More Talk About Cars and Automotive Stuff
About this episode
Listeners dive into a range of automotive topics, including performance enhancements for diesel trucks and troubleshooting classic muscle cars. A caller seeks advice on plug-in chips for better fuel mileage while towing, prompting a discussion on tuners and their potential risks. Another caller shares issues with a 1973 Challenger's high compression engine and pinging problems, leading to insights on fuel types and octane ratings. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding engine specifications and the impact of modifications on performance.
The guys are at it again giving you free advice about repairing cars. Have a questions call 866-594-4150 and get on the air.
plug-in chips
"And I wanted to get your opinion on, you know, looking at these plug-in chips that a guy can put on them for better performance."
Plug-in chips are small devices you can add to your car that help it run better and faster. They change how the engine works to give it more power, but they can also cause issues if not used correctly.
Plug-in chips are aftermarket devices that can be added to a vehicle's engine control unit (ECU) to enhance performance by modifying fuel maps and other parameters. They can increase horsepower and torque, but may also affect reliability and warranty.
fuel mileage
"Better performance or better fuel mileage? Well, probably more of the fuel mileage."
Fuel mileage is how far a car can go on a certain amount of gas. Higher fuel mileage means you'll spend less money on gas over time.
Fuel mileage refers to the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). It's an important consideration for drivers looking to save on fuel costs and reduce environmental impact.
diesel
"Diesel, correct? Yes."
Diesel is a kind of fuel used in some cars and trucks. Vehicles that run on diesel usually get better fuel mileage and can pull heavier things.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel derived from crude oil, used in diesel engines that are known for their fuel efficiency and torque. Diesel engines are commonly found in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles due to their ability to tow heavy loads.
tuner
"You can get a tuner for it. You can buy a tuner. It's going to cost you between six and $900 for one."
A tuner is a gadget that helps your car's engine perform better by changing how it runs. It can make your car faster or more efficient, but you have to be careful with the settings.
A tuner is a device that modifies the engine's performance parameters, allowing for adjustments to improve power, efficiency, or responsiveness. Tuners can change settings like fuel maps, ignition timing, and boost levels for turbocharged engines.
exhaust gauges
"But if you set it for too high a setting and you don't have exhaust gauges and things to look at while you're driving, you're going to burn that engine up."
Exhaust gauges are tools that show how well your car's exhaust system is working. They help you see if your engine is running too hot or if there are any problems.
Exhaust gauges are instruments that measure various parameters of the exhaust system, such as temperature and pressure. They help monitor engine performance and ensure that the engine is running efficiently without risking damage.
towing mode
"So you can put it in a towing mode."
Towing mode is a special setting in some cars that helps them pull heavy things, like trailers. It makes the engine work better for towing, so the car doesn't get too hot or hard to control.
Towing mode is a setting in some vehicles that adjusts the engine and transmission performance to optimize power delivery and control when towing heavy loads. This mode can help prevent overheating and improve stability while towing.
performance mode
"But if you put it in a performance mode or a racing mode, which some people do because they say, oh, wow, I've got all this power. It's great."
Performance mode makes your car faster and more responsive, but it can use more fuel and might cause wear and tear on the engine if used too much.
Performance mode is a setting that enhances a vehicle's responsiveness and power output, often at the expense of fuel efficiency and engine longevity. It allows for a more aggressive driving experience.
exhaust temperature gauge
"You've got to have an exhaust temperature gauge."
An exhaust temperature gauge tells you how hot the gases are that come out of your car's engine. It's important because if the gases get too hot, it can mean there's a problem with the engine.
An exhaust temperature gauge measures the temperature of the exhaust gases coming from the engine. This information is crucial for monitoring engine performance and ensuring that the engine is running efficiently without overheating.
exhaust temps
"Very, very important to watch exhaust temps on diesel. I guess the question for correct me if I'm wrong for Greg, Greg, do you, is this something that you think about the mileage?"
Exhaust temps refer to the temperature of the gases that come out of the engine. Keeping an eye on these temperatures is important to make sure the engine is running well and not overheating.
