General Motors tackled some of its loftiest engineering challenges during the late-1960s horsepower wars, when its divisions duked it out with larger engines, more trick cylinder heads, more robust internal components, and ever-more complex valvetrains. Down in that maelstrom, Oldsmobile penned an experimental 32-valve V8-the W-43-based on its 455-cubic-inch platform. The engine never made its […]
The ‘Killer’ W-43: Inside GM’s Most Powerful Experimental V8
The 1960s was a time when Americas car companies were competing to see who could make the loudest and most powerful cars. Every big company wanted to make something than what the other companies had. This was a time when engineers could try things and see how far they could push the limits. At General […]
Inside Ford’s Experimental Engine History: The 1920s X8 and the 1968 Calliope Big Block
Ford’s engine history is filled with ambitious experiments that went far beyond the familiar production powerplants. From the unusual X8 developed between 1920 and 1927 to the experimental Calliope racing V8 of the late 1960s and the downsized Es V6 and 255 V8 of the early 1980s, these engines show how dramatically Ford’s engineering priorities […]
The EPA Is Killing Stop-Start, So We Asked Automakers If They Care
There is a kind of frustration that every modern driver understands without needing it explained. It happens in the middle of traffic usually when you are already running late the car is getting hot and the engine decides to shut itself off at a red light like it does not want to help you. For […]
High Performance for Every Budget: 10 Fast Used Cars Available Under $20,000
Buying a sports car doesn’t have to be expensive though and there are some pretty exciting cars to choose from in the used market. If all you care about is having a great driving experience and not so much about badges or high-end features, you’re still spoiled for choice for less than $20,000. Whether you’re […]
10 Durable V8 Engines Built to Survive Extreme Mileage and Keep Running for Years
There is no other automotive engine design that inspires as much passion as a properly built V8 engine. Aside from its glorious exhaust note and variable torque output, there are a select few V8 engines that also have a more admirable trait: exceptional strength. V8 engines with that characteristic are the result of those engines […]
Navigating the 2026 Ford F-150 Options: Key Engines, Trims, and Equipment Packages
How to build a Ford F-150 2026 The process of building the 2026 Ford F-150 is a bit more complicated than some other full-size pickups. It has a ton of engine choices, equipment groups, cabs, and bed lengths to pick from. The starting MSRPs range from a bit under $37,300 for an XL 4×2 regular […]
Honda Engine Teardown Highlights the Ongoing Debate Over Oil Change Intervals
Oil change frequency remains one of the most debated subjects in automotive maintenance, with drivers, enthusiasts, and mechanics often disagreeing about how frequently engine oil should be replaced. Some owners prefer conservative intervals such as every 3,000 or 5,000 miles, while others are comfortable following longer factory-recommended intervals when modern synthetic oils and onboard maintenance […]
America’s Last Straight-8 Cars: The Engines That Disappeared When the Auto Industry Changed Course
Long before the V8 became the icon of the American hot rod, the straight-eight engine embodied a paradigm of smoothness and sublime effortless power. With its long inline design, the straight-eight provided exceptionally even power output and whisper-quiet operation, which proved ideal for premium luxury cars throughout the 30’s and 40’s and the early 50’s. […]
Secrets of Legendary Cars That Reached One Million Miles on Original Engines
Reaching one million miles on a single factory engine remains one of the most extraordinary achievements in the automotive world. While many vehicles struggle to cover a fraction of that distance without major mechanical work, a select group of legendary cars proved that exceptional longevity is possible. Their success came from conservative engineering, durable components, […]