Saturday, September 29, 2012

Torque Plate Honing ZL-1 Block

Watch the video and see how GM hones the block with torque plates for the new 580 horsepower ZL-1 Camaro.The 6.2 liter supercharged V-8 is among the most powerful GM has offered in a street legal drive it off the lot vehicle.

As the video explains honing a block with torque plates simulates a head being bolted on and the honing operation will be more accurate as the cylinders will be just as they are with the motor assembled.When the heads are bolted on and torqued down it slightly distorts the cylinder bores of the block.Honing the block with torque plates will keep the bores stressed while the honing operation is done.This ensures a rounder bore and better ring seal which means more horsepower and torque.






This process is something you would normally see in a performance or racing engine application but not commonly in a production car.
It is a great idea for the supercharged 6.2 ZL-1 though as it is not your typical Grandma's ride.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

2013 Ford Shelby GT-500 Features 662 Horsepower


The 2013 Ford Mustang GT-500 features an astonishing 662 horsepower that can propel it to speeds of up to 200 miles per hour as proven by Ford at the Nardo race track in Italy.

Standard features include 19 inch alloy front wheels(20 inch rear),hi-performance tires,Brembo brakes,rear spoiler,automatic xenon headlights,foglights,keyless entry,air conditioning ,cruise control,Mustang Track Apps,leather/faux-suede-wrapped steering wheel,matching sport bucket seats with racing stripes and Cobra logos,a power driver seat, Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary/USB audio jacks and satellite radio.

 Options include a glass roof for the coupe, leather Recaro front seats, heated front seats (but not for the Recaros), an upgraded nine-speaker sound system, an Electronics package (hard-drive-based navigation system, HD radio and dual-zone climate control), the SVT Performance package (unique wheels, a Torsen 3.31 limited-slip differential, cockpit-adjustable Bilstein dampers, stiffer rear springs and a unique shift knob) and the SVT Track Pack (additional coolers for the engine oil, transmission and differential).


Powering the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 that generates an awe-inspiring 662 hp and 631 pound-feet of torque. Just as impressive as the peak output is the fact that 395 lb-ft of that torque is available just off idle. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available.
Despite the lofty power output and performance figures, the EPA estimates fuel economy at a fairly reasonable 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 18 mpg in combined driving.

With a base price around $55,000 it is a true 200 mph hot rod that won't break the bank - at least compared to some of the exotics.

Also available in a convertible with a power operated soft top.