Blog
Notes from the shop — builds, machine work, and the standards behind every engine that leaves the bench.
These articles answer the questions racers ask before a machine shop ticket or a full build — what line honing actually fixes, why balancing matters, how valve jobs differ from porting, and where LS machining goes wrong. When you are ready for the work itself, jump to the matching service page or contact Paul in Fort Myers.
From the Shop
Latest Articles
July 18, 20267 min read
How Often Should Valve Springs Be Checked?
Spring pressure drops with heat cycles and seat time. Here is how I decide when to pull a spring tester — and what numbers tell me a valvetrain is still safe.
June 12, 20268 min read
What Goes Into a Complete Engine Build
The decisions behind a measured build: inspection data, machining sequence, clearances, and why parts alone never finish the job.
May 28, 20267 min read
Why Cylinder Honing Matters for Ring Seal
Ring seal starts with bore geometry and finish — not a cosmetic crosshatch. How I think about taper, roundness, and plateau for real ring packages.
April 15, 20267 min read
High Performance Valve Jobs Explained
What a real performance valve job includes: seat geometry, concentricity, vacuum checks, and spring setup matched to the cam.
March 20, 20267 min read
Blueprinting a Race Engine
Blueprinting is not a buzzword. It is measured clearances, matched parts, and a build sheet that reflects what is actually in the engine.
February 10, 20267 min read
Common LS Engine Machining Mistakes
LS blocks look forgiving until main alignment, deck, and bore finish are ignored. The machining errors I see most — and how to avoid them.
January 8, 20267 min read
Valve Jobs vs. Porting: What Each Actually Does
Seat work and port work solve different problems. Here is how I decide which one an engine needs — and when both belong in the same plan.
November 22, 20256 min read
Why Precision Machining Matters
Horsepower packages fail when geometry is wrong. Why measured machine work is the foundation under every reliable performance engine.
October 14, 20256 min read
CBN Block Resurfacing Explained
What CBN deck cutting actually does for flatness and finish — and why modern head gaskets care about how the deck was machined.
September 5, 20256 min read
What Is Line Honing?
Line honing restores main bore alignment and size so the crank spins in a true house. When it is needed — and what it does not fix by itself.
August 18, 20256 min read
How Engine Balancing Improves Reliability
Balance is not only about smoothness. Reducing rotating and reciprocating vibration protects bearings, fasteners, and every clearance you carefully set.