Tech Feature: Cooler ‘Heads’ Prevail – Pouring Over GM’s LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology
The LT1 engine was used in a variety of General Motors models, including 1992-’96 Corvette (Y-body), 1993-’97 Camaro and Firebird (F-body), and 1994-’96 Chevy Caprice and Impala (B-body), Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood (D-body).
Tech Feature: 2010 Camaro Has Power To Spare
Recently, I had an opportunity to drive both the 3.6L DOHC V6 and the 6.2L V8 versions at a press event held at Road America race track in Elkhart Lake, WI. The first Camaro I drove on the track felt really strong and I assumed it was the V8. So, I was rather surprised when I opened the hood and found a V6 sitting under the plastic trim cover.
Active Safety Technology: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning & Collision Mitigation Braking
A vehicle that stops itself may sound like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, but the technology is here and now. From collision mitigation braking to adaptive cruise control, find out how many of today’s next generation active safety systems come into play.
Carley’s Corner: Changing Automotive Technology Makes ‘Right To Repair’ Act a Must for Independent Repair Shops To Survive
The past few years have seen rapid change in automotive technology. More and more hybrid models are being introduced, with nearly 1.5 million already being sold to date. Direct gasoline fuel injection is replacing port fuel injection on more and more engines. Many late-model engines are also equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) to improve
Automotive Fluid Exchange Equipment
Vital fluids – including engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid – need to be replaced periodically. Technical Editor Larry Carley discusses the equipment and tools necessary for the preventive maintenance essentials.
Tech Feature: Cooling System and Water Pump Service for the Nissan 3.5L V6
The cooling system on late-model Nissan Altimas and Maximas with the 3.5L V6 engine is similar to many other late-model vehicles in that the water pump is buried and typically takes two to three hours to replace depending on the model, year and your manual dexterity.
Performance Brake Upgrades: Boosting Brake System Performance and Appearance
What type of customer is a likely prospect for brake upgrades? Those who tend to go through brakes rather quickly because of their driving habits, those who own sporty or performance import makes, and especially those who have already replaced their stock wheels with larger diameter aftermarket alloy wheels and low-profile tires.
Tech Feature: Small Block Chevy and Ford Performance Cylinder Heads
Small block Chevy and Ford engines have been the mainstays of the aftermarket performance industry for nearly half a century. The original small block Chevy made its debut way back in 1955 as a 265 cubic inch V8, and the small block Ford appeared in 1962 as a 260 cubic inch motor.
Tech Tip: A/C Service Tools & Equipment
Hot weather is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to tool up for summer air conditioning service work. A lot has changed in recent years. A whole new generation of smarter, more accurate, more efficient A/C recovery machines and recharging stations have been introduced to handle today’s reduced refrigerant capacity vehicles.
Tech Feature: Manifold Makeover – Increasing Engine Power
An intake manifold is more than the plumbing that connects the carburetor or throttle body to the ports in the cylinder head. It is an integral part of the induction system that has to match the airflow characteristics of the cylinder head and camshaft, as well as the displacement and rpm range of the engine. A well-designed manifold that is properly matched to the engine’s requirements will make more torque and horsepower than a manifold which is mismatched to the engine.
Tech Feature: What’s New in Spark Plug & Ignition Cable Technology
Ignition systems have changed a great deal in recent years, with coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems being the most common setup on many late-model engines. Car makers like COP ignition systems for a variety of reasons. The main one is that mounting a small ignition coil over each spark plug gets rid of the troublesome spark plug wires. Plug wires are vulnerable to heat and vibration damage, and can become a source of ignition misfire if they become wet.
Carley’s Corner: Misinformation On The Internet
I read it on the Internet so it must be true.” How many times have you heard people say that when explaining something or sharing information? The Internet is a wonderful source for instant information, but it is also a source for a lot of misinformation. The trouble with researching information on the Net, especially