Tag Archives: AutoBlog

So You Gonna Build an Engine? Part 3 – Bearings

By | | , , , , ,
2 Comments

Federal Mogul Bearings

Have you even given this a thought?   Nope, not me either.

But here’s why you should and why you shouldn’t go cheap.

Engine bearings have the dual function of reducing friction between a rotating part of the engine (the crankshaft) and the stationary part (the main caps and engine block) and supporting the crank.

Because of the stresses caused by the explosions inside the internal combustion engine, the bearing material must be extremely strong, so a durable metal is required.

Engine bearings are small and relatively inexpensive components of internal combustion engines however failure of an engine bearing commonly leads to serious reconditioning works of the engine including its disassembling, regrinding the crankshaft and replacing the bearings.  Sound like fun?  No.  And we all know that it’s not cheap to rebuild, so let’s do it right and not cut corners in this area.

So what should you get? Well considering that there are all kind of ways to destroy your bearing, like dry starting (no oil coating) some of the following:

  • Wrong selection of the Engine bearing materials for the application.
  • Localized loading of the bearing due to a misalignment (eg. hour-glass journal, distorted connecting rod).
  • Fuel detonation caused by advanced ignition.
  • Running the engine under high loads (torque) at low rotation speeds for long period.
  • Poor conforming of the bearing back with the housing surface.
  • Over fueling.
  • Corrosive action of contaminated oil, which lowers the fatigue limit (Corrosion fatigue).

Yes it’s true bearing take a beating.  Here if you go cheap, especially if you are racing, you go home.

So double up on the cash because quality bearings like Michigan 77 or Federal Mogul competition will cost you twice as much.  Pay now or rebuild sooner.

Michigan 77’s

Thanks for reading.

Tim Sweet

Car Swap Meet Gems

By | | , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

It’s not that often that I get out to a car swap meet.  Here in Arizona you are in  for a hot time…tempature-wise, do to the lack of shade.  Car parts so hot you’ve got to have oven mitts to handle ’em.  But the are still fun.

Down the street at the local drag strip they had one this weekend and I thought I’d pass on a few of the gems they had for sale.  There was a bit of a car show there as well.

You could pick-up some ‘Field Fresh’ projects like this coupe:

 

“Trailer Not Include”read the sign

 

Love the rear window

The floors are solid.

 

$3500 and the cob web are no extra charge.

 

 

Or this Pick-Up:

You could also find some project that the owner just couldn’t finish…some with some very extensive ‘restoration damage’  like tons of bondo holding the fender together.

This Chevy wasn’t the worst, but it had a lot of bondo.

This Dodge pickup wasn’t horrible. It would make a nice starter project.

This Plymouth Barracuda was pretty stripped down.

I actually think the owner had a lot of the parts laying on the ground for sale separately.

This ’65 Chevy is has been lowered and that’s about all.

Lot work left on this project.

Some cars did find new homes:

This Dodge found a new home.

This Imperial looks like it’s going to its new garage under its own power.

 

I love this car!!!!

Going to need some interior work. This one sported the push button shifting.

 

Coming up… some of the show cars.  Some nice rods.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

27th Annual Chevy Showdown, Tucson, AZ Part 4

By | | , , , , , , , ,
1 Comment

Here is a great ’57 Chevy that was so well done, I had to take some video.

 

[vodpod id=Video.16447529&w=425&h=350&fv=]

posted with vodpod

 

 

 

  

posted with vodpod

 

[vodpod id=Video.16448093&w=425&h=350&fv=file%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fvid299.photobucket.com%252Falbums%252Fmm296%252Ftimsweet2200%252FAll%252520Chevy%252520Car%252520Show%2525202012%252FMVI_9787.mp4]

posted with vodpod

 

 

posted with vodpod

This was a fantastic Car!!!

Thanks for reading
Tim

It’s Spring Time….and Beehives are the Buzz Part 2

By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Resistance

If there is one challenge to the beehive revolution, it’s the perception of the masses. While most engine builders and performance enthusiasts know that the beehive works to improve their engines, many don’t realize the true benefits. Some established enthusiasts are confused and concerned that the smaller valve retainer and single spring used in the beehive system are capable of handling the same high performance loads carried by the conventional spring with two coils.

Beehive springs are a precision component just like any part you select for your engine. Using a tech line expert to help find just the right Beehive springs is critical to your engine’s ultimate performance and durability.

“There are some very knowledgeable engine builders who don’t understand how a single coil spring can be better than a dual conventional spring,” stated Thomas Griffin Head valve spring engineer for COMP Cams.

“The fact is the beehive springs, by virtue of the ovate spring shape and a variety of internal upgrades is compatible with virtually any application where a dual spring is used. That includes some engines with mechanical roller camshafts. The key is to review the required camshaft load and assess the aggressiveness of the camshaft.”

The key profile consideration of a camshaft can be denoted in the camshaft profile section. By reviewing the duration specs for your potential camshaft at 0.050-inch lift and again at 0.200-inch lift, the shape of the lobe can be projected. These are the key figures engineers use to determine beehive spring compatibility. Currently beehive springs for camshafts measuring up to 0.750-inch lift are available.

