Tech Tip: Piston Ring Selection in Chrome-Plated Cylinders
Chrome-plated cylinder liners are being used in increasing amounts, both by original equipment manufacturers, and by aftermarket sources. It is recommended that chrome-plated rings not be installed in chrome-plated liners under any circumstances. Catastrophic destruction will likely result.
Tech Tip: Performance Diesel Engine Service Notes
Diesels are setting all kinds of records from land speed to elapsed time. So if you’re not already dabbling in diesel performance, you may be soon. Diesel engines are a different type of animal when compared to gasoline engines. While both use the same four-stroke cycle of combustion, diesels use the heat of compression rather than a spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
MAHLE Clevite Inc. Releases New MAHLE Original Performance Piston Ring Catalog
MAHLE Clevite Inc. recently released its 2010 MAHLE Original Performance Ring Catalog, offering new coverage for a range of high performance applications. Key additions to the catalog include a section on steel compression rings that explains why steel is important for today’s performance engines; and, new information regarding the difference between ultra low tension oil rings and high tension oil rings.
Tech Tip: Piston Pin Spiro Lock Installation Procedures
When the locks are properly seated, only half of the lock will be visible above the groove. Most pistons that require spiral locks will need four locks per piston, two at each end of the pin (check with your piston supplier). When installing Spiro locks, grip each end of the lock and pull apart (approx. 3/8″-7/16″). The lock will resemble a small coil. The lock can then be spiraled into place almost as if you were screwing them into a groove.
Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine
General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct
Tech Feature: Sports Compacts – Performing in a ‘Maturing’ Market
What started out in the 1990s as an affordable way for kids to bang around with cars that were often handed down from their parents or siblings, later grew into a fledgling market all its own.
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology
It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today.
Tech Feature: The Variables of Valve Timing
Today’s cylinder deactivation designs are used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation.
Tech Feature: Northstar Supernova
Introduced in 1993, GM’s 4.6L 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum V8 engine – housed in the Cadillac Allante, Eldorado and Seville STS – was considered a quantum leap forward for U.S. automakers. Initially rated at 295 horsepower, the Northstar V8 has grown over the years to an incredible 469 hp at 6,400 rpm (STS-V Supercharged Northstar engine).
Pennzoil Introduces its Most Advanced Synthetic – Pennzoil Ultra
New Hyper Cleansing Technology keeps engines closer to “factory clean” to help consumers protect their vehicle investment and increase engine efficiency.
Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.