In 2016, Qantas pulled off something wild flying a Boeing 747 from Sydney to Johannesburg with a spare engine strapped under the wing. That extra motor wasn’t running; it just rode along for the trip. Sure, folks on board might’ve stared at first but this odd look was actually smart planning. Instead of shipping the […]
Inside General Motors’ Experimental W-43 V8 Engine and Its Modern Restoration
Deep in the Detroit automotive industry, during the late 1960s, General Motors engineers studied how far American V8 performance could be taken. Inside Oldsmobile’s experimental programs, engineers designed an ambitious engine later the project received the intimidating internal nickname of “The Killer.” Centered around a colossal 455-cubic-inch, 7.5-liter V8, the project went beyond only displacing […]
Inside GM’s Experimental V8 Engines: Engineering the W-43 and DOHC Pontiac 427
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 […]
Buying a Used Mercedes? These Engines Could Save You From a Costly Mistake
Once a Greek taxi driver ran his Mercedes diesel for a record-breaking 4.6 million kilometers. Eventually his 1976 240D found its way into a museum, but today’s Mercedes automobiles are a lot different. Modern models are packed with luxury equipment such as hybrid systems, air suspension, electronic controls, sophisticated safety systems and driver-assistance systems. This […]
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 […]
Engineering Excellence: 10 Reliable Inline-Six Engines Built for Performance and Longevity
The inline-six engine layout has long been a favourite among automotive enthusiasts and engineers because of its natural balance, smoothness, and durability. Unlike a V6, the inline-six possesses natural mechanical symmetry, allowing exceptionally smooth operation without complex balancing shafts. This elegant simplicity can improve operational efficiency while also supporting long engine life. Across automotive history, […]
U.S. Safety Regulators Upgrade Investigation Into Older Ford Models Over Engine Failures
Safety officials nationwide have increased a federal safety investigation of nearly 135,551 Ford models due to increased consumer complaints about engines failing without notice and with loss of power. The investigation of selected Ford Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport models from 2014 to 2021 that had the automaker’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine will continue due to […]
10 Common Driving and Maintenance Habits That Damage Turbocharged Engines
Today’s turbocharged engines are a fabulous testament to the fact that good fuel economy, quick acceleration, and high power performance can go hand-in-hand. Turbochargers use the energy of spent exhaust gasses to spin a turbine wheel which in turn spins a compressor wheel. The compressor wheel “shoves” more air into the engine where more fuel […]
Federal Safety Agency Escalates Investigation Into Ford Timing Belt Components
Federal safety regulators are investigating a possible mechanical problem in a 1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine in about 135,000 Ford cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already upgraded the investigation due to reports of engine timing belt deterioration, low engine oil pressure warnings and unexpectedly large decreases or losses of engine power. The […]
Essential Winter Vehicle Care: How Smart Maintenance Protects Your Engine in Extreme Cold
For any car out on the road, there aren’t many more brutal seasons than winter. When temperatures drop below freezing points all major components put in overtime to maintain an operational engine. Frozen fluid systems, less battery power, thicker oil and a greater strain on moving mechanical parts can cause issues that often keep you […]