Engines
Pontiac 287 – 455 Engines
V-8 Development In 1954, General Motors leaned heavily on Chevrolet and Pontiac to develop V-8 engines for the 1955 model year and provided them with all available resources to ensure success. Pontiac settled on a 3.75-inch bore and 3.25-inch stroke to produce a 287-ci package. Pontiac management urged that the design allow for future displacement…
Read MoreFord’s Big Bad 429 History
The 429 is unquestionably one of the most sought after and valuable engines ever built. The Ford 385 engine served as the inspiration for the Boss 429 engine. It was discovered that a Mustang’s body was not broad enough to accommodate a large Boss 429 engine, and as a result, Ford commissioned Kar Kraft of…
Read More“W” Block 348 – 409 Chevy
As the 1950s began, the majority of automobiles had engines displacing less than 200 cubic inches, a milestone that had taken 50 years to achieve. By the decade’s end, the largest engines had doubled in size to more than 400 ci. Even law enforcement had to catch up with such quick progress, as illustrated by…
Read MoreBig Block (Rat) Chevy
Unlike smaller engines, the big-block Chevy’s evolution can be traced back to a high-performance 425-hp L78 396, originally offered in 1965 Corvettes and Chevelles. Although the big-block was destined for trucks and family sedans, it began as a serious high-performance item with rectangular port heads, a solid lifter cam, a high-rise aluminum intake manifold and…
Read MoreChrysler’s Hemi (Elephant) History
The Chrysler Hemi engines, marketed under the moniker Hemi, are a line of American I6 and V8 gasoline engines produced by Chrysler. They include overhead valves and hemispherical combustion chambers. Chrysler produced three distinct Hemi engines for automobiles: the first from 1951 to 1958, the second from 1964 to 1971, and the third starting in…
Read MoreHow to Choose an EFI Conversion Kit
Now that you’ve decided that switching to EFI is the best option for you, the hard work begins. Converting to EFI isn’t as straightforward as buying a machine, unpacking it, and installing it. Furthermore, I’m not aware of any system that is designed to function in all situations. Fortunately, reducing the range of products available…
Read MoreHow to Install Exhaust Headers
Exhaust Headers: How to Install Them Exhaust header upgrades might result in substantial power gains for your car. Larger-capacity pipes allow for more exhaust to be carried away from your engine, resulting in increased torque and horsepower. Quality exhaust headers, for example, manage engine temperature to minimize overheating and ensure efficient engine performance. Each cylinder’s tubes…
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