Every season of Engine Masters ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Engine Masters!

In this first episode you'll find out if Blueprint Engines is accurate in its advertised power for a 400ci Chevy small-block crate engine, and then we'll see if Freiburger is justified in his love for dual carburetors and high-rise tunnel-ram intake manifolds-plus there's cash on the line.

Dyno Proven: 50 HP With One Bolt-On!

Should you run a carburetor, or should you try the new and easy self-learning EFI setups? We'll dish up answers in this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL. Host David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich, and Steve Brule strap a 5.3L LM7 engine to the engine dyno and look at the price, installation, and power of a Holley 750-cfm double-pumper versus Holley's Terminator throttle-body EFI. The guys come up with a big part-mismatch nightmare along the way-one you should also watch out for. As you're watching the episode, keep in mind that most of the carb-vs-throttle-body info applies to any engine, not just the LS-style test mule. However, Holley does provide very simple, plug-in kits to power the LS platform. In fact, if you have a complete junkyard LS that still has the intake manifold, throttle body, and injectors, you can get a much cheaper LS controller that plugs right in.

Carburetor vs EFI Shootout!

It's our first head-to-head shootout with two engines: a Blueprint Engines crate Chevy 383 small-block versus a hand-built Mopar 383 by Engine Masters host Steve Dulcich. To make this a fair test, we equalized as many variables as possible

383 Chevy vs. 383 Mopar!

If you've ever installed a set of high-performance exhaust headers, then you've probably bashed those exhaust tubes with a hammer to get them to clear everything in the chassis of the car.

Exhaust Header Bash! Testing Power Loss From Dents

This time on Engine Masters, presented by Amsoil, you'll learn a good combo for 470-plus horsepower from a stock-bottom-end 5.7L Dodge Hemi, and then see us add a Paxton supercharger in the hunt for 707 horsepower just like one of the new Dodge Hellcats.

Hellcat Power with a 5.7 Hemi

Topping your engine with a set of aftermarket cylinder heads is a near-certain method for making more horsepower and torque-but is the extra power really worth the money? In this episode of Engine Masters, presented by Amsoil, we answer that question.

Are CNC-Ported Cylinder Heads Worth the Money?

Dual quads! Three deuces! Eight barrels! Six jugs! The lore of multiple carburetors runs deep in the hot rodding world, and in the muscle car era it was common for the OE manufacturers to up their cars' performance

Holley vs. Edelbrock, Tri-Power vs. Dual-Quad!

Boost is good. Forced induction makes huge power, and you want it cheap and easy. This time on Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we look at the two most affordable implements of boost from SummitRacing.com.

Battle of Budget Boost! Centrifugal vs. Roots, Paxton vs. Weiand

You're sitting around with your typical street/strip V-8 and wondering, should I get 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust pipes and mufflers, or should I go 3-inch? In this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we will help you decide.

The Power of 2.5- vs. 3-Inch Exhaust

In this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, you'll learn a simple combination for a 600hp big-block Chevy.

600hp Camshaft Shootout! Hydraulic vs. Solid.

The 408 is one of the most popular small-block V-8 stroker combinations for Chevy, Ford, and Mopar.

Stroker Shootout! Ford vs. Mopar 408s

In episode 4 we famously destroyed a set of Hooker headers with a hammer to see if dents in tubes really make a difference in performance. Folks said our test was flawed because if dents in the tubes didn't affect performance, then the headers must have been too large to begin with. So now we've tested that theory, running three sets of Hookers on the same engine we used in the header-bash episode. We tried 1-5/8, 1-3/4, and 1-7/8. Were the viewers right that we'd picked wrong the first time?

Pick The Right Exhaust Headers!

The 13th episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, is an unlucky one for a poor little 305ci Chevy small-block. It was the victim of our test of how much nitrous oxide power boost can be tolerated by a completely stock short-block with the original cast crank, rods, and pistons.

How Much Nitrous Can a Stock Engine Take?

We show you why the age-old concept of pulling a used engine from a running car and slapping some speed parts on itmight not always be the best idea. Our special guest engine is the Mopar 360 small-block V8 from Episodes 3 and 4 of Roadkill Garage, where we plucked it from a 1975 Dodge truck and slapped it into a 1970 Dodge Challenger. For this show, we set up the 360 with all-stock parts, ran it on the dyno for a baseline, and then added a bunch of speed parts. We gained 140 horsepower.

