the country
port work (to achieve more usable port configuration, it is digitized for customers who are looking for
power from the engine), but the into the computer (along with the a little more power but still want
“how” can be a completely different combustion chamber, valve bowls, drivability and reliability operating
story. To illustrate that point let’s etc.) and the tool paths are generated on pump fuel. When your engine
take a comparative look at two which allow the cylinder heads to combo will be utilizing the original
examples of domestic V-8 engines. be machined consistently to exact factory cylinder heads it is relatively
Let’s say engine number 1 is specifications even on multiple sets easy to perform certain procedures
a restoration build of a 425 Buick or high volume production runs. that will reward you with not only
Nailhead. Porting on this application This obviously is not what we could additional power but also a more
would mostly consist of making sure consider an “apples to apples” efficiently operating engine.
the runners are equalized and any comparison but it exemplifies The one thing to keep in mind
casting irregularities are addressed the vast differences that can be before starting to work on any area
and some blending work of the bowl associated with the term porting. of the cylinder head though is that
area to the valve seats in conjunction In today’s automotive industry everything should be done with a
with a good quality valve job. These either of these examples, and just realistic amount of restraint. There is
particular heads have physical about everything else in between, that overwhelming desire in every
limitations including very small is readily available and can be hot rodder on the planet to see just
valves and an exhaust port that purchased right off the shelf from how far we can push the envelope
has almost a 180-degree turn right a manufacturer, a distributor or a and this usually turns out to cause
behind the valve. Aside from port shop that specializes in application more harm than good when working
matching the manifold to the intake specific products. The goal then with a street engine that will spend
runners of the head, this would becomes to determine the best most of its life operating below 5,000
pretty much cover what’s needed to performing product that is available RPM.
accommodate a pump gas, weekend to achieve the power level and Unless you are significantly
toy that could be driven regularly service life that is required for increasing the actual displacement
to car shows or the local burger the particular build. It is at this of the engine, there is no need to
hangout. point that we will more closely port the runners to a larger volume

When you’re bowl blending, take your time and work cautiously because the last thing you want to do is to have to replace a
valve seat because of a slight slip with the die grinder. In many instances, this can be accomplished with a cartridge roll instead
of using a carbide cutter. Remove any sharp edges and blend the bowl into the valve seat. Again, take your time in this area
and make sure it is consistent and round.
because this will decrease the velocity the valve guide. If you are able to work of your valve springs.
of the flow through that runner and in this area, keep your modifications The final step for the top end would
affect throttle response. The size and consistent on each runner and be be to port match the intake manifold to
shape of the intake port has a direct careful not to cut a trough around the runners of the cylinder heads. Do
relation to the power curve and torque the guide in the bowl area as this will a mock up to check manifold fitment
of the engine. The air/fuel mixture disrupt the flow on the long side turn. with the heads on the block using the
needs to move rapidly enough to keep The next step we will address is same type of gasket that will be used
it in suspension thereby providing the bowl blending. Take your time and for final assembly.
engine with its optimum fuel charge on work cautiously because the last thing
each induction cycle. you want to do is to have to replace a Aftermarket Cylinder
Keep your focus on fine tuning valve seat because of a slight slip with Heads
specific areas. You can use a set of the die grinder. In many instances, this When it comes to building a higher
inside calipers to make sure the can be accomplished with a cartridge output engine utilizing aftermarket
intake and exhaust runners are sized roll instead of using a carbide cutter. cylinder heads, we have more options
consistently, only removing material Remove any sharp edges and blend the today than ever before. There are a
where needed in order to equalize bowl into the valve seat. Again, take number of manufacturers that offer
them. Match the port openings to your time in this area and make sure it coverage for many applications which
the gasket that will be used for final is consistent and round. will enable you to design a combo that
assembly and blend the openings into At this point you will have might not have been feasible in the
the runner. Smooth out any sharp eliminated irregularities in the casting past without being limited to modified
edges on the short side radius of the and smoothed or blended any sharp factory heads. We also have modern
runners but be careful not to drastically edges that would have a negative designs available to us, examples
alter the angle because air already has effect on the flow pattern through the such as the GM LS and Ford Modular
a difficult time making the turn into cylinder head. When cutting the seats heads, units that have been developed
the valve bowl and this situation gets for the valve job, make sure that all into some serious power producing
even more pronounced as valve lift of the valves are at the same depth components by the aftermarket.
increases. in the combustion chamber to keep So let’s discuss the prospect of
Depending upon the exact type of the chamber volumes consistent and making viable modifications to
cylinder head you are using, you may also to aid in keeping the valve stem an aftermarket cylinder head. The
or may not have sufficient material to heights consistent as well since this manufacturers have spent literally
do any smoothing or blending around will directly affect the installed height millions of dollars in research and
Performance Cylinder Heads
development to provide a product that area. Changes can be made to seat In an as-cast cylinder head, a certain
can achieve pretty amazing results angles, valve shrouding, back cuts, etc. amount of surface roughness will help
right out of the box. For example, it and then viewed to monitor the results. keep the fuel charge suspended as it
is relatively easy to build a 500+hp When you couple this with the travels through the port providing a
small block Chevy that requires no ability to measure swirl, tumble and mixture that gives a more complete
additional porting work other than other parameters, it is easy to see that burn and making the most efficient
possibly port matching the intake any additional work that might be use of the fuel once it enters the
manifold to the cylinder heads. The performed on the cylinder head could combustion chamber. In that same
point here is that in order to make be detrimental without these extensive train of thought the finish of a cylinder
improvements in many of these heads testing abilities to verify the results. head that has been CNC machined
by porting on them would require you That is not to say that it can’t be done also has the same benefit on keeping
to have the means to test everything because there are many shops across the air/fuel mixture more consistent.
that is done. the country that turn out modified In many applications if the runner
Many aftermarket companies are designs, particularly when it comes were to be “polished” to a very smooth
very dedicated to producing a great to full competition applications, but finish it could reduce this factor and
product through extensive testing. they are seasoned professionals who lower the efficiency of the fuel charge.
They employ wet flow testing of their not only perform rigorous testing in There are many variables to
port designs which not only provides the design stages but spend countless consider when it comes to the design
the actual flow numbers the head is hours in the dyno room as well. and finish of a cylinder head but
making but allows them to see how the Another area that we will touch on by utilizing the information that
fuel charge is moving into the chamber is the actual finish in the runner itself. is available from the aftermarket

