Snap-On’s new Tech Angle wrench includes a protective case and is available in several versions, including 1/4″-drive, 3/8″-drive and 1/2″-drive. The digital torque wrench is capable of operating in several modes, including ft-lb, in-lb, Nm and angle of rotation. The unit I tested is ATECH3FR250A, which features 1/2″-drive. TESTING SNAP-ON’S NEW ELECTRONIC TORQUE/ANGLE [...]
For 2011, I’ve decided to produce two new engine projects, each of which will provide handy and informative tips for our readers. Naturally, each build will be presented in our normal manner…as a multi-part series of technical articles. The new projects for this year include a Pontiac 455 and a “Budget LS” build.
Following years of extensive R&D, the engineering team at ARP® has developed a revolutionary new high performance fastener assembly lubricant that is superior to commonly used oil, moly and other lubes. ARP Ultra-Torque® allows builders to torque fasteners within 5% of their required preload on the first “pull,” virtually eliminating “preload scatter,” and ensures [...]
One of the newest releases from HP Books is High Performance Fasteners & Plumbing, written by Mike Mavrigian. This 170-page book provides detailed, yet easy-to-read technical information on understanding all types of performance fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, clamps, etc.) and performance plumbing for fuel, brake, oil and coolant hose, fittings, tubes, etc.
Check out our series on designing and outfitting an engine assembly “clean room,” from start to finish. We constructed and furnished our room specifically for our in-house project engine builds. Clean & mean. It’s our dream play room.
The drawer design, gauge and high-quality roller bearings provide drawer movement that is effortless and extremely smooth.
If you have the budget, adding a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air filtration system is a great idea. A HEPA filter is designed to trap at least 99.7 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. A HEPA filter approach for a ceiling tile application includes a series of overhead HEPA filters with motorized fans (these mount in the ceiling tile areas in the ceiling grid, just as the tiles mount). The fans are located overhead of the filters. These draw air that is filtered and clean into the room. In order to balance room pressure, you also need vents to draw air out of the room.
Whenever I build an engine, regardless of my confidence in terms of fitting and assembly detail, I’m always a bit apprehensive when it comes time to light the fire. But when things go picture-perfect and you hit high numbers without a single glitch, it’s a feeling that’s better than sex (I’m sure you know what I mean). This LS program proved to be a total success.
The Victor water pump mounting gaskets are alloy bases with elastomeric seals. These appear to be very re-useable. Our Edelbrock water pump mounted to the block. Fit and hole alignment were superb. Here’s the upper left timing cover bolt that we mentioned. It’s close, but it does clear the pump body. The Edelbrock water pump [...]
The camshaft was checked with a degree wheel. Crane did one heck of a nice job grinding this bumpstick. Lift and timing moments were dead-on to the cam card. With our crank snout pinned for the damper, the timing cover was installed using ARP’s front cover kit (12-point stainless). The front coolant balance tube assembly [...]
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