EngineLabs

The whole idea behind building an engine is to capture as much air and the proper ratio of fuel in the combustion space as possible, squeeze it, light it off, and use the combustion to make pressure and power. One of the best ways to optimize that pressure is not to allow it to leak past the rings. This calls for not only a round cylinder but also one that offers the proper wall preparation in terms of a cross-hatch pattern and texture.

While this sounds simple, the ex*****on of the process calls for some serious attention to detail. It doesn’t make much sense to invest thousands of dollars in trick pistons, rings, cylinder heads, valvetrain, and induction only to scrimp on cylinder-wall preparation. This installment of the EngineLabs Blueprint Series will introduce some current ideas you should seriously consider for your next performance engine build.

Shortly after the teaser video, where GM takes aim directly at Ford's 6.7L Power Stroke, the power numbers of the new 8.3L Mongoose engine were announced at 555 horsepower and 1,230 lb-ft of torque, with a CGI block, forged crank and rods, and steel pistons. They've also mentioned advanced cooling and turbocharging systems on the new engine architecture, so this should be really interesting once it hits dealer lots. Check out our full article at the link in the bio.

It's Weird Engine Wednesday, and we're talking about the Ariel Square Four. The square-four engine design is a hallmark of innovation and performance in motorcycle engineering. This design, which arranges four cylinders in a square configuration as closely together as possible, is technically a “U” engine design and has been utilized by a few manufacturers seeking to maximize packaging efficiency while maintaining peak power delivery.

British manufacturer Ariel kickstarted the square-four engine journey. The Square Four motorcycle was added to the Ariel lineup in 1931, courtesy of designer Edward Turner. It had two counter-rotating crankshafts and a camshaft located centrally, operating eight overhead valves. Originally fitted with a chain-driven overhead camshaft engine displacing 500cc, it had grown to incorporate a 1,000cc overhead valve unit by 1937 developing around 40 horsepower. Despite its new design, the Ariel Square Four had inherent design problems due to its air-cooled nature — including overheating in the rear cylinders — that prevented it from being used much more widely.

For anyone worried that the V8 was about to be shuffled off to the retirement home in favor of turbo four- and six-cylinder engines, Chevrolet just came through in the clutch (pun intended). After over a year of hints and rumors, they’ve officially debuted three new small-blocks, and the message is unquestionably clear: There’s still no replacement for displacement.

General Motors’ new sixth-generation small-block family now includes the Corvette LS6 6.7-liter V8 along with two new truck engines, the L76 5.7-liter and L78 6.6-liter. Let us go ahead and translate that European to USA English for you — that translates to 409, 350, and 400 cubic inches, respectively. Chevrolet didn’t choose those displacements by accident. Those are some great numbers when it comes to Chevrolet engine history, but the engineering underneath is thoroughly modern.

When it comes to this hobby, not everyone has a spare pile of cash for parts. That often leads to scouring the internet, swap meets, and junkyards for second-hand deals on usable parts, like pistons and rods. There are deals to be found, but even the best of deals is a bad deal, if they are the wrong parts.

Generally, when measuring engine components, you would use the proper micrometers and measure to the .0001 inch. However, you can identify components with a simple .001 caliper, as we’ll show here. Plus, it’s a lot easier to carry a caliper with you, than a 0- to 6-inch mic set. To demonstrate, we’re going to go through and measure these “unknown” components that came out of one of our other editor’s semi-mystery engines that he recently pulled apart.

If it's dumb, but it works, is it really dumb? 🤔

That time when GM prototyped a 3-Valve LS head...