manufacturers or working closely with One of the calculations that you In an as-cast cylinder head, a certain
amount of surface roughness will help
a professional shop that specializes in can use to help determine the best fit
keep the fuel charge suspended as it
high performance applications can net for the engine is to figure your intake
travels through the port providing a
you the results you’re after without valve diameter size-to-bore ratio. If mixture that gives a more complete
having to go through a trial and error you’re using a wedge-type head, you burn and making the most efficient
process. want to be around 50 to 51% of the use of the fuel once it enters the
bore size, whereas if you are using a combustion chamber.
Choosing a Cylinder Head canted valve head, it will be 52 to 53%
When choosing a cylinder head for of the bore size. As an example we’ll
your engine build there are points to use an engine that has a 4.125˝ cylinder manifold type, etc. but all of these will
consider which will ensure that you diameter and utilizing wedge design be dependent upon other variables
will have a combination that meets heads. It would be calculated as; such as whether the engine will be an
the power output you’re looking to 4.125˝ x 50% = 2.0625˝ over square or under square design,
achieve and work well in the RPM If we figure at 51% it is; type of fuel that will be used, weight
range where the engine will spend 4.125˝ x 51% = 2.1037˝ of the vehicle and whether or not it
most of its time. As we discussed There are readily available valves will be a naturally aspirated or forced
earlier, port velocity is very important sized from 2.055˝ to 2.100˝ which could induction build.
and matching the correct runner size be used in this application and be Everything we’ve discussed is
to the displacement of the engine will within the range we are looking for. in somewhat generalized terms but
also be a factor at the top of the list. Another area that you can figure for hopefully this will help you to fine
One of the things that I have your combination is the CFM demand tune the physical aspects of your next
advised customers to do is to view the of the engine at maximum piston engine build in regard to the cylinder
cylinder head as a component of the speed. To determine that number we heads.
overall package, which it actually is, multiply the displacement by the RPM Highly specialized builds or
instead of looking at it as a stand alone and .000978474 and divide that by the extreme competition applications will
item. Many times the cylinder head number of cylinders. If we have a 400 have some different considerations
will be the first item to be decided cubic inch, V8 engine that will achieve in the overall design but if you take
upon and the remainder of the engine 6,000 RPM it would calculate as; your time, do your research and select
will be built around it. Working from 400 x 6000 x .000978474 divided by 8 = your components accordingly, it will
that aspect is fine if you already have 293.5 all correlate into a final product that
a set of heads that are usable for So a cylinder head that is capable of will enable you to achieve the power
the application but it can lead you flowing 294 CFM at maximum valve output you are looking for and give
into the prospect of having to make lift should meet the requirements of you a big smile when you stand on the
compromises in other areas of the this engine. There are other factors accelerator pedal…which is just what
build which might not be the optimum to consider like runner volume, every hot rodder wants! ■
choice for your combination. combustion chamber size, intake
The Fuel Injection
Fuel Injection
Phenomenon
What Normally (Naturally) Aspirated
Engine Builders Need to Know
By Bob Szabo and Jennifer Szabo, Technical Contributors
bszabo@enginebuildermag.com | jszabo@enginebuildermag.com
O
n a basic level, fuel injection just looks really cool. The intake on a or rebuilds, and many crate
fuel injected power plant is the most visible part of the engine while engine modifications or rebuilds.
the ram tubes, injectors and fuel lines make it look intricately sleek. Additionally, engine builders
With recent developments, simple mechanical fuel injection (MFI) is also can use aftermarket EFI kits for
useful for a level of complex control in performance applications approaching transportation as well as racing
that of electronic fuel injection (EFI). applications.
EFI is expanding into alcohol
For spark ignition engine builds, except for compression braking, if so fuel applications. These require
both a throttle body and a fuel equipped. corrosion-inhibitive materials
control circuit are needed. Fuel throughout and larger components
injection controls the air and fuel Electronic Fuel for increased fuel volumes. Ethanol
amounts as well as the air to fuel Injection (EFI) volume is approximately 1.5 times
ratio. EFI setups for spark ignition engines that of gasoline for a given power
Fuel injection in normally control air and fuel amounts. Fuel level, and methanol volume is
(naturally) aspirated compression control is by throttle body, port, approximately twice that of gasoline.
ignition diesel engines is used to or direct cylinder injection. EFI EFI can be operated in open loop
control the fuel amount only. The is common from engine builders or closed loop. In open loop, EFI
air is commonly not modulated on OEM engine modifications does not compensate for changes
in air density. Reprogramming the
controller is needed to tune for
weather or altitude. In closed loop,
EFI automatically regulates the air to
fuel ratio with a specialty controller
for air density changes. Initial setup
requires a special programmer.
EFI can be more complex with
several components: throttle
control, multiple sensors, fuel
pump, regulated fuel return circuit,
electronic injectors, controller, and
programmer. Electronic injectors
in higher power applications
require special high current power
supplies over the more common
Simple throttle body MFI setup

