Build, text and photos by Mike Mavrigian

BLOCK PLUGS

Using all new GM plugs, I installed the four threaded water jacket and oil plugs on the outside of the block (three steel 16mm plugs and one brass 30mm plug). These plugs feature straight metric threads. No NPT threads exist on the OE block. The new GM threaded plugs feature thread sealant already applied. If re-using old threaded plugs, be sure to apply Teflon thread sealant. DO NOT install these plugs without thread sealant.

The front oil galley hole (facing the front of the block, this hole is located to the right of the main bore; driver-side) was plugged with a new 16mm-diameter GM P/N 9427693 expansion plug, with a film of RTV applied to the plug perimeter and driven into the block flush with the front block timing cover gasket surface.

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Build, photos and text by Mike Mavrigian

This build features a GM LS platform, bored and stroked to 408 CID, with a 4.0305” bore and 4.000” stroke. A few of the notable elements include adapting Gen 1 smallblock Chevy valve covers to LS heads and a conversion to carburetion, this time using a tunnel ram intake fitted with dual 4-barrel carbs.

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Three custom engines will be on display at the Hot Rod & Restoration booth at the 2013 trade show in Indianapolis, March 14-16. The engines, built by Hot Rod & Restoration contributing tech writer Mike Mavrigian, include three distinctly different examples that befit the street rod and resto market.

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Bobit Business Media President & CEO Ty Bobit (l) and NBM President & CEO Robert H. Wieber Jr.

National Business Media Inc., Broomfield, Colo., has acquired Hotrod & Restoration magazine, its accompanying annual trade show and website from Bobit Business Media, Torrance, Calif.

The change in ownership also includes the precisionenginetech.com technical website.

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A quick glance at Kaase’s new P-38 cross-ram induction system for Ford Windsor engines immediately conveys two things: its potential to deliver impressive low- to mid-range torque and its inherent low-profile presence to add greater hood clearance—qualities that are often highly valued.

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Demon Carburetion has released a new calibration kit (P/N 1921) that enables engine tuners to dial-in exact air-fuel ratios for each specific engine.

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Trend Performance has announced a new series of 5/8in pushrods for competition engines operating under extreme pressures. These include Mountain motors, Pro Mod, Pro Nitrous, Top Sportsman, NHRA Pro Stock and fast Bracket engines.

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Ann Arbor, Michigan, June 28, 2012 – MAHLE Clevite Inc. recently expanded the Victor Reinz^® online product offering in conjunction with the implementation of a new data distribution method. The distribution system utilizes technology provided by OptiCat.

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Diamond has created new domed drag racing pistons for two popular Brodix big-block Chevrolet cylinder heads: the NRC-SR20 and the Head Hunter.

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The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), the racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009.

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