FORGED CRANKSHAFT TECH
Ever wonder how a forged crank is made? We take a look at materials, the forging process and hardening methods.
by Mike Mavrigian
Just as diamonds are created by pressure and time, a forged crank is the result of heat and pressure, and a bit of precision machining.
A forged crank offers vastly increased grain structure [...]
The camshaft is spun-up on the balancer similar to any other rotating shaft.
Example of a camshaft out of balance. Notice that the left side of the camshaft is 1.2 in./oz. out of balance and the right is 1.67 in./oz. out. Also note that the unbalanced units are not opposed to each other. This will cause [...]
CAMSHAFT BALANCING
That’s right, camshaft balancing. It’s all about optimizing and regaining lost energy.
The camshaft is yet another rotating mass, so why would we not pay attention to the subject of balance?
When was the last time you balanced a camshaft? If you’re like most builders, the answer is never, with the answer accompanied by a puzzled [...]
Always use the cam assembly lube provided or recommended by the camshaft manufacturer, in addition to using the correct break-in oil.
Nothing changes with regard to prep. Coat each lobe completely with the recommended assembly lube, usually a high-pressure moly-based material.
Even with the lobes coated with moly, using an engine oil that is too low in [...]
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OIL FOR FLAT TAPPET CAM BREAK-IN
All oils are not created equal.
by Mike Mavrigian
photos by author
Avoiding flat tappet cam failure can be as simple as using the correct oil during break-in.
Chances are you’ve run into this problem first-hand, or know a builder who has shared his horror stories. We’re talking about flat tappet [...]
Both rod and main bearings must feature a specified amount of crush area in order to achieve bearing lock-in within the housing.
The bearing shell outer edges (approaching the parting line areas) are larger than the saddle, which adds to the lock-in placement of the bearing shells.
Dirt particles or embedded blasting shot left behind in the [...]
CLEARANCES VS. CAVITATION EROSION
Cavitation erosion of a bearing occurs when rapid movement of the shaft away from the bearing surface causes vapor bubbles to form in the oil film. When these bubbles break, the resulting force causes erosion of the bearing soft overlay layer. Appearance and location of cavitation erosion will differ with operating conditions [...]
RACE BEARING TECH
The bearing gurus at Clevite share insight regarding current and future rod and main bearing development.
Installed bearing sets create a slightly eccentric bore, which promotes oil film capture and enables the rotational movement of the shaft to generate a hydroplane of oil film around the circumference.
Bearing crush is critical to holding the bearing [...]
LS ENGINE TECH
The current new generations of GM engines are here to stay and represent the hot ticket for today’s and tomorrow’s hot-dog smallblocks for both street performance and racing applications. It’s time to get up to speed.
by Mike Mavrigian
photos by author
LS6 aluminum 5.7L block.
LS2 aluminum 6.0L block.
The Gen III and Gen IV (Gen IV [...]
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