from Rons Fuel Injection – popular in
custom engine builds, especially for
drag racing.

(Left) – Using the ProCalc app, engine builders can determine MFI jetting for many different applications. With this app, the
customer can determine proper jetting changes to tune for air density, altitude or weather changes. ProCalc is available
through a special dealer program for engine builders.
(Right) – This is a popular 360 Sprint Car racing engine with Kinsler fuel injection, built by Glen and Rex Hutchison of
Hutchison Racing Engines in Sacramento, CA. Sprint car racing is done all over the world. New 410 Sprint Car engines with
fuel injection can sell for more than $50,000. Rebuilding after a certain number of laps is a large part of the revenue stream
for this market.
low current OEM power supplies. In special MFI systems with load sensing and Algon occasionally appear on
some high horsepower applications, fuel control features were used to nostalgia engine builds. For racing,
fuel pressures need to be regulated provide good idle, mid and full throttle constant flow MFI is used most often
from low volume, idle mode to high fuel regulation as well as good cold from ‘off-throttle’ idle to ‘full-throttle’
volume, full power mode. starting provisions. full power with little ‘mid-throttle’
Constant flow MFI systems moderate power demands.
Timed Mechanical Fuel common in racing are not used in very In Sprint Car racing on short
Injection (MFI) many highway applications due to courses, however, limited mid-throttle
Mechanical fuel injection controls both
air and fuel. Timed MFI from Bosch
is common in older OEM gasoline “Recently, in the development of a high output 4-cylinder
engines from Europe such as Porsche
and Mercedes. Recently, road-racing
midget racecar engine, MFI made more power than
applications used timed MFI from racing carburetors or EFI. In another application, in the
Lucas / Kinsler with both air control
with a throttle, and fuel control with a
development of a 6-cylinder 2-cycle marine engine, MFI
unique hydraulic system. Fuel flow is made more power than racing carburetors. MFI is not
timed to the inlet cycle of each cylinder.
Timed MFI is engineered for specific
limited by an inlet restriction from the venturi’s needed in
highway and racing applications, and carburetors.”
special fuel curve tailoring is needed.
Timed MFI is also common from
various manufacturers for older part throttle fuel control limitations. fuel control is necessary where the
compression ignition diesel engine These systems use simple fuel circuits driver modulates the throttle around
builds. Newer diesels for the highway without load sensing for part throttle tight turns and through traffic. This
use EFI and are quite complex operating modes. is done with a simple secondary fuel
with government restrictions to Simple constant flow MFI for auto bypass circuit. Engler fuel injection
modifications and usage as well. and boat racing is common in engine developed an added stumble valve
builds all over the world: drag, sprint, circuit as well. These mid-throttle
Constant Flow Mechanical top speed, and tractor pulling. Popular circuits are only approximate fuel
Fuel Injection (MFI) manufacturers are Kinsler, Hilborn, modulation devices. They work
In older OEM engine setups – from Enderle, Engler, Rons and Belmit. Used primarily with alcohol fuels that do
GM Rochester and from Bosch – systems from Crower, Pete Jackson, not foul spark plugs from enrichment
Fuel Injection
surges that occur with these simple

