Popular Posts Turbocharged 4.8L LS Engine Compound-Turbo VP44 5.9L Cummins Engine Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine Turbocharged 6.0L Powerstroke Engine Twin-Turbo 5.0L Coyote Engine Connect with us advertise with us
Compound-Turbo VP44 5.9L Cummins Engine
Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine
Popular Posts Turbocharged 4.8L LS Engine Compound-Turbo VP44 5.9L Cummins Engine Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine Turbocharged 6.0L Powerstroke Engine Twin-Turbo 5.0L Coyote Engine Connect with us advertise with us
Compound-Turbo VP44 5.9L Cummins Engine
Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine
How can you not love summer? Sure, it gets hot, but it definitely beats the cold, and there’s so much going on to occupy your time. Here at Engine Builder, our team has stayed extremely busy attending racing events, shows, visiting manufacturers and engine shops, as well as our usual content work.
When the timing cover or block has no dowel pins, or the dowel holes do not fit snug on the pins. Take an old damper and hone the center so that it is now a slip fit onto the crank snout. Use it to hold the cover in place while tightening the bolts.
Women in motorsports... need we say more? These nine women do some awesome things in this industry.
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Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Engine Components A/N Fittings/AdaptorsAir Induction SystemsBatteriesBearings (camshaft)Bearings (engine sleeve type)Bearings (main rear main)Bearings (Rod)Belt Tensioner/IdlersBrass FittingsBushingsCam CapsCamshaft Belt DrivesCamshaft KitsCamshaft SealsCamshaft Thrust Plate and PartsCamshaftsCarburetorsChain KitsClampsComplete EnginesConnecting RodsConnecting Rods Nuts BoltsCrankshaft ConversionsCrankshaft KitsCrankshaft Oil SlingersCrankshaft Pulley SleevesCrankshaft Repair SleevesCrankshaft SealsCrankshaftsCylinder Head ComponentsCylinder Heads New: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads New: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Liners (sleeves)Diesel InjectorsDipstick Adapters (Chevy Ford)Dowel PinsEFI ComponentsEngine BlocksEngine Blocks - RemanufacturedEngine KitsEngine Management Systems/ECUsEngine MountsExhaust ComponentsExhaust Components: Complete SystemsExhaust Components: Custom ExhaustsExhaust Components: Leak DetectionExhaust Components: ManifoldsExhaust Components: Tube NotchingExhaust Components: Tube SwagingExhaust Components: Tube/Frame Bending MachinesFilters - AirFilters - FuelFilters - OilFlywheel (ring) GearsFlywheel AssembliesFuel Injection - ElectronicFuel Injection - MechanicalFuel PumpsFuel System ComponentsGasket CementGasketsGear DrivesGovernorsHarmonic Balancer Repair SleevesHarmonic Balancers/DampersHead Bolts/StudsHex ShaftsHydraulic Lash AdjustersIgnition ComponentsInjector TubesInjectors - DieselInjectors - Gasoline DirectInjectors - IndirectIntake ManifoldsIPR ValvesKeysLockwashersMain Caps (4-bolt)Manifold StudsNitrous Oxide Systems, ComponentsNitrous Valves and PlatesNuts and BoltsOil CoolersOil Filter AdaptersOil PansOil Pressure SpringsOil Pump KitsOil Pump ScreensOil Pump ShaftsOil Pump Timing CoversOil PumpsOiling Systems; Dry SumpOverhead Camshaft Repair SleevesPiston Pin BushingsPiston Pin Lock RingsPiston PinsPiston RingsPistonsPlugs - ExpansionPlugs - MagneticPlugs - Oil DrainPlugs - StandardPush RodsRadiator/Oil FansRering KitsRestoration Engine PartsRocker Arm Rebuilding ComponentsRocker Assemblies and KitsRocker Stud GirdlesSealsSerpentine BeltsShimsShort BlocksSpark PlugsSpringsSuperchargers, componentsSwitchesTappetsThread RepairThrust WashersTiming Belt/Chain TensionerTiming Belts/ChainsTiming Chains, Gears, SprocketsTiming ComponentsTiming CoversTransmission AdaptorsTurbochargers, componentsValve CoversValve Guide LinersValve GuidesValve KeysValve Lifter BallsValve LiftersValve Locks and SealsValve Seat InsertsValve Spring InsertsValve Spring RetainersValve SpringsValve Stem Oil SealsValve Train PartsValvesWater PumpsWater Tubes Engine Equipment & Preparation Adhesive DispensingAir Flow BenchesAir Handling SystemsBalance Shaft Elimination KitBalance Shaft Line Boring EquipmentBalancing AccessoriesBalancing EquipmentBelt SanderBench GrinderBlock Pressure Testing EquipmentBoring Bar InsertsBoring Bar Tool BitsBoring Machines/Connecting RodBoring Machines/CylinderBoring Machines/LineBoring Stand (For Portable Boring Machines)Brass FittingsBroachBushing Bearing & Seal Driver