Tech Tip: Performance Diesel Engine Service Notes
Diesels are setting all kinds of records from land speed to elapsed time. So if you’re not already dabbling in diesel performance, you may be soon. Diesel engines are a different type of animal when compared to gasoline engines. While both use the same four-stroke cycle of combustion, diesels use the heat of compression rather than a spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
Tech Feature: Taking on Diesel Turbo Service
In the aftermarket, there are so many upgrades for turbos, especially on the mid-size diesel trucks. So how do you determine which one is right for your application?
Tech Tip: Turbocharger Installation Tips and Hints
Ninety percent of all turbocharger failures are caused by preventable problems or adverse operating conditions. Because of the close tolerances and clearances of these units, and the high speeds at which they operate, it is imperative that they are installed correctly and maintained properly.
Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine
General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct
Tech Feature: Sports Compacts – Performing in a ‘Maturing’ Market
What started out in the 1990s as an affordable way for kids to bang around with cars that were often handed down from their parents or siblings, later grew into a fledgling market all its own.
Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology
It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today.
Tech Feature: Northstar Supernova
Introduced in 1993, GM’s 4.6L 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum V8 engine – housed in the Cadillac Allante, Eldorado and Seville STS – was considered a quantum leap forward for U.S. automakers. Initially rated at 295 horsepower, the Northstar V8 has grown over the years to an incredible 469 hp at 6,400 rpm (STS-V Supercharged Northstar engine).
Z Sport, Part 2: Powering Subaru WRX Engine & Chassis Upgrades
A few months back, I highlighted a project car being built by Z Sport. The car is now back together and running. Charles Damewood, the car’s owner and a principle at Z Sport, has been driving the car to break in the engine, and get an idea of what needs to be sorted out as far as engine management before doing a full on dynamometer test. As soon as fuel mapping and software issues are resolved, we will get full performance testing data and publish a follow up.
Tech Feature: Boosting Profits Through Turbocharger Services
A turbo’s basic purpose is to boost power, so when an otherwise healthy engine suddenly becomes anemic, it often (but not always) means turbo trouble.
Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.
Tech Tip: Poor Throttle Response on VW’s Diesel Engine
Condition: Poor throttle response on 1.9L TDI equipped vehicle. Models affected include 1999-2003 Golf and Jetta, 2001-’03 Jetta Wagon and 1998-2003 New Beetle (all ALH, 1.9L TDI engines).
Tech Tip: Use Caution when Replacing Ford Diesel Cylinder Heads
According to Ford’s TSB 06-24-4, some 2003-’07 vehicles equipped with a 6.0L engine may require the cylinder head to be replaced, while design changes can affect interchangeability between model years and service of 2003-’07 6.0L engines.