systems.
Constant flow MFI systems include
a throttle body for air control and a
simple fuel control setup with a fuel
pump, barrel valve, nozzles, and fuel
bypass circuit. Most components are
low cost and can be installed and
rebuilt by an engine builder with
limited knowledge or tools. However,
setup and tuning experience is
important to dial in a new MFI engine
build.
A competition looking EFI setup works well for highway use

on this street rod. Inlet tracts are often reduced in diameter
to improve throttle response at the expense of some power.
EFI provides mid throttle fuel control for highway or cruising
needs – an advantage over common racing MFI setups that
are usually not recommended for highway or cruising use.
Kinsler & Hilborn are popular manufacturers for both racing
MFI and highway or racing EFI.

Fuel Injection
Hidden Advantages
With MFI “EFI can be operated in open loop or closed loop. In
Recently, in the development of a
high output 4-cylinder midget racecar
open loop, EFI does not compensate for changes in air
engine, MFI made more power than density. Reprogramming the controller is needed to tune
racing carburetors or EFI. In another
application, in the development of
for weather or altitude. In closed loop, EFI automatically
a 6-cylinder 2-cycle marine engine, regulates the air to fuel ratio with a specialty controller for
MFI made more power than racing
carburetors. MFI is not limited by an
air density changes.”
inlet restriction from the venturi’s
needed in carburetors.
MFI engine builds can be set in the ports for a better CFM fill. It can condensation to increase power such
up with higher fuel pressures than accelerate the air in the intake tract and as in wet intake systems. Engine builds
those in common port injection EFI. increase power. using alcohol fuels especially benefit
Higher fuel pressure can increase MFI has an advantage in power from inlet vaporization cooling and
power and throttle response from over direct injection EFI gasoline condensation.
good fuel atomization. Higher fuel applications in some cases. In direct
nozzle velocity occurs from higher fuel injection, the air intake is limited to Advantages of
pressure. Higher nozzle fuel velocity the dry airflow characteristics of the Direct Injection
can also be used to steer the air intake inlet with no vaporization cooling or Direct injection applications used for

Fuel Injection
“Constant flow MFI systems common in

racing are not used in very many highway
applications due to part throttle fuel
control limitations. These systems use
simple fuel circuits without load sensing for
part throttle operating modes.
Simple constant flow MFI for auto and
boat racing is common in engine builds all
over the world: drag, sprint, top speed, and
Sharp MFI setup on a street rod show car. Fuel injection
is great on an engine built for the show market where tractor pulling.”
outside appearance stimulates emotion.
spark ignition engines can inject the fuel directly into the Problems from Direct Injection
cylinder. With no boundary layer of fuel on a cold inlet port Direct injection setups use complex components to
surface, the inlet is dry. This is an advantage in applications regulate very high fuel pressures, often in excess of 2,000
with emission and economy needs. psi. In setups with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), inlet
valve contamination can be a consequence from the absence
of inlet fuel to wash the intake valves clean. In some direct
injection highway OEM engines with EGR, warrantee
AIR DENSITY INFORMATION problems are reported from dirty valves in 30,000 miles.
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Some direct injection setups may have reduced power
over port injection from the lack of dwell time between the
Two great resources are now available to monitor air density air and fuel. Air to fuel dwell time in port injection setups
and tune any engine! increases fuel vaporization and power.
Is your MFI-related business suffering from too much
airdensityonline.com, is accessible through a smart phone or
customer service demand?
web device, providing current air density information for engine
Customer support for MFI engine tuning is often a
builders. The site includes air density, grains of water, and air
density forecasts for hundreds of racing facilities around the
needed service provided by MFI engine builders. However,
world where fuel injection is used. frequent customer inquiries are reported by many
mechanical fuel injection manufacturers and engine builders
ProCalc is a subscription MFI to be very time consuming. ■
jetting calculator app for a smart —
phone or web device. This is Bob Szabo is a welding engineer as well as owner, writer and
a powerful tool for tuning for publisher for Racecarbook.com. His website publishes various
the engine builder or customer racing engine technical manuals useful for the engine builder, as
to further relieve the engine well as the customer to help relieve the engine builder’s customer
builder’s customer service burden.
service burden. Subjects include mechanical fuel injection for
racing, alcohol & nitro racing fuels, and tuning drag, sprint, &
With ProCalc, the engine builder can
determine MFI jetting for many different
other racing engines.
applications. and can determine proper jetting changes to
tune for air density, altitude, or weather changes. ProCalc is Jennifer Szabo is the owner and developer of airdensityonline.com.
available through a special dealer program for engine builders. This web site, accessible through a smart phone or web device,
provides current air density information including air density,
grains of water, and air density forecasts for hundreds of racing
facilities around the world where fuel injection is used.
To learn more visit airdensityonline.com
or email info@airdensityonline.com

