Jul 7th 2025
Most stock oil pumps are built to do one job: move enough oil to keep everything slick inside a factory-built motor. That works fine when you’re running tight tolerances, a modest cam, and facto…
Jun 2nd 2025
Connecting rods are the unsung heroes of your engine, the brawn behind its beat. They’re what link the pistons to the crankshaft, transforming violent combustion into the smooth, spinning motion…
May 23rd 2025
Keeping a pre-1980 V8 running strong isn’t exactly a walk in the park. These engines have a lot of character, but they also come with their fair share of headaches. Everything under the hood has…
May 12th 2025
The Ford 4.0 OHV engine has been around for a while and is used in various trucks and SUVs. It’s not super modern or fancy, but it’s dependable and relatively easy to work on compared to n…
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