COMP Cams engineers used a Spintron machine to determine exactly what happens with valve spring dynamics at all levels of engine rpm. This high tech sensor was installed after cutting the cylinder head to make room. The Spintron data noted improved performance at reduced valve seat pressures, among other benefits previously mentioned.

It’s Spring Time….and Beehives are the Buzz Part 1

By | | , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

No this isn’t going to be one of those talks and no we aren’t going to run out and hung a tree, ok…if you must…go ahead I’ll wait…..(insert bored whistling)……(more bored whistling)…..Ok…are you done?!!

As I get closer to getting the heads on the Mustang, I’m going to have to begin picking any changes I want made to the CJ heads. While cruising the web checking out options, I ran across this piece (Corvette related but springs are springs as far as an engine is concerned) and there are some good tips here.

Good reading.

Beehive Springs Sound Great, But Will They Work For You?

by on April 18, 20

Quick! What the fastest moving component in your engine? If you’ve taken a hint from the title of this article, you probably guessed correctly – it’s your valve springs, those tight little bundles of joy that open and close your engine’s valves.

Beehive springs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The benefits of moving to Beehive springs where possible (and today few situations are not Beehive compatible) are many.

Beehive springs, such as those offered by COMP Cams, offer a huge number of benefits over stock-style cylindrical springs; reduced valve spring mass, faster valve acceleration, increased valve train rigidity, reduced valve train component stress and a whole laundry list of other positives.

Best of all, the word has gotten out and folks all over the country are using them for a wide variety of applications from street performance to extreme racing endeavors. That’s a really good thing.

Along with their success has come some confusion over exactly which beehive is right to purchase. Currently there are over a dozen beehive spring styles out there, each offering some unique take, be it in the seat pocket diameter, ovate wiring diameter, pitch or internal spring “frequency.” Regardless increased selection has bred some minor confusion, albeit easily cured.

Beehive springs are conical shaped springs that employ this powerful shape in the creation of a spring that can deliver both excellent performance and lowered seat pressures. With lower seat pressure, valve train components (especially the pushrods, rockers and lifters) are less stressed to perform the same work.

This beehive spring weights in at 99 grams, while a comparable conventional spring is 121 grams.

The difference between beehive and conventional cylindrical springs is obvious especially when you compare them in this manner. Note the dramatic difference in retainer diameter equating to less valve train weight.

According to COMP, effective beehive springs can support an additional 700rpm over stock cylindrical springs. How? It just stands to reason that the smaller coils at the top of the spring don’t require as much force to get the valve moving quickly, much quicker than conventional style springs. The higher rpm potential equates to better durability and performance.

There are some very knowledgeable engine builders who don’t understand how a single coil spring can be better than a dual conventional spring.

“Its like watching a race car running 60-foot elapsed times on the drag strip,” stated Bill Godbold, Chief Engineer for COMP Cams. “For example, take two identical cars with equivalent 500 hp engines.

“One has stock suspension and the other a sophisticated racing suspension. The car with the race suspension will get going more quickly and achieves better 60-foot time. The same principle works with beehive spring mechanics.”

 

Thanks for reading.  Part II coming up.

Tim

Taking the Vette project for a test drive.

By | | , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

image

You know the feeling.  When you JUST have to take ‘her’ out for a spin – no matter the condition.

You can’t see in this pic, but there’s no hood, no t-tops and lots of body work to be done….. but great looking rims and new meat (tires)…it was running a bit rough but still sounded good!!!

Got an unfinished project but still take it for a spin.  Post up  a note and a pic.

Tim

Pics Vette and Mustang

By | | , , , , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

Sometimes you just can’t pass up a pic.  This one was from

Rudy Morganti over on Corvette Pals
Being a Mustang and Vette owner..this one I appreciate

Own Two Muscle Cars? Tell me about them.

 

Own Two Muscle Cars? Tell me about them.

Tim

Some very cool car pics!!! Red Stripe Photography

By | | , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

I love this site.  You need to go check them out.

http://redstripeadventure.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/2012-lone-star-round-up-part-2/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog

Thanks for reading Tim.

Red Stripe Photography Cameras & Cars

2012 Lone Star Round UP – Part 2

Here’s the 2nd part to the 2012 Lone Star Round Up.

Hope everyone has a good Friday!

-RSP-

 

 

Did You Know? – 1932 Buick

By | | , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

The 1932 Buick had a Ride Regulator.  Yup.  It was a manually controlled suspension adjustment system was by moving a six position lever on the steering column.

It also featured a button next to the clutch pedal would activate the vacuum-operated Wizard Control for clutch-less shifting.

 

 

1932-Buick

Thanks for reading.

Tim

ZL1 You Are Gonna Want This Car!!

By | | , , , , , , ,
Leave a comment

I was very impressed by this car and the numbers.  Yeah…and I drive a Corvette!!!

 

[vodpod id=Video.16057895&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

, posted with vodpod