SetsCAD/CAM SoftwareCam Bearing Installation ToolCamshaft Degree Wheel (Digital)Camshaft GrindersCap & Rod GrinderCBN Inserts - NewCBN Inserts - ResurfacedCleaning Specialized EngineCNC Machining CentersCNC Retrofit KitsCompressed Air EquipmentConnecting Rod GaugesCoolant Filter MachinesCore Shift TesterCrack Repair EquipmentCranesCrankshaft Balance WeightsCrankshaft FurnaceCrankshaft GrindersCrankshaft Journal Weld KitsCrankshaft PolisherCrankshaft Polishing BeltsCrankshaft StraightenerCylinder Head Adapter PlatesCylinder Head Assembly/Disassembly Equip.Cylinder Head Chamfering ToolCylinder Head GaugeCylinder Head HoldersCylinder Head PolishingCylinder Head PortingCylinder Head Pressure TesterCylinder Head StraighteningCylinder Hone StopsCylinder Porting ToolsCylinder Sleeve PressDemagnetizersDiamond DressersDiesel Injector Hole Repair ToolsDiesel Injector Sleeve Installation ToolDowel PullersDye Penetrant InspectionDynamometersEngine Adaptor PlatesEngine Cycle AnalyzerExhaust Leak DetectionFeeler GaugesFlexible Honing Tools/Brush HonesFlywheel GrinderFuel Injection Cleaning ServicesGrinder Head StraighteningGrinding CoolantsGrinding WheelsHardness TestersHead/Block Crack Repair KitsHead/Block Resurfacing (Belt/Sanders)Head/Block Resurfacing (Milling)Heat Tabs Temperature SticksHolding FixturesHone Stop FixtureHoning JigsHoning Machines Wrist PinHoning Machines/CylinderHoning Machines/LineHoning Machines/RodHoning Machines/Valve GuideHoning PlatesHoning StonesIgnition System TestersIn-Process Gauges(Cam and Crank Grinders)Inspection GaugesLeak Down TesterLeveling DeviceMagnetic Particle Inspection Crack DetectionMicropolishing EquipmentOHC Line Boring ToolsOil Leak DetectionPCD Inserts - NewPin Fitting & Rod Reconditioning/TestingPin PressPin RemovalPiston KnurlerPiston Ring CompressorsPre-Cup Machining ToolsPush Rod Guide PlatesReplacement Chuck for Valve FacersRocker Arm GrinderRod AlignmentRod Bolt ProtectorsRod FurnaceRod VisesRun-In StandsStandsStud PullersTapsTest EquipmentThickness GaugeThread GaugesThread Repair & Replacement KitTorque PlatesUltrasonic Test EquipmentVacuum TesterValve Grinding BenchValve Guide & Seat Driver SetValve Guide & Seat MachineValve Guide Boring FixtureValve Guide HoneValve Guide KnurlingValve Guide PilotValve Guide ReamerValve Guide ToolValve Refacer (Cutter)Valve Refacer (Grinder)Valve Refacer WheelsValve Seat CuttersValve Seat InserterValve Seat PullersValve Seat ResurfacerValve Seat Runout GaugeValve Seat Tool GrinderValve Seat WheelsValve Spring CompressorValve Spring TestersValve Stem GrinderValve Stem Height MeasuringValve Stem PolisherWater Tube PullerWet Flow Bench Conversions Supplies & Service Chemicals & SolventsCore Cleaning & ProcessingCranes & HoistsHand ToolsLubricantsPressesServicesShippingStorage Racks & BenchesWelding
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Whether you’re a professional engine builder, machinist or manufacturer, or an automotive enthusiast who likes engines, racing and fast vehicles, Engine Builder offers content aimed at you. Our print magazine offers in-depth tech features on everything you need to know about engine building and its different markets, while our newsletter options keep you up-to-date on the latest news and products, tech info and personalities in the industry. But, you only get all of that if you subscribe. Subscribe now to receive Engine Builder magazine in print and/or digital each month, and our Engine Builder newsletter, Engine of the Week newsletter or Diesel of the Week newsletter directly in your inbox each week. You’ll be covered in horsepower in no time!
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When it comes to the drag-and-drive world, it’s all about your hustle and motivation. Brandon Doller of Lowdoller Motorsports certainly didn’t lack any motivation. He worked his tail off leading up to the 2022 Midwest Drags to complete his ’70 Nova and its 98mm turbocharged 6.0L LS engine. Check it out!
Engine of the Week is presented by
At US 41 Drag Strip this summer, we got to speak with Jamie Doller about his 1971 Camaro during the Summit Midwest Drags. As that conversation was happening, we couldn’t help but notice three guys very hard at work in the next pit over. Laying on the ground under a gorgeous 1970 Nova, one of those three men was Brandon Doller, Jamie’s brother and owner of Lowdoller Motorsports. Brandon was kind enough to take a 5-minute break from fixing his streetcar to speak with us about the Nova and its 6.0L LS engine setup.