Engine Balancing
Balancing
Explain the Benefits to Sell the Balance
By Dave Arce, Technical Contributor

darce@enginebuildermag.com
O
ver the years I’ve seen has selected all the correct parts, older experienced colleagues in the
many articles on engine weighing and adjusting the pistons business that I had nothing to worry
balancing and it seems that and rods to match each other, setting about.
most of them get pretty technical up the bob weights and of course I remember a trip back in 2012,
and complicated. It is always nice making a balance data sheet that your when I had the opportunity to
to understand the depth of what customer can have. Let’s face it, we view the engine build operation
you are trying to accomplish, but can talk technical all day long about at the Earnhardt Childress Racing
we cannot lose focus of the ultimate balancing but we need to remember Engines (ECR) facility in Welcome,
goal – which is to give the customer that the balancing machine does most NC. A view of lots of equipment
the best-balanced engine that we of the work for us. unveiled an older balancing
possibly can. machine made by Stewart Warner.
We are not going to get too The Beginning I questioned our host, technical
technical in this article but just relay And many of those machines have director Dr. Andy Randolph, about
some information that might assist been doing a great job for a long the old machine and he informed
you in a sale or a thought that might time. In 2009, we bought out a me that the old machine is in great
help you in your balancing process. small balancing business that had condition and has won a lot of races
Our goal is to give you the engine been around for many years and and championships. Dr. Randolph
balancing routine that we use at came with an older Stewart Warner cleared up any concerns that I had
our shop along with a few technical machine with analog display. This about my own old machine.
thoughts, insights and a few real is where we had been having all of Engine balancing principals
world stories. our engines balanced for years and have not changed for years but the
We all know the routine on how always had great results, but frankly, balancing machines have. Although
to set up for balancing. Making I had been concerned about the age they have not really gotten any more
sure either you or the customer of the machine. I was assured by accurate the ease of completing a job
has been made much easier. So my
point is, as long as your machine is
calibrated and in proper working
order, I don’t think the age of the
equipment will matter. I will say,
though, that if you elect to upgrade
there are plenty of solutions on the
market not only for an upgrade, but
replacement as well. I am happy
Make sure either you or your customer

has selected all the correct parts,
weighing and adjusting the pistons
and rods to match each other, setting
up the bob weights and make a
balance data sheet for your customer
to have.

