Engine Masters

Overview
Engine Masters takes viewers deep into the world of automotive performance, showcasing thrilling tests and competitions between various engines. Each episode features an array of rigorous experiments designed to evaluate parts and optimize horsepower. Expert hosts and mechanics push the limits of engineering, comparing different setups to see which configuration reigns supreme. With a blend of technical knowledge and adrenaline-fueled challenges, the show appeals to car enthusiasts eager to learn the secrets behind building the ultimate engine. From bench tests to head-to-head races, Engine Masters delivers excitement and valuable insights for gearheads.
Episodes
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5
Turbo LS the Right Way!
These days, the turbocharged GM LS-Series V-8 is the engine package to beat. While many enthusiasts have successfully taken a 4.8L or 5.3L from a junk...
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6
If Accessories Could Kill
You asked, and we’re ready to deliver! In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, we dissect the impact of a water pump on our sma...
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8
1,500hp Junkyard Short-block!
A junkyard Chevy LS engine paired with a turbo is a common idea nowadays, but just how powerful can it become? To explore this, Engine Masters enliste...
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9
What’s the Best Intake for Nitrous Oxide?
Myths are about to be put to the test! For years, street and strip racers have been warned against using nitrous-oxide injection with the widely used ...
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10
Efi Vs. Carbs Redux!!
In this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we cater to the purists who challenged our earlier test involving throttle-body injection (TBI...
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11
200-MPH Horsepower!
In this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, host David Freiburger takes a personal approach by showcasing his own race engine, which he me...
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2
Heat Kills Power—the How and Why
In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by Amsoil, we dive into a well-known fact: higher engine temperatures lead to reduced power. While w...
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3
Carb Size Matters
In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, we demystify the process of choosing the right carburetor. While increased airflow can le...
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5
Pressure Testing the “Blower Manifold” Debate
In this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich reunite with Richard Holdener to debunk popular internet th...
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6
Tuning in the Tune-up
Have you really assessed how much work you've done on your carburetor and ignition system? While we often discuss ignition timing and air/fuel ratios,...
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7
Hydraulic Vs. Solid Lifters: the Redux!
In this episode, we dive into the world of hydraulic cams with an exciting twist—100% more hydraulic cam action! Previously, we explored the differe...
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8
$40 Muffler Shootout
What can you expect from a budget muffler priced at $40? In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, we put our 408 Cleveland through...
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9
Battle of the Budget Fuel Pumps
Ever wondered how much power your fuel pump really needs? In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, we put four affordable mechanic...
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10
You're Gonna Need a Bigger Plenum...
In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, we explore how modifications to your intake manifold's plenum volume impact engine perfor...
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11
Big-Inch, Big-Power, Big-Block Manifold Shootout
In this episode of Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, hosts David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich, and Steve Brule embark on an exciting quest to dis...
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12
The 440 You Can Afford
If you’ve been a fan of the 440 as long as we have, you’re likely aware of how challenging it can be to own a true muscle car 440. You've probably...
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4

Iron Vs. Aluminum Heads: a Study of Heat
This week on Engine Masters, brought to you by AMSOIL, we're diving into a comparison between iron and aluminum cylinder heads to determine which one ...
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14
It's the Oil Pump Pump-Off!!
It may seem dull at first, but if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably picked an oil pump based on gut feelings alone. Now’s the time to div...
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17
Hilborn Stacks!
You've admired them, perhaps even fantasized about owning one, and some of you might have taken them for a spin. We explore the intricacies of individ...
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18
Choosing Fuel: Which Barrel Is Right for You?
The team delves into the fuel requirements, horsepower potential, and the advantages and disadvantages of using 116 octane gasoline, E85, methanol, an...
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19
Water-Meth Injection: Is It Cooler Than the Intercooler??
The guys dive into the advantages of water-methanol injection for cooling. They’ll investigate how it affects detonation tolerance, intake air tempe...
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20
Cold Air Considerations
In this episode of Engine Masters, we’re taking air filter comparisons to a new level. Our focus is on discovering the most efficient routing for a ...
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1
Air-to-Air Intercooler, Now With CO2!!
High intake air temperatures can be detrimental while cooler ones are beneficial, particularly in boosted setups. But how detrimental is "bad," and ho...
