Performance Technician, Author at Automotive Tech Info

Absolutes

May 2015 | Finish Line, Performance Technician Features

Lessons learned from one engine are adapted and applied to the next and your process, and hopefully your percentage of successful outcomes increases as your skill and knowledge improves.

Detroit Auto Show: The Return of Horsepower and Speed

Apr 2015 | Departments, Performance Technician Features, Weekend Warrior

Hybrids, electric cars and mileage efficiency be damned! It was all about speed and muscle in Detroit.

The Big Science of Pushrods, Part 1

Apr 2015 | Engine Mechanical, Performance Technician Features

There’s more to those tubular columns than you might think.

Lightning Does Strike Again – and Again – and Again…

Apr 2015 | Performance Technician Features, Weekend Warrior

Johnny Lightning makes great cars and trucks even better.

Basics Series: The Life of a Lifter, Part 1

Apr 2015 | Performance Technician Features

There are only a few basic rules to engine performance, just a few places where improvements are needed to increase output and reliability. A good first step to increase performance is to begin by increasing the efficiency of the air pump by decreasing inlet and outlet restrictions and by maximizing cylinder head flow.

Selecting the Best Engine for a Vintage Vehicle

Mar 2015 | Engine Mechanical, Performance Technician Features

When the engine in a classic vehicle is in need of an overhaul or an upgrade, the question many people ask is should they rebuild their original engine or replace it with something more modern. There is also the option of installing a late-model computer-controlled fuel-injected engine, but most of these just don’t fit with the image of a classic when you open the hood. No matter what your or your customer’s choice is, you need to be sure the selected package matches the way they drive.

Go Modern, or Not?

Mar 2015 | Performance Technician Features, Starting Line

In 2009, I bought my wife a 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP leftover at a big-bargain price (about 1/3rd off the sticker!) because, alas, that once-fabulous GM division was being eliminated. That was the model with the 264 hp 3.6L Suzuki VVT V6 and GM six-speed.

Performance Technician March 2015

Mar 2015 | Performance Technician Issues

Get ready for some interesting articles aimed at the technical skill level of our loyal Performance Technician readers. In this issue, our tech editor, Greg McConiga, gives us two in-depth, hands-on features: One on lifter subtleties, and another on the science of pushrods. Our professional super-tuner, Henry Olsen, gives us the best discussion we’ve even seen on what engine to choose for your vintage car/hot rod.

Readin’, Writin’ and Racin’

Feb 2015 | Finish Line, Performance Technician Features

There are some things that are just part of the program, like not recalling things as well as you once did as you put on a few years (okay, more than a few…). It seems I just can’t remember it all now.

Recovery, Restoration, and Resurrection: Part 2

Feb 2015 | Performance Technician Features, Structural

From the last installment, we have an understanding, an evaluation and a preliminary number… Now what?

Author: Performance Technician