Feature
Engine balancing principals have not

changed for years but the balancing
machines have. However, as long
as your machine is calibrated and in
proper working order, the age of the
equipment shouldn’t matter.
with my old one. balancing and their buddies’ advice cost will be more due to the increased
In our book, engine balancing has after having an engine balanced, the work.
to be one of the top three upgrades that sell becomes a bit easier. We have all been trapped by this
you need your customer to buy into A balance job will typically come in one time or another and need to leave
when selling an engine or parts where one of two different ways; usually as an opening for additional cost. As an
the assembly needs to be balanced. some type of engine build or in pieces. example, our hourly shop rate is $92/
Every aspect of what balancing If it comes in as an engine job you hour, and a typical cast iron crank and
accomplishes must be relayed to your are less likely to have problems with assembly usually takes us about two
customer for them to understand the the balance job. If you are controlling hours of time for an approximate total
value of the results. the part purchases it makes it even of $180 for a V8 balance job. But you’ve
There are many older folks out easier. The goal is to not let the parts probably seen this example: a rotating
there who don’t believe in the benefit weight get too far away from what the assembly comes in and the customer
of balancing, because they know in the present bob weight is so you can keep brags about how much money he
past that they could get away without cost down. Sometimes you will have saved by buying parts separately. You
it. But as we all get better at engine no choice if the customer is trying to look at the parts and you can see that
builds using today’s aftermarket lighten up pistons and rods, but at the crank is heavy and may even say
components and machining precision least you can keep it under control that the bob weight required is 1,850
we have got to get through to this or advise him on increased balancing grams, but you can also see that the
older generation that proper balancing costs. rods and pistons appear very light. In
is critical to the life expectancy of the And it’s critical that we talk about another case, the customer brings in
engine. It’s a fact; engine balancing cost. Stop giving your time away a replacement lightweight crank with
adds life to any engine. This is where on balance jobs! Probably the most a required 1,610 grams of bob weight,
you can use your technical details that troublesome cases of engine balancing but his used pistons and rods weigh
you have learned over the years to is when the customer has purchased much more than that.
explain the benefits. his own parts and has brought them In either case this job is going to
In reality, most of the time if you to you to balance. Ninety percent of be 1-3 hours more than they ever
explain the type of imbalance that the time the weight of the components expected, especially if the crankshaft
occurs when just 5 grams is out of are not matched close to what the is 4340 material plus the cost of heavy
place and 3˝ or more off the center line crankshaft bob weight needs to be. All metal when on the light side. What do
of the crankshaft, they usually buy this is fine and dandy and can be dealt you do? If you’re like many of us, you
in with no problem. Coupled with with of course, but you need to advise feel sorry for the customer’s problem
what they might have read on engine your customer upfront that the balance and never charge enough for your
Balancing
“It’s critical that we talk about cost. Stop giving your time on. Adjustments are usually necessary
and the cost of the first balance job
away on balance jobs! Probably the most troublesome almost becomes wasted.
cases of engine balancing is when the customer has
The Middle
purchased his own parts and has brought them to you So, we are at the middle of the balance
to balance. Ninety percent of the time the weight of the job. We’ve got all the reciprocating parts
in, weighed all the parts and filled out
components are not matched close to what the crankshaft a balance data sheet. If you don’t have
bob weight needs to be.” a database that automatically gives
the values after the weighted values
time. customers on rotating assemblies so are enter, I recommend getting one
Yes, it is a difficult lesson for we can help them manage bob weight so errors can be minimized – it is the
the customer to learn but it’s an issues. quality thing to do and can be built off
opportunity for you to let them know One other issue that crops up is a of Microsoft database program very
they should have purchased the parts customer who has bought a rotating easily. Be sure to have 2-4 grams of oil
from you instead of elsewhere so the assembly that has already been on your balance data sheet calculation
weight could be managed. Now the balanced, but not with the harmonic as well.
savings on the parts they bought has balancer and flex plate/flywheel Normal caution for material
to go to the balance job that went from (the ends) in place. I’ve seen many removal on pistons and rods should be
$180 to $272-$365 plus heavy metal of these assemblies go wildly out of exercised. Quality pistons and rods very
at $35 a piece. We need to educate specification when the ends are added rarely need to have material removed
to match balance. Be consistent on
all the weight measurements when
adjustments are necessary. The more
detail in this area goes a long way down
the road on quality results. Building
the bob weights is very straightforward
and again, making them accurate to
the balancing data sheet calculation
is critical. You should have half-gram
weights available for maximum
adjustment.
To further avoid any balancing
issues we prefer to spin our assemblies
all at once. An added effort to balance
the harmonic balance/flex plate/
flywheel/pressure plate (the ends) to
zero initially will pay off handsomely.
Be sure to index the pressure plate to
the flywheel, this will assure a quality
job. There will be some questions on
how adjustments need to be made. With
a complete assembly, efforts must be
made to make all weight adjustments
on the crankshaft. This is not always
possible but, all efforts must be
exhausted before making attempts to
the ends. Externally balanced engines
are a bit different and again should have
minimal adjustments made on the ends
with the majority on the crankshaft.
Making weight adjustments to
Balancing
the crankshaft or the ends can be encouragement that I can give you on your expertise and charge the full
complicated at times, which is why bob is that engine balancing can be very amount of time that you spent. You can
weight management is so important complicated with heavy decisions and do a less-than-average job and maybe
at the earlier stages. If properly some risk at times. Also, the closer get away with it, but the feeling when
managed it is ideal to have the bob that you make each of your weight your customer returns saying, “It really
weight slightly less than the crankshaft adjustment the better you will be than runs smooth,” will be worth all your
so minor drill hole adjustments can the next guy. Don’t cut yourself short effort and is the best advertisement! ■
be made. Where it gets complicated
is large 1˝ holes that may need to be
drilled and is magnified by 5 when steel
4340 crankshafts are used. For drilling
holes we typically pilot a hole before
moving to the 1˝ drill. A slow consistent
rotation will keep you in control of
material removal and hopefully keep
you from damaging tools.
As always, remove a little less than
what is calculated because you can
always take more out, but cannot put
it back very easily. There are a couple
of ways to add material. I have added
a lot of heavy metal in my time and the
most solid way to properly install, is
to mount crossway in each end of the
counter weights. We use an industry
standard drill and reamer that will
interfere fit the heavy metal by .002˝.
On the other side is adding heavy
metal to the crankshaft. Unfortunately
you need to have the drills and reamers
for each size of the heavy metal that
is available. We typically install the
heavy metal out as far as we dare, but
usually .075˝ from the end with a 4340
crank and .100˝ with cast. Each weight
addition is different, but I can tell you
that over the years we have successfully
welded up existing holes to add the
necessary weight and have never seen
any repercussion from that effort so, I
would advise that as a simpler or cost
effective solution. Be sure to protect the
journals at all times. After balancing,
a final polish job and rinse on the
crankshaft will show your customer a
sign of quality.
The Next Opportunity