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2
High vs. Low Injectors
Testing has consistently indicated that carbs generate higher peak power compared to EFI, which we attribute to the fuel's cooling effect on the incom...
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3
Tank Testing for Air-to-Water Intercoolers
The episode delves into how varying sizes of water tanks impact their effectiveness in maintaining a colder intake charge for longer periods. It highl...
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4
The Throttle-Body Throwdown!
The team evaluates the performance of 90 mm and 105 mm forward-facing throttle bodies, putting them head-to-head. They also assess the capabilities of...
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5
Bellmouth Power
Whether you refer to it as a velocity stack, a radiused entry, or a salad bowl, the bellmouth is engineered to guide and streamline airflow into the t...
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6
Sequential vs. Batch Fire EFI
The guys delve into the merits of sequential versus batch-fire injection methods, each known for its distinct impact on power output. They examine the...
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7
One Cam, Three Ways
Cam specifications aren’t as straightforward as they seem! The team demonstrates how three similar cams can perform in distinct ways due to cam-lobe...
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8
Straight Talk About Spark Plugs
The team delves into the effectiveness of various spark plug designs, including those featuring elaborate metal tips and additional ground straps. The...
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9
Exhaust Tech: Header Primary Length
The team delves into the impact that the length of header primary tubes has on the power curve of engines. They examine the process of exhaust expulsi...
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10
Cams: How Small Is Too Small?
The saying goes that a bigger cam leads to a steeper curve, and there’s some validity to that. But what happens when we consider low-end torque? The...
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11
When Headers Don't Matter
Steve Dulcich suggests that the impact of headers is less significant when used with a smaller cam compared to a larger one. To explore this idea, the...
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12
Big-Block Chevy Dual Plane Shootout!
Attention all street drivers of big-block Chevys! This is the showdown you've been waiting for! With countless stock, cruiser-level, and average power...
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13
The Weight of Oil
Facing a vast array of oil weights and blends available today, the team embarks on an exploration of how these variations perform and interact within ...
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14
Keep Your Fuel Cool!!
What makes colder fuel more powerful? How can you maintain lower fuel temperatures consistently, and what impact does it actually have? This episode o...
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15
The Surprising Findings of the Air Filter Shootout
We've all tried the typical 14-inch round filters and often questioned whether there's a noticeable difference among them. Does using cotton gauze off...
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16
Proper Pushrods & Sufficient Springs
Could the strength of your pushrods or valve springs influence your engine's power output, even if you're not experiencing valve float? In this enligh...
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17
The Nitrous Plate Debate
The classic spray-bar nitrous plate has long been the go-to choice, raising two key questions: is there room for enhancement, and is there really a ne...
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18
BBF Intake Manifold Comparison
After exploring intake manifold comparisons across nearly all American big and small block engines, it's finally time to focus on the big block Ford. ...
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19
Heat Management
Heat can come from various sources like exhaust, transmission, and other components, making it essential to manage and contain it for a more comfortab...
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20
A Study in O2 Sensors and AFR Readings
Standalone air/fuel ratio gauges have revolutionized the tuning process for carbureted engines, opening up new opportunities and challenges. We begin ...
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21
Controlling the Hit
A 200-hp boost from nitrous isn't too tricky if approached correctly, so we’ll guide you through the process. We examine a well-known theory about h...
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22
BIG CFM Shootout
Freiburger's 582 big block Chevy returns, and this time we're testing it with 1050, 1250, and 1450 cfm Dominators. As we venture into the 1,000-hp ter...
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23
Sniper 2 the Rescue
Holley has just launched the second version of its throttle body EFI system, and we're eager to find out if it surpasses the original model and our be...
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24
Port v Plate Nitrous Injection
Is a 300 shot of nitrous excessive, or just the beginning? That’s a key factor in deciding whether to use a plate or port system. The team breaks do...
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25
The Exhaust Duration Equation
We're delving deeper into the complexities of camshaft grinds. This time, our focus shifts to split-duration cams and the impact of increasing the spl...
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26
Header Science: Step vs. Merge
There's a hidden magic in the world of exhaust systems that can either enhance or diminish power. The team delves into the advantages of stepped heade...