GEN III VS. GEN IV CONNECTING RODS The early Gen-3 press-fit connecting rod was replaced by the Gen-4 free-floating piston pin with rod bushings. Some shops try to upgrade Gen-3 engines by substituting Gen-4 pistons, and keeping the earlier rods. You need to be aware...
BOLTS AS HANDLES Sometimes, the simplest thing can become the perfect tool. To properly install a camshaft doesn’t need an expensive special tool. A long bolt or 2 can make a great camshaft installation tool. Stack a pile of fender washers on your bolt for a...
DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING When I build big cubic inch engines, I never leave all that weight hanging from a few bellhousing bolts. A screw jack under the front oil pan takes a lot of stress off of the engine stand. Place a piece of wood or heavy cardboard on top of the...
DO YOU ASS-UME? You’ve heard the expression about “assume”? It will make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”. Here’s a simple tip that goes back to marketing 101 - Don’t assume your customers know what they need. And, don’t assume they know what you know. The best way to...
TOP 10 CAM FAILURE CULPRITS 1) COIL BIND-when a spring compresses solid before or during full camshaft lift. 2) RETAINER TO SEAL BIND-the distance from the top of the valve seal to the bottom of the retainer must be greater than the valve’s lift. 3) IMPROPER VALVE...
CAM BINDING SOLUTION I use a drill bit extension and a variety of abrasive flap wheels to clean up cam bores and cam bearings to help make more clearance for those camshafts that will not fit or turn. A quick pass through the bores is all it takes. Steve Potz Steve’s...