In conclusion, I hope this article was
enough to give you another perspective
on what others might be doing. I’m
sure you have somewhat of the same
theories and processes. The biggest
CommerceConnect
SEARCH BACK ISSUES OF

ENGINE BUILDER
digital.enginebuildermag.com
For CommerceConnect
Advertising Information Contact:
46 December 2016 | EngineBuilder Jennifer Hazen at
330-670-1234 x-224
ADVERTISER PAGE ADVERTISER PAGE
ACCESS INDUSTRIES COVER 3 MAXIFORCE INC 27
AVON AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS 44 MOTORVICITY 23
CENTROID CORP. 45 NATIONAL PERFORMANCE WAREHOUSE 7
COSTEX TRACTOR PARTS INSERT, 9 NICKELS PERFORMANCE 15
DAKOTA PARTS WAREHOUSE 6 PACKARD INDUSTRIES 16
DARTON INTERNATIONAL 39 PBM 29
DNJ ENGINE COMPONENTS 1 PERFIT FAUX COVER
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE RMC 21
WAREHOUSE COVER 2 ROTTLER MANUFACTURING COVER 4
ENGINE PARTS GROUP 11 SB INTERNATIONAL 19
ENGINEQUEST 34 SCAT ENTERPRISES 3
GENUINE GM PARTS 13 TOPLINE 8, 20, 28
GRP CONNECTING RODS 38
LIBERTY ENGINE PARTS 5
LUBRIPLATE LUBRICANTS CO 31
Celebrating Champions
Final Wrap
Past, Present and Future Contact Us!

By Doug Kaufman, Editor enginebuildermag.com
dkaufman@babcox.com 3550 Embassy Parkway
E
Akron, OH 44333-8318
veryone loves it when magazine industry, Nickerson works with his wife 330-670-1234
writers dedicate their December Cindy on primarily Chevrolet builds,
building mostly circle track and drag Group Publisher
columns to a recap of the year just Randy Loeser, ext. 285
past, right? vehicle engines as well as other nameplate rloeser@babcox.com
Okay, maybe not. engines, with the occasional Ferrari job.
Publisher/Editor
Sure, if it’s been a great year for your The 2015 grand prize was presented Doug Kaufman, ext. 262
favorite sports team, to Ray Field, owner of Dougans Racing dkaufman@babcox.com
it’s awesome to Engines, in Riverside, CA. Ray joined
Managing Editor
relive the good times Dougans in 1980, and has worked as Greg Jones ext. 272
(oops, sorry about a mechanic, machinist, engine builder, gjones@babcox.com
that, Golden State tuner, dyno operator and now owner. The
Art Director
Warriors fans), but business specializes in engines for off-road RJ Pooch, ext. 246
applications such as trophy trucks, Class rpooch@babcox.com
it can sure stink if
you’re on the other 8, pro trucks, prerunners, short-course Technical Editor
end (enough out of you, Chicago Cubs racing, Pro 2 and Pro 4. Larry Carley
And just this month, I had the pleasure lcarley@babcox.com
fans). But typically, looking back at the last
12 months isn’t very exciting because it’s to present the 2016 Performance Engine Advertising Services
just too fresh. Builder of the Year prize on behalf of our Christine Perry, ext. 245
partners at Federal-Mogul and the Speed- cperry@babcox.com
So I’m mixing it up and revisiting the
past five years! Pro, Fel-Pro and Sealed Power brands Director of Distribution
to Larry Pritchett, of Mid-South Racing Rich Zisk, ext. 287
If you’ve never read Engine Builder rzisk@babcox.com
magazine or seen this column before, you Engines in Clarkrange, TN. This small,
may not know that this marks the fifth family-run company has achieved success Circulation Manager
by effectively utilizing the philosophies Pat Robinson, ext. 276
year that we have partnered with some probinson@babcox.com
leading industry suppliers to support of high quality, advanced techniques
and celebrate the true unsung heroes of and customer service. You can read more Engine Builder Sales Representatives
the automotive, and particularly racing, about Larry’s philosophy and champion
NHRA sportsman engines in next month’s Roberto Almenar
industry – the professional engine builder. ralmenar@babcox.com
As they say, to finish first you must first issue of Engine Builder. 330-670-1234, ext. 233
finish – and you can’t even start if the The Engine Builder of the Year
David Benson
engine isn’t there. program was expanded this year to dbenson@babcox.com
In 2012, Driven Racing Oil helped us include vintage and diesel engine builders 330-670-1234 ext. 210
celebrate with Frank Honsowetz, of Ed as well as strictly performance builders.
Jamie Lewis
Pink Racing Engines in Van Nuys, CA You’ll read more about those winners jlewis@babcox.com
for his shop’s widely diversified engine in this space soon, and be sure to watch 330-670-1234, ext. 266
emporium with clientele in motorsports for some special news about the 2017
Karen Kaim
venues that range from dirt track bullrings program. kkaim@babcox.com
Now, typically in these wrap-up 330-670-1234, ext. 295
to sports car endurance courses and the
wilds of Baja.” columns, the last few paragraphs are
In 2013, Kevin Kroyer, from Kroyer when the writer sums up his or her Classified Sales
Racing Engines in Las Vegas was able to summation of the past events with a pithy Jennifer Hazen
join us between races to accept his award observation and neatly puts a bow on the jhazen@babcox.com
year. I can’t do that because frankly, our 330-670-1234 ext. 224
from Driven for being a champion race
truck engine builder. segment of the industry – one that adapts Babcox Media Inc.
Bill Babcox, President
In 2014, Federal-Mogul Motorparts to new regulations and other challenges Greg Cira, Vice President, CFO
John DiPaola, Vice President
and its Speed-Pro brand took the on an annual basis – knows that there Beth Scheetz, Controller
program’s sponsorship to even greater is no neat and tidy finish. As we’ve said In Memorium:
before, there is no off season – just a Edward S. Babcox (1885-1970)
heights. Tom Nickerson, of NVR Racing Founder of Babcox Publications Inc.
in Butler, WI, took first place honors in breather before the next event.
Tom B. Babcox (1919-1995)
a PRI Show awards ceremony – made As a participant in this industry, Chairman
even more exciting by the presence and you’re still part of a race that continues to
energy of drag racing champion John confound naysayers. To me, that makes all
Force. With more than 40 years in the of you champions. Congratulations, and
thank you for your continued support. n


