When using the stretch method on rod bolts that ARP and many other manufacturers use, they want you to snug the bolt before applying load to the fastener. I found a way that myself and any of my employees can duplicate “snug.” I first measure all…
Kody Redman Redman’s Performance Oakhurst, CA
When gapping piston rings, an easy and often used way to square them in the bore is to invert a flattop piston and use it to push the rings down to the desired depth. Another good way on large bore engines is to use a tapered ring compressor…
Rich Jones Redline Automotive Competition Engines Davie, FL
When doing engine build proposals for customers, be sure to add the option of all critical machining procedures, even if you do not do them in house. You will need a high-quality vendor that you can outsource these procedures to, all the while laying groundwork for your…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
We see many different cylinder head combinations and sometimes it is necessary to cut down the valve spring locators to get a socket on the cylinder head bolt or nut. We use an old valve guide and a pair of vice grips to hold the locator…
Adam Cofer Salina Engine Salina, KS
You can buy a premade spray booth or you can set up a makeshift paint booth using a cardboard box on its side. For extensive spraying you can cut a hole in the box and connect an exhaust fan to remove overspray. If using…
Steve Rich Sterling Bearing Inc N. Kansas City, MO
Balancing a crankshaft by drilling large holes in counterweights can leave an appearance of the counterweight that is not pretty. To improve the appearance, we keep a supply of disc style freeze plugs in the diameters of our balancing drills so we can “cap off” large drilled…
Lyle Haley The Shop Doc Andover, MN