Exhaust temperatures are critical measurements in diesel engines, as they can indicate the efficiency of combustion and help prevent damage to the engine. Monitoring these temperatures is essential for maintaining performance and longevity, especially under heavy loads.
miles per gallon (MPG)
"You go from 17 miles a gallon in a diesel, 17, 18 to, you know, down to eight or nine, right? And you're driving on, you know, driving 1500 miles one way, 3000 a winter, right? It can add up."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. Higher MPG means better fuel efficiency, which is important for saving money on gas.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles, indicating how many miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. It's an important factor for drivers to consider, especially for those who drive long distances or tow heavy loads.
Challenger
"I have a 73 Challenger. It's a 440 with a 13-to-1 compression block in it."
The Dodge Challenger is a famous muscle car that was popular in the 1970s. The 1973 version is one of the earlier models, known for its strong performance and stylish design.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling. The 1973 model is part of the first generation of Challengers, which were produced from 1970 to 1974.
440 engine
"It's a 440 with a 13-to-1 compression block in it."
The 440 engine is a large V8 engine made by Chrysler. It's known for being powerful and was often used in muscle cars like the Challenger.
The 440 engine refers to a 7.2-liter V8 engine produced by Chrysler, known for its high performance and torque. It was commonly used in muscle cars during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
compression ratio
"...with a 13-to-1 compression block in it. I've been dealing with this problem for quite a while..."
The compression ratio tells you how much the engine squeezes the fuel and air mixture before it burns. A higher number means more power, but it can also mean you need better fuel to avoid problems.
The compression ratio is a measure of how much the fuel-air mixture is compressed in the engine's cylinders before ignition. A higher compression ratio can lead to more power but may also require higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking.
hotter spark plug
"...but I switched over to a hotter plug to try to get the engine to stop the pinging, stop oil-coated plugs."
A hotter spark plug is one that gets hotter during use, which can help the engine run better. It's used to fix problems like fouling, where the plug gets dirty and doesn't work well.
A hotter spark plug is designed to operate at a higher temperature, which can help prevent fouling and improve combustion efficiency. However, it may also increase the risk of pre-ignition if not matched correctly to the engine's needs.
13-to-1 engine
"It's a 13-to-1 engine. If it's a 13-to-1 engine and you've not been running Cam2 racing fuel in it..."
The compression ratio is how much the engine compresses the air-fuel mixture before igniting it. A 13-to-1 ratio means the mixture is compressed 13 times, which usually requires special fuel to avoid engine damage.
A 13-to-1 engine refers to the compression ratio of the engine, which is the ratio of the maximum to minimum volume in the combustion chamber. Higher compression ratios can lead to more power but require higher octane fuel to prevent knocking.
E85
"...if it's a 13-to-1 engine and you've not been running Cam2 racing fuel in it or E85 with special jetting in the carburetor..."
E85 is a type of fuel that is made mostly from corn and is mixed with regular gasoline. It can help high-performance engines run better because it has a higher octane rating.
E85 is a fuel blend that contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, making it suitable for high-performance engines that require higher compression ratios.
Cam2 racing fuel
"...if it's a 13-to-1 engine and you've not been running Cam2 racing fuel in it or E85 with special jetting in the carburetor..."
Cam2 racing fuel is a type of gasoline that has a higher octane rating than regular gas. It's used in race cars and high-performance vehicles to prevent engine knocking and improve performance.
Cam2 racing fuel is a high-octane fuel designed for high-performance engines. It is formulated to withstand the high pressures and temperatures of racing applications, making it suitable for engines with high compression ratios.
octane
"...you can use that to determine what octane fuel you're going to need. But it sounds like you've got it. If it's pinging, it's an octane problem."
Octane is a number that tells you how well a fuel can handle being compressed in an engine without causing problems. Higher numbers mean the fuel is better for powerful engines.
Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand greater compression before igniting, making them suitable for high-performance engines.
detonation
"You can't hear it pinging because the headers are open, but it's detonating. It's running horribly."
Detonation is when the fuel in an engine ignites too early, which can make a knocking sound and harm the engine. It can cause the engine to run poorly and wear out faster.
Detonation, often referred to as 'knocking', occurs when fuel in the engine's cylinder ignites prematurely, causing a sharp knocking sound and potential engine damage. It can lead to reduced performance and increased wear on engine components.
carburetor
"...whether it's done with a carburetor or if you're putting a fuel injection system on it."
A carburetor helps an engine get the right mix of air and fuel to run. It's like a mixer that combines these two ingredients before they go into the engine.
A carburetor is a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It was commonly used in older vehicles before fuel injection systems became more prevalent.
timing
"We're going to have to make sure the timing is set correctly. And then the new engines now with variable cams and stuff in them, they're running."
