Tire Tread Wear: Causes And Symptoms
Tire tread wear can tell you a lot about a suspension. Most specifically, it can tell you if the angles, inflation and components are within specification. Here are the most common tread wear patterns and what causes them.
Chevy’s New ZZ6 Engine Celebrates 60 Years Of V8 Power
Developed with contemporary technologies, including a high-rpm valvetrain, Chevrolet Performance’s new ZZ6 engine offers builders a modern twist on the classic Chevy Small Block 350. It uses updated Fast Burn cylinder heads with beehive-style valve springs inspired by the LS engine family – a feature that enhances high-rpm capability, enabling the new high-performance engine to achieve 405 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.
Sporty New Design Will Make You Civic Minded
Honda Debuts Sportiest Civic Design with 10th-Generation Civic Concept Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show in April. The Civic Concept provided a tantalizing glimpse forward to the design direction for the all-new 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the U.S. this fall. With a sharper focus on spirited performance
The Connected Vehicle: Exploring The Next Frontier In Vehicle Communication
Connected vehicles have been with us since 1996 when GM introduced OnStar. This first-generation connected vehicle system pioneered the way for similar systems that were to follow. OnStar offered hands-free cell phone calling, GPS navigation, the ability to monitor vehicle systems for potential problems and to summon help in the event of a breakdown or accident. Since those early days, most import and domestic automakers have jumped onto the connected vehicle bandwagon and now offer some type of onboard cell phone, navigation and infotainment connectivity package.
Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 Gets Major Revisions
New components include cylinder heads with an 11.3:1 compression ratio (up from 10.2:1), new fuel injectors featuring eight holes each (twice the number in the previous iteration’s injectors), platinum-tipped spark plugs, new valve springs, low-tension piston rings, lightened crankshaft and crank pins, extensive friction reduction, and cooling of exhaust-gas recirculation.
Corrosion Protection: How Long Will Your Repair Last?
Today’s metals are stronger than ever, but thinner, too. How long do you think it will take for corrosion to compromise metal strength once it takes hold – especially with the increasing use of liquid deicer to combat snow storms?
Oil-Related Engine Codes For Variable Valve Timing Engines
Variable valve timing is becoming a standard system on most late-model engines because it offers higher performance from a smaller displacement engine at higher rpms. Oil plays a larger role in VVT systems. They need engine oil not only for lubrication, but also to actuate the camshafts to change the profile of the lobes.
Toyota Hybrid Oil Change
Does the thought of changing the oil on a Toyota Prius scare you? Are you afraid you could be shocked with more than 200 volts? Don’t be afraid, changing the oil is not radically different than any other Toyota.
Racing Rules! Racing Engine Rule Issues For 2015
If you’re looking to become a performance engine builder with customers driving in various racing associations, keeping up with rules changes from the numerous organizations can be a challenge.
Diagnosing Catalytic Converter Failure Symptoms
Although construction can vary according to engine application, the common three-way catalytic converter contains a reduction and oxidation stage. To create maximum surface area, each stage is generally a Âceramic or stainless steel honeycomb substrate covered with a rough silica and alumina wash coat. Both stages of the converter are coated with precious metal catalysts
Understanding The Science Of Connecting Rods
They say an engine is only as reliable as its weakest link. The connecting rods that join the pistons with the crank can be a strong link or a weak link depending on the rods that are used. Most late model stock engines use powder metal rods. They are inexpensive to manufacture, require minimal machining to finish and are adequate for stock power levels and normal driving.
BMW Fuel System Repair Essentials
The BMW N54 fuel pump recall a few years ago brought to light the importance of the integrity of the fuel system and how it can contribute to the overall reliability of a vehicle. While BMW never officially stated what was causing the high-pressure fuel pumps to fail, some put the blame on low-quality fuel that might have been contaminated or had higher-than-normal Âlevels of ethanol.