Junkyard Jewel Power Bolt-Ons!

Cast-iron manifolds versus mid-length headers versus long-tube headers: Which one is best for you? In this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we again look to our loyal fan base to feed us ideas of power tests they want to see.

Power Test: Cast Manifolds vs. Headers

Do you want to spend big bucks on a hydraulic roller cam setup or low bucks on the old-school flat-tappet cam? The answer depends on your desire for power and durability, and this episode of Engine Masters will spell out the differences in the two camshaft designs so you can decide what's best for your car. The test engine here is a 500hp, 400ci small-block Chevy crate engine from BluePrint Engines, and the camshafts and lifters are from Isky Racing Cams.

Roller vs. Flat-Tappet Cams!

In this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL and sponsored by Mr. Gasket and Earl's Vapor Guard, we explore whether the price of a muffler makes a difference when it comes to performance.

Cheap vs. Expensive Mufflers!

Increasing engine displacement with a stroker kit is a proven way to get more horsepower and torque, but exactly how much power can you expect? In this test of "there's no replacement for displacement," the hosts of Engine Masters run a dyno comparo you've probably never seen before: two engines with all the same specs except for the crankshaft stroke. One small-block Mopar engine is a 410ci stroker, while the other is a 367ci stocker with an overbore. They use the same carb, intake, cam, heads, compression, and headers. You think the bigger engine makes far more horsepower?

Stock Vs. Stroked Horsepower Test!

Ever wonder what those camshaft specification numbers really mean and how they affect engine performance? This episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL is here to help, as David Freiburger explains cam lift, duration, love separation angle, and installed centerline. Next, we test a low-rpm cam and a high-rpm cam in the same engine to demonstrate the power differences. Engine Masters is supported by Mr. Gasket and Earl's Vapor Guard hose.

Camshaft Specs Explained

Usually on this show, we are all about making more horsepower, but on this episode of Engine Masters presented by Amsoil, we are trying to kill horsepower! We bolt four different types of cooling fans onto our 350 small-block Chevy, all with different designs and material. Which one takes the most horsepower, and which one takes the least? Watch and find out!

Cooling Fan Shoot-Out

This episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL reinforces the fact that Steve Dulcich is not just the guy in the back of the dyno room—he’s a legit engine master. And you won’t question that after you see his homegrown porting job on a set of Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads for a small-block Mopar pick up a whopping 92 hp! To be fair, that gain also includes porting work on the Victor Jr. intake manifold by Bryce Mulvey. All this work tops off the same 410ci small-block Mopar from BluePrint Engines that was seen on Engine Masters Episodes 11 and 18. Engine Masters is supported by Mr. Gasket and Earl's Vapor Guard.

DIY Cylinder Head Porting Gains 92 Horsepower!

This episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL delivers the goods many viewers have asked for as we test the power of straight dual exhaust with no crossover pipe versus using an H-pipe versus an X-pipe. Will the old bench-racing stories come true, or is it all hocus-pocus? We find out using a basic 5.3L GM LS3 engine then precisely spell out the effect these exhaust-system modifications have on horsepower and torque. Engine Masters is supported by Mr. Gasket, Earl’s Vapor Guard hose, and now Permatex!

Straight Exhaust vs. H-Pipe vs. X-Pipe!

This episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL we take the Roadkill Rotsun and find out how much power that bone stock turbo charged 1987 5.0L Mustang engine really makes. With a science experiment of a rig, get ready to be shocked! The numbers don’t lie. Engine Masters is supported by Autometer, Mr. Gasket, Earl’s Vapor Guard, and Permatex!

Engine Masters meets the Roadkill Rotson Turbo 5.0!

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we explore an ancient scenario but still one of the most-asked tech questions we are asked: What budget bolt-ons can be used on a stock small-block Chevy 5.7 to get more horsepower? Watch as we take the cheapest Chevy 350 crate engine you can buy and make mods that gain nearly 130 horsepower! It’s a dyno-proven, easy-to-install power combo that will give you the best bang for your buck.

