Author Archives: TobyJ

Posted on June 1, 2011 by TobyJ

Brake Fluid Maintenance made Easy..er

I’m deviating from my normal blog formula a bit this month. Instead of offering some proven, technical piece, this is more of an semi-experimental maintenance  tip. If you’ve read the blog about brake fluid (here), you understand why it is … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on May 5, 2011 by TobyJ

Ethanol in motor vehicle fuel…what you need to know

You’ve probably all heard about ethanol, and its use in motor vehicle fuels.  Some say that it is the solution to ending our dependence on foreign oil, and cutting pollution.  Others say that it is nothing more than a scam, … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on April 5, 2011 by TobyJ

Alignment…what does it all mean?

Just about every driver understands the concept of an alignment.  As the name suggests, it its purpose is to align the tires of a vehicle.  Everyone has also probably heard the terms caster, camber, and toe…the so called ‘big 3’ … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on March 8, 2011 by TobyJ

Is _____________ a good motor oil?

Fill in the blank with any of the major brands, and this is a question we are asked quite often.  Since the question usually comes from an automotive enthusiast, the blank is usually filled in with one of the quality … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on January 26, 2011 by TobyJ

Brake Upgrades…What works, and what doesn’t. Part 2, fluids

In part 1 of this series, we looked at brake rotors, and what upgrades and features are available in the aftermarket.  More importantly, we learned that some upgrades are better than others, and that it is important to consider upgrading … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on January 19, 2011 by TobyJ

Brake Upgrades…What works, and what doesn’t? Part 1, rotors.

What is the first question nearly anyone with a hot car is asked?  In my experience it almost always concerns power or speed.  Rarely, if ever, does someone ask how well it stops.  But not only are brakes important for … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on January 11, 2011 by TobyJ

FTC confirms Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act…using aftermarket parts, or non-dealer service DOES NOT void your warranty.

This topic comes up quite a bit in automotive circles.  Some enthusiasts have been lead to believe that anything from bolting on a cat back exhaust system to using something other than Mobil 1 in their new Corvette will ‘void’ … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on January 4, 2011 by TobyJ

Cam Design, Cam Selection, and the Blackdog Difference, Part 2.

In the last article, we touched on the relationship between cam specs, particularly duration, lift and lobe separation angle, and how they relate to performance.  In this installment, we’ll look specifically at Blackdog LS motor cams, and what makes them … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on December 28, 2010 by TobyJ

Cam Design, Cam Selection, and the Blackdog Difference, Part 1.

After the basic bolt on mods are done, such as headers, cold air intake, and cat back exhaust, the quest for more power often leads to the cam shaft. There is essentially no single component that has more influence over … Read the rest of this entry →

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Posted on December 20, 2010 by TobyJ

A look into the torque tube assembly of the C5 and C6 Corvettes, its weaknesses, and what you can do to prevent problems.

Prior to 1997, Corvette drivelines were much the same as other rear drive cars.  A multi speed transmission was bolted to the back of the engine, and transferred its power to the rear mounted differential, via a steel or aluminum … Read the rest of this entry →

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