Engine Builder 2016-12

Cargado por

Información del documento

Derechos de autor

Formatos disponibles

Compartir este documento

Compartir o incrustar documentos

Opciones para compartir

¿Le pareció útil este documento?

¿Este contenido es inapropiado?

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Engine Builder 2016-12

Cargado por

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

DECEMBER 2016 EngineBuilderMag.

Cryogenic Metal Treatment

Engine Balancing COLUMNS

Departments Final Wrap....................... 48

News and Events..............................4 Engine Builder of the Year 2016

2 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

Performance Warehouse Association’s 2017 Election Results

4 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

PWA Names EPWI’s Paul Van Woensel

circle 6 for more information

5 Mistakes Most Shop Owners Make Every Day

Circle 10 for more information

They also produce engine

Replica Cars, Original Engines

12 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

A new old stock Boss 429 8-venturi

14 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

heads with o-rings on,” he told Engine

circle 16 for more information

website. Some of his recent

A: 1955 Ford 223-cid

1955 Ford 272-cid

Bruce Block won the Points

18 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

At Thunder in Muncie we saw a lot

circle 20 for more information

Greg Hogue in his GM Performance Duramax Dragster

22 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

24 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

retained during the heat treating process

26 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

28 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

unnoticeable by the naked eye.

30 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

Going with the Flow

By Tim Allen, Technical Contributor

32 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

circle 34 for more information

Simple throttle body MFI setup

36 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

surges that occur with these simple

A competition looking EFI setup works well for highway use

circle 38 for more information

circle 39 for more information

“Constant flow MFI systems common in

40 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

Explain the Benefits to Sell the Balance

By Dave Arce, Technical Contributor

Make sure either you or your customer

42 December 2016 | EngineBuilder

Engine balancing principals have not

The Next Opportunity

SEARCH BACK ISSUES OF

ACCESS INDUSTRIES COVER 3 MAXIFORCE INC 27

AVON AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS 44 MOTORVICITY 23

CENTROID CORP. 45 NATIONAL PERFORMANCE WAREHOUSE 7

COSTEX TRACTOR PARTS INSERT, 9 NICKELS PERFORMANCE 15

DAKOTA PARTS WAREHOUSE 6 PACKARD INDUSTRIES 16

DARTON INTERNATIONAL 39 PBM 29

DNJ ENGINE COMPONENTS 1 PERFIT FAUX COVER

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE RMC 21

WAREHOUSE COVER 2 ROTTLER MANUFACTURING COVER 4

ENGINE PARTS GROUP 11 SB INTERNATIONAL 19

ENGINEQUEST 34 SCAT ENTERPRISES 3