His team was hard at work because after an early pass down the track that morning, Brandon’s car was smoking quite a bit.
“We found that we had a dead hole, or a low-compression hole,” Doller says. “We’ve been kind of fighting that and questioning it. The engine had a noise, so we pulled it apart and the oil had some aluminum in it. We went through the rockers several times and basically decided to keep driving it and see whether it would self-clearance itself or not. I believe it might have self-clearanced itself out there at about the 1,000-ft. mark.
“We haven’t found any windows or big pieces of the block out of it, which is beneficial. We’re tearing it apart and we have the pan off. It’s got a little bit of metal in there. We checked rod bearings and main bearings real quick to see if there’s anything obvious.”
While the second day of the drag-and-drive event had already been eventful, Brandon told us it had been an eventful month preparing the car just to make it to the 2022 Summit Midwest Drags.
“The car is a ‘70 Nova, and it’s been together now, running, for about five days,” Doller says. “It’s been a mad thrash. I’ve owned the car for about seven years. I had it together for two or three years and had maxed the turbo out on something like pass 15, and I decided it wasn’t enough. I was going to change the turbo and it turned into doing everything.
“Nothing on the car is the same from what it was besides the roof and the quarters. The back end of the car was done by Tin Soldier Race Cars, and the front is a stock sub frame, bolt-in sub frame, drop-in replacement. It’s clearly not a stock suspension car, but it’s as close as we can get with some of the rules that were in play at the time. Outside of that, it’s a full steel car – steel roof, steel quarters, steel doors, fenders – and a carbon hood and carbon deck lid.”
If getting all that work done wasn’t enough, Brandon also decided to paint the car himself. He purchased a ‘bouncy house’ blow-up paint booth for his garage and got busy. “I never painted a car, so that was interesting,” he admits.
Of course, the exterior of the car was just one half of the conversation. Brandon also wanted more horsepower and performance out of the 1970 Nova, so he revamped the turbocharged 6.0L LS engine under the hood as well.
“We have a 6.0L iron block that’s a little less than 370 cubes,” he says. “We have a Callies DragonSlayer crank, Callies Ultra billet rods and Wiseco 12.5:1 dish pistons. It’s also got Trick Flow 220 cylinder heads as cast on it, and then it’s got a custom ground cam from Nick over at BTR, who did some of his magic on it.
“On the other side of it, we have a dual fuel system – nothing too crazy. It’s got a 16 gallon-per-minute mechanical pump in the back and a cable drive up to the front with a mandrel. Then, it’s got a drop-in pump in the tank. For that, we took a 20-gallon cell and split it and added the other one in.
“I’ve been working on the tune this week, so basically it drives on pump gas or E depending on what I put in. I’ve got a content sensor that reads that. I have three fuel tables that I’m blending this whole time and it transitions in and out based on my parameter.”
Speaking of the different tuning options and sensors that help operate the car appropriately, that’s some of what Lowdoller Motorsports helps customers with. Brandon spent 10 years doing industrial engineering sales and he realized quickly that people were paying way more than they should on a lot of these sensors.
“Since I had ties in that market, I brought that in and we designed some stuff in-house such as shock sensors, laser ride heights, outside pressure sensors – a little bit of everything,” he says.
As mentioned earlier, Brandon’s whole impetus for rebuilding the car was a desire for a larger turbo. The LS engine now features a 98mm Forced Inductions turbo to up the ante on the horsepower. Brandon’s cage is certified to 8.50, and that’s what he was aiming to run during the Midwest Drags.
“We’re hoping to go 8.50s this week, but at Edgewater when we’re back and I turn in my 8.50 passes, then I’ll roll into it a little bit more and see if we can get it to go somewhere in the 7.50s or so,” Doller says. “We’ve got some lofty goals for it ahead, but you have to have goals, right?”
In terms of the horsepower capability of Brandon’s 6.0L LS, he says the turbo is able to handle more than the engine can give it, but 1,600-1,700 horse is certainly possible.
“The turbo is capable of making more than it will ever eat,” he says. “I think the turbo is probably somewhere in the range of 2,200 hp. It depends how angry I am at the tune, but if I do things right, it can easily make somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,600-1,700 hp at the wheels.”
Brandon was competing in the Super Street Small Block Power Adder class, and unfortunately, he wasn’t able to finish the week at Midwest Drags due to the issues he had on day two. He’ll look to rebound at future drag-and-drive events!
Engine of the Week is sponsored by PennGrade Motor Oil, Elring – Das Original and Engine & Performance Warehouse Inc./NPW Companies. If you have an engine you’d like to highlight in this series, please email Engine Builder Editor Greg Jones at [email protected]
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