| Term | Definition |
| Air-Fuel Ratio | The ratio of air to fuel present in the combustion process, typically around 14.7:1 for gasoline engines. |
| Block | The central housing of an engine where cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, and other components reside. |
| Bore/Stroke | Bore is the cylinder diameter; Stroke is the distance the piston travels. These affect displacement and performance. |
| Cam Specs | Engine cam specifications refer to the detailed measurements and characteristics of the camshaft in an internal combustion engine. These specifications include parameters such as lift, duration, and lobe separation angle, which significantly influence the engine’s performance, efficiency, and power output. |
| Camshaft | The engine camshaft is a vital component in an internal combustion engine, responsible for controlling the timing and movement of the engine’s valves. It operates by converting rotational motion into linear motion, allowing the valves to open and close at precise intervals during the engine’s cycle. |
| Camshaft (Cam Specs) | Controls valve timing. Specs like lift, duration, and lobe separation affect engine performance. |
| Carburetor | A device that mixes air and fuel in older engines before fuel injection systems became standard. |
| Compression Cycle | One of the engine’s four strokes where the air/fuel mixture is compressed before ignition. |
| Connecting rod | The component used to connect the piston to the crankshaft. |
| Crankshaft | Converts piston’s linear motion into rotational energy delivered to the wheels. |
| Cylinder Heads | Cylinder heads are critical components in an engine, serving as the upper part of the combustion chamber. They house the intake and exhaust valves, spark plugs, and fuel injectors, facilitating efficient airflow and combustion. Designed for durability and performance, our cylinder heads are precision-engineered from high-quality materials to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. |
| Differential | Allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds, aiding in turning. |
| Displacement | The volume expelled by the piston as it moves from the lower to the upper stop. |
| Dyno Tested | Engines or transmissions tested on a dynamometer to simulate real-world performance. |
| Engine Core | An old engine returned as trade-in when purchasing a remanufactured unit. |
| Engine Size | Engine size refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine, typically measured in liters or cubic centimeters (cc). It plays a crucial role in determining the power output and efficiency of a vehicle. A larger engine size often means more horsepower and torque, which can enhance performance, while a smaller engine may offer better fuel economy. Understanding engine size helps consumers make informed choices when selecting a vehicle that meets their driving needs and preferences. |
| Exhaust cycle | The upward movement of the piston forcing the gases of combustion out of an open exhaust valve. |
| Expulsion | Forced departure or relocation |
| Gasket | An engine gasket is a vital component that creates a seal between two engine parts, preventing leaks of fluids and gases. Made from durable materials, it ensures optimal performance by maintaining pressure and temperature within the engine. Whether in cars, trucks, or machinery, a reliable gasket helps enhance engine efficiency and longevity, making it an essential part of any engine assembly or repair. |
| Horsepower | Engine horsepower is a measure of an engine’s power output, indicating how much work it can perform over time. It reflects the engine’s ability to accelerate a vehicle, climb hills, and maintain speed, making it a crucial factor for performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Understanding horsepower helps consumers choose the right vehicle for their needs, whether for towing, racing, or simply enjoying a smooth ride. |
| Intake cycle | The downward stroke of a piston that draws the air/fuel mixture into the cylinder. |
| Internal Combustion Engine | An engine that burns fuel within itself as a means of generating power. |
| Long Block | An engine long block is a complete engine assembly that includes the engine block, cylinder heads, and internal components like pistons and crankshaft, but typically excludes the intake and exhaust manifolds, oil pan, and other accessories. This all-in-one solution is ideal for those looking to replace or rebuild their engine efficiently, providing a reliable foundation for performance and longevity. With a long block, you can easily upgrade your vehicle’s power and performance while ensuring compatibility with your existing components. |
| Long Block vs. Short Block | Short Block: block + internals. Long Block: Short block + heads and valve train. |
| Oil Pan | The engine oil pan is an important component of your vehicle’s engine system, designed to hold and store the engine oil. It acts as a reservoir, ensuring that the oil is readily available for lubrication, cooling, and cleaning of engine parts. |
| Oil Pump | Engine oil pumps are essential components that ensure the smooth circulation of oil throughout your vehicle’s engine. They maintain optimal lubrication, reducing friction and wear on engine parts, which enhances performance and longevity. |
| Oval | Egg-shaped, oval, or round like an egg. |
| Piston | The engine component that moves reciprocally within the cylinder and transmits the force of expanding gases to the crankshaft via the piston pin and connecting rod. |
| Power cycle | These cycles, such as the Otto and Diesel cycles, illustrate how engines operate efficiently by compressing air and fuel, igniting the mixture, and harnessing the resulting energy to power vehicles and machinery. Understanding these cycles not only enhances your knowledge of automotive technology but also highlights the innovation behind modern engines, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. |
| Powertrain | A powertrain is the essential system in a vehicle that combines the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components to deliver power to the wheels. It plays a crucial role in determining a vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience. By seamlessly integrating these elements, the powertrain ensures smooth acceleration, optimal fuel consumption, and reliable handling, making it a vital aspect of any automobile. |
| Remanufactured | Fully disassembled and rebuilt parts restored to OEM or better standards. |
| Rings | Engine rings are essential components of an internal combustion engine, designed to create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall. They help maintain compression, prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber, and enhance engine efficiency. |
| Rocker Arms | Engine rocker arms are necessary components in an internal combustion engine, playing a crucial role in the valve train system. They act as levers that transfer the motion from the camshaft to the engine’s valves, ensuring precise timing and efficient airflow into and out of the combustion chamber. |
| Rods | Engine rods, also known as connecting rods, are essential components in an internal combustion engine that connect the pistons to the crankshaft. They play a crucial role in converting the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, enabling the engine to produce power. |
| Serial Number | An engine serial number is a unique identifier assigned to an engine by the manufacturer, serving as a key reference for tracking and managing engine specifications, maintenance history, and warranty information. This number is typically stamped on the engine block and can be crucial for vehicle registration, parts replacement, and ensuring compatibility with specific models. Knowing your engine’s serial number can help you access important information and support, making it an essential detail for any vehicle owner or mechanic. |
| Short Block | An engine short block is a crucial component of an internal combustion engine, consisting of the engine block itself along with essential parts like the crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. This assembly serves as the foundation for the engine, providing the structure and support needed for efficient operation. Ideal for those looking to rebuild or upgrade their engine, a short block offers a reliable and cost-effective solution, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. |
| Timing Chain | Engine timing chains are essential components that synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in an internal combustion engine. They ensure that the engine’s valves open and close at the correct times during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes, promoting optimal performance and efficiency. |
| Torque | Engine torque is a measurement that indicates the rotational force produced by an engine. It plays a significant role in determining a vehicle’s acceleration and overall performance. Higher torque means better towing capacity and quicker starts, making it essential for both everyday driving and heavy-duty applications. Understanding engine torque helps drivers choose the right vehicle for their needs, ensuring a smooth and powerful driving experience. |
| Torque Converter | Transfers power from the engine to an automatic transmission using hydraulic fluid. |
| Transfer Case | Splits engine power between front and rear axles in 4WD and AWD vehicles. |
| Transmission | Transfers power from the engine to the wheels and adjusts gear ratios for optimal performance. |
| Vaporization | The process of turning a liquid (e.g. petrol) into vapor is usually completed after the atomized fuel has left the injector. |
| VIN | This unique 17-character code provides crucial information about your engine’s specifications, manufacturing details, and history. Whether you’re buying a used car or checking for recalls, understanding the engine VIN helps ensure you’re making informed decisions. |
