DEAR CAR TALK: I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn't pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: "Some ...

There's no shortage of opinions in this hobby, and they are usually founded on nothing more than an individual's personal experience. The theory of what makes an engine run is hardly ever applied.

Ignition timing is easily the single most important tuning adjustment on an internal combustion engine and yet the concept of ignition curves continues to be elusive for many enthusiasts. Yet all it ...

Does your Ford small-block need a potent ignition system? Performance Distributors Street/Strip DUI is an easy upgrade for a ...

Welcome back for Part 2 of tune-up tips for your older Corvette. Last time we talked about tricks of the trade when setting points. This month we will talk about setting ignition timing. The most ...

I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn’t pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: “Some fool set the ...

You just put your new crate engine together and your adrenaline is pumping. Pump the throttle, turn the key, and… the thing runs like a total dog. It idles fine, but as soon as you step on the ...

"It's not a heap, dad. It's a classic." That's harder to justify when your classic muscle car won't start. Nothing like a high-compression V8 combined with a battery that hasn't seen a charge for a ...

The spark plug ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. The spark timing can be varied using the mechanical timing arm on the engine. The high voltage for the spark is provided by the ...

Precise ignition timing is essential for high-performance engine tuning and ensuring your small-block or big-block is delivering every horsepower within its capability. Since the era of poodle skirts, ...