Timing is how well the engine parts work together. If they're not in sync, the engine won't run well.
Timing refers to the synchronization of the engine's components, particularly the opening and closing of the valves in relation to the position of the pistons. Proper timing is crucial for optimal engine performance and efficiency.
turbo motors
"because even some of the turbo motors are super high because they can change that ratio based on where the cam's at."
Turbo motors have a special part called a turbocharger that helps the engine get more air, making it more powerful without being bigger.
Turbo motors are engines equipped with a turbocharger, which forces more air into the combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output without significantly increasing engine size.
camshaft
"You may end up going with a different cam in it. You're going to have to find out the volume of those cylinders first so machinists can give you that answer."
The camshaft is a part of the engine that helps open and close the valves, which lets air and fuel in and exhaust out.
The camshaft is a key component in an engine that controls the timing of the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It plays a crucial role in determining engine performance and efficiency.
cylinder volume
"You're going to have to find out the volume of those cylinders first so machinists can give you that answer."
Cylinder volume is the space inside the engine where fuel and air mix to create power. It's important for how strong the engine is.
Cylinder volume refers to the space within the engine's cylinders where fuel and air mix and combust. It is a critical factor in determining engine displacement and overall power output.
jets
"...you don't need anything mechanically changed other than jets because of it like Shannon says, if it's running just a little too lean, it can detonate."
Jets are parts in the engine that help mix fuel and air. Changing their size can help the engine run better by getting the right amount of fuel.
In carbureted engines, jets are small openings that control the flow of fuel into the engine. The size of the jet affects the air-fuel mixture, which is crucial for optimal engine performance.
detonate
"...if it's running just a little too lean, it can detonate. Well, the jet..."
Detonation is when the fuel in the engine explodes too early, which can be bad for the engine. It can cause damage if it happens often.
Detonation, or 'knocking', occurs when fuel in the engine ignites prematurely, causing a sudden spike in pressure. This can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
running rich
"...but it's running super, super rich. You can't even stand behind the car, you'll burn your eyes off."
When an engine is said to be running rich, it means it's using more fuel than it should compared to the amount of air. This can cause problems like bad gas mileage and can even hurt the engine over time.
Running rich refers to an engine condition where there is too much fuel and not enough air in the combustion mixture. This can lead to poor fuel economy, increased emissions, and potential engine damage due to unburned fuel entering the exhaust system.
BMW E30
"...ng to be a lot higher octane. You might even try E30 if they have the E30 available because that's go..."
The BMW 3 Series is a small luxury car that is fun to drive and has a lot of nice features inside. People talk about it because it’s known for being sporty and stylish, and some versions of it need special fuel to run their best.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been in production since 1975, known for its sporty handling and luxurious features. It is significant in the automotive world for setting benchmarks in performance and driving dynamics in its class. The mention of higher octane fuel relates to the performance-oriented models that benefit from premium fuel for optimal engine performance.
intake
"The carburetors are 1969. The intake is a 1970. The car is 73."
The intake is a part of the engine that brings air in so it can mix with fuel and create power. It's important for how well the engine runs.
The intake refers to the system that brings air into the engine for combustion. It plays a crucial role in engine performance, as the amount and quality of air can significantly affect power output.
float
"Yeah, at some point they've had to have a float. If those carburetors are still all original..."
A float is a small part inside a carburetor that helps keep the right amount of fuel in the engine. It moves up and down as the fuel level changes.
In the context of carburetors, a float is a component that helps regulate the fuel level in the carburetor bowl. It rises and falls with the fuel level, controlling the flow of fuel into the engine.
neoprene
"...that little neoprene on the pintle end of your float, needle and seat, that'll start to get kind of deformed..."
Neoprene is a strong rubber material used in car parts to help prevent leaks. It's good at handling heat and oil.
Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber often used in automotive applications for seals and gaskets due to its durability and resistance to oil and heat.
needle and seat
"...on the pintle end of your float, needle and seat, that'll start to get kind of deformed and it may leak and run rich..."
The needle and seat are parts inside a carburetor that help control how much fuel goes into the engine. They work together to keep the fuel level just right.
The needle and seat in a carburetor work together to control the flow of fuel into the carburetor bowl. The needle closes off the fuel flow when the float rises to a certain level.
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