May 5th 2025
In most Small Block Chevy engine builds, people tend to focus on the usual part: intake manifolds, cams, headers, maybe even some fancy valve covers if there's a little extra budget. Meanwhile, the va…
Apr 14th 2025
Valve springs don’t get much attention, but they’ve got a brutal job. Every time your engine fires, they’re out there holding valves in check and dealing with forces that want to ri…
Mar 31st 2025
Ever press the gas and feel like your car's holding back? Like there’s more power under the hood, but it’s just not making it to the wheels? You’re not imagining things. Most stock e…
Mar 10th 2025
Tearing down an engine is one thing. Putting it back together? That’s where things can go sideways. You could track down each part one by one, crossing your fingers that everything fits. Or you…
Mar 10th 2025
A stroker engine isn’t only for increasing displacement. It’s also a solid way to squeeze out more torque and power. A longer stroke allows for a bigger combustion event in each cylinder,…
Feb 10th 2025
AFM Disable: GM Engine Performance Upgrade Active Fuel Management (AFM)—also called Cylinder Deactivation—is a system GM uses in many of its vehicles to save on gas. The way it works is pr…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
Feb 4th 2025
AFM Lifter Maintenance Done Right Active Fuel Management (AFM), found in many V8-powered vehicles, is a technology that can "put some cylinders to sleep" during chill moments like highway cruising. Th…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
Jan 7th 2025
Using Plastigage to Check Clearances: A Simple Guide for BeginnersPlastigage, despite its unassuming appearance, reveals crucial details about your engine’s inner workings. That small strip, pressed b…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
Jan 7th 2025
The Importance of Oil Pumps in Your EngineYour car's engine is full of moving parts working together to keep your vehicle running. But, to make it all work smoothly, it needs some behind-the-scenes ma…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
Dec 2nd 2024
Choosing the Right Valve Springs for Your EngineValve springs don’t usually steal the show, but they’re like the backbone of an engine, keeping everything in sync and running right. These coiled bits…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
Nov 18th 2024
How to Complete Your Engine Rebuild with a Successful Reinstallation An engine rebuild is only half the battle—the real art is in putting it all back together like a master automotive technician. Th…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
Nov 4th 2024
How to Reassemble Your Engine Block: Techniques for a Smooth Build It takes grit, precision, and know-how to bring an engine block back to life—tools alone won’t cut it. This job isn’t just about…
Published by Steve Koch, Northern Auto Parts
