Charts And Guides Archive

How to Measure Wheel Backspacing

TCI Stall Speed Ratings

This chart from TCI shows stall speed ratings for its converters based on camshaft and rear-axle gear ratios. While the chart is based on TCI's series of converters, the specifications are good general guidelines for those types of converters regardless of manufacturer.

(Chart courtesy of TCI)

Basic Transmission Dimensions

RPM vs. Gear Ratio and Tire Height

This chart shows you the cruise rpm at 60 miles per hour based on gear ratio and tire height. For maximum performance with less converter slip at the lockup point, your converter's stall speed should stall close to these figures. If the gear ratio and tire size you want to use isn't on the chart, use the following formula to calculate cruise rpm:

MPH x Axle Ratio x 336
Tire Diameter

V8 Firing Order

Do small, simple projects become extremely large and a little out of your league when it comes to your ride? A simple distributor cap and rotor change could get pretty ugly; or that once well-mannered carburetor can suddenly become a smoke-puffing, gas spitting-monster.

Ford Torque Spec

These specs are for stock-type bolts with light engine oil applied to the threads and the underside of the bolt head. Moly and other lubes offer reduced friction and increased bolt tension, which will affect the torque figure. If you use aftermarket performance bolts like ARP's, you should follow the recommended torque specifications.

Supercharging Basics

Many people have the impression that a supercharger is an exotic performance part found on wild street machines or racecars. There's also the impression a supercharged vehicle is difficult to drive on an everyday basis. Nothing could be further from the truth on both counts.

Chevy Torque Specs

You don't need to do a lot of book work to find torque specs for your Chevy engine, because we've done it for you! Just print it out and post it in your shop or toolbox.

Chrysler Torque Spec

Mopar guys, this is just for you. We've taken all the guesswork out of Mopar torque specs.

Camshaft Q&A

Understanding how a camshaft works—and all of the terms associated with camshaft operation—can be daunting, even to people who have built a few engines in their day. To help you get a solid foundation in camshaft-ese, we put together a short Q&A listing of camshaft terms and what they mean. Understanding the basics of camshaft operation will help you choose the right cam for your engine and intended use.