How Does A/C Work?
Almost all car air conditioners operate the same. The refrigeration cycle works on the principle of latent heat vaporization or turning a liquid into a vapor. A compressor moves refrigerant through the system. For decades, air conditioners used CFC-12, often known as R-12. Then, in the early to mid-1990s, all vehicle manufacturers switched to the…
Read MoreHow to Wire Dual Electric Fans
As many of you are aware, clearance between the front of your engine and the radiator can be extremely limited. Most of the time, your first thought is to find the smallest single electric fan that is powerful enough to cool your car, but there is another option! Dual electric fans could be the answer…
Read MoreHow to Build a Custom Exhaust System
The majority of factory exhaust systems are hefty, restricted, and, to make matters worse, quiet. Not to add that stock exhaust manifolds are rarely compatible with your hot rod’s chassis or engine compartment. You don’t want to put that brand new crate engine in your project and try to utilize the factory exhaust pieces that…
Read MoreHow to Choose the Correct Headers
The entire idea of an aftermarket exhaust system, as well as headers, is to allow for improved evacuation of exhaust gasses from the vehicle. If these gases are allowed to linger in the combustion chamber, they will take up valuable space that could be better utilized by fresh air and fuel. This, in turn, depletes…
Read MoreHow to Set SBC Valve Lash
Setting or changing valve lash for the first time can seem like a difficult operation, but it is incredibly necessary to get the maximum performance out of your engine, even though it is sometimes disregarded. When it comes to valve lash, it is the mechanical clearance that exists between a rocker arm’s tip and the…
Read MoreHow to Replace Head Gaskets
It’s not uncommon to have a few inquiries regarding your alternatives while installing a new set of head gaskets. For example, should a copper or graphite gasket be used? What does it signify if the fire rings on the gaskets are pre-flattened? Should you apply a sealant to the gaskets before installing them? These are…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Performance Camshaft
Many things will affect how a camshaft works in your engine. First, you need to understand how camshafts work at a basic level before you can compare numbers. With more knowledge, choosing the right camshaft is less like a guessing game and more like making a smart choice based on what you know about your…
Read MoreChoosing a Ford 9″ Rear Differential
Hot rodders and race car builders both like to use the Ford 9″ rear end. With its proven durability and a lot of support from other people, you can get a bulletproof rear end by choosing the right parts for your needs. It doesn’t matter if you get a custom rear end or build your…
Read MoreLove Me a Blown Ford Flathead
If you’re reading this, I’m sure the name “Hot Rod” conjures up some sort of recollection or emotion. It’s all about feelings. I rarely remember or store memories that have no emotional impact on me. If it didn’t make me feel something, I rejected it. Luckily for me, my initial “Hot Rod” recollections are filled…
Read MoreHow to Choose an Intake Manifold
This is the big debate: single vs. double plane intake manifolds. It’s something that every builder has to deal with. What I used for my 454 is shown here. I’ll tell you a little about the engine first. I found a used 454 from a 1970s Chevy 3/4 ton truck. When I took the engine…
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