Larry Carley
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Tech Feature: Oxygen Sensors are Key to Performance and Fuel Economy

Do you know your oxygen sensors? Oxygen sensors have been used for more than a quarter of a century, dating back to 1980 when the first computerized engine control systems appeared. The oxygen (O2) sensor is part of the fuel management system. It monitors unburned oxygen in the exhaust. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this information to determine if the fuel mixture is rich (too much fuel) or lean (not enough fuel).

Tech Feature: Hemisphere Exploration – Journey to the Center of the 5.7L Hemi

The 5.7L HEMI Magnum V8, which made its debut in 2003 in Dodge Ram 2500/3500 series trucks, was quite an improvement over the older 5.9L V8 it replaced. The engine was 56 lbs. lighter, produced 41% more horsepower and 12% more torque than the previous motor. Better yet, it also delivered 8-10% better fuel economy.

Valves: When to Reclaim, When to Replace

Performance engine builders can’t afford to take chances with questionable valves because they have to withstand high rpm and temperatures. Likewise, rebuilders who overhaul high dollar heavy-duty diesel and industrial engines want to minimize their comeback risks by making sure the valves they use are either new or have been carefully inspected and reconditioned to meet OEM specifications. Yet many rebuilders who do passenger car and light truck engines continue to reclaim and reuse a high percentage of old valves.

Snap-on Hosts 90th Anniversary Celebration at Wisconsin Headquarters

Snap-on was founded in 1920 by Joseph Johnson and William Seidemann, who pioneered the idea of interchangeable sockets and wrench handles. The company manufactured and marketed 10 sockets that would “snap on” to five interchangeable handles, a concept that revolutionized the tool industry.

Tech Feature: Brake Pad Friction Material Formulas

Have you ever wondered what exactly is in the friction material that’s on the brake pads and shoes you install on your customers’ vehicles? Most brake suppliers use generic marketing terms such as “ceramic” or “semi-metallic” or “NAO” to describe their products, but they don’t give you any details as to what exactly these terms mean. That’s because no two brake suppliers agree on what these terms actually mean.

Tech Update: Gaskets, Seals, Sealants and Fasteners

Some gaskets can go the distance, while others can not. The factors that typically cause a gasket to fail include age, heat, thermal expansion, abrasion, pressure, vibration, corrosion, material breakdown or poor design.

Closing the Gap on Intake Manifold Gaskets

Back in the days when most engines had cast iron blocks, heads and manifolds, the intake manifold could be easily sealed with simple and relatively inexpensive die cut fiber faced metal gaskets (solid or perforated core). Sealer was usually required to ensure a leak-free installation.

Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets

We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.

Tech Feature: Diagnosing and Replacing Chassis & Ride Control Parts

Worn chassis parts are often-overlooked causes of tire wear, steering and handling problems, and even road noise. Worn tie rods are the most common culprit for causing rapid tire wear, but worn control arm bushings or ball joints can also contribute to tire wear.

Tech Tip: Window Lifts: Unappreciated When They Work

Sometimes, a window may quit working for one reason or another. It may be time to replace a regulator.

Tech Tip: New Aftermarket Automotive Belts and Hoses Last Longer

pylene diene monomer), a synthetic rubber that is far more durable, heat-resistant and wear-resistant than Neoprene. This means serpentine belts and hoses made of EPDM may last up to 100,000 miles or more before they have to be replaced. But that doesn’t mean they will last forever.

Bolt-on Horsepower: Choosing an Induction System

Like a houseful of teenagers, today’s high performance engines are hungry and thirsty. Whether running on the street or the strip, our ravenous appetite for speed means their ravenous appetites must continue to be fed.