Best Cheap Chevy 350 Mods—Dyno-Proven!

There’s nothing we love more for big torque and visual impact that a good ol’ antiquated roots supercharger! This time on Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, hosts David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich, and Steve Brulé show you how to install and tune a Weiand 6-71 blower and dual 750-cfm double pumpers on a budget 350ci Chevy short-block. Engine Masters is supported by Earl’s Vapor Guard hose, Mr. Gasket, Auto Meter, and Permatex.

Supercharger Tuning and Proven Performance

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by Amsoil, find out if you can stuff 25 psi of boost into a cast-piston, stock-crank short-block and have it live! Watch as we strap a ProCharger centrifugal supercharger to a bone-stock Chevy 350 bottom end and keep stepping up the boost to find the breaking point. But there’s a hitch: At the start, we agreed we’d let the engine live if it could make 750 hp and survive. So did we leave parts on the floor, or did we make stupid power with a foolish combo? We’ll tell you this much now—we did the best we could to show you blow-through boost tuning by keeping the ignition timing and the air/fuel ratio very conservative while also using Rockett Brand 118-octane fuel to prevent detonation. Engine Masters is supported by Mr. Gasket, Earl’s Vapor Guard, Auto Meter, and Permatex.

How Much Boost Can a Stock Engine Take?

If you’ve ever wanted to know if a car’s high-performance air filter makes a difference, or if your small filter is killing horsepower, you’ve come to the right video! In this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we test a whopping 19 different combinations of filter sizes and styles including paper elements, K&N filters, stock housings, dual-snorkle housings, velocity stacks, filtered lids, and way more—all the way up to some shocking results with tablewear! Our test engine is a 750-horsepower, 496ci big-block Chevy, but the data we gathered is relevant for any engine down to about 300 horsepower. Engine Masters is supported by Mr. Gasket, Earl’s Vapor Guard Hose, Permatex, and Auto Meter.

Air Filter Horsepower Shootout!

We test the long-standing internet theory that too big of an intake port kills bottom-end torque. Watch us take the mildest of 408 Ford small-blocks and try to make the torque curve dance.

Cylinder Head Games–How Big Is Too Big?

One of the most common valvetrain upgrades for pushrod-style engines is roller rocker arms, which are often said to increase horsepower through reducing friction. But is it true? You’ll find out on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, as we use a 7,000-rpm, small-block Chevy to test stock-type stamped-steel rockers, roller-tip rockers, full rollers, and full rollers with a ratio of 1.6:1 rather than the stock 1.5:1. We’ll reveal the facts and myths around the horsepower claims and discuss other things you need to consider before purchasing any rocker arms for performance engines of any kind.

Do Roller Rocker Arms Add Horsepower?

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we test the power differences between 118-octane race gas and Rockett Brand E85 ethanol-blended fuel. There’s a lot more to just the horsepower curve, though, as we test Holley’s out-of-the-box carburetor tunes, discuss other tuning differences, and go over a long list of other considerations you should make if you’re planning a changeover to E85. While the ethanol blend can be used for a variety of different engine designs, the test here focuses on a naturally aspirated, high-compression engine making 750 horsepower. Can you drive an engine like this on the street with E85 and save money on fuel? Find out on this episode of Engine Masters, which is supported by Earl’s Vapor Guard hose (specifically made to endure ethanol fuels), Mr. Gasket, Auto Meter, Permatex, and Summit Racing.

Gas vs. E85: Power and Pros & Cons

This time on Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, it’s a horsepower battle with the world’s most popular classic V-8s: the Chevy small-block versus the Ford Windsor. Using rebuilt short-blocks and parts packages from SummitRacing.com, the Engine Masters team built two engines as equally as possible, using a Chevy 350 and a Ford 351 with Holley carburetors, Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intakes, Air Flow Research 195 heads, Comp Cams hydraulic roller cams, and 13/4-inch-tube headers. Will one small-block make more power than the other based on inherent design superiority? The dyno is here to find out. Engine Masters is supported by Mr. Gasket, Earl’s Vapor Guard, Auto Meter, Summit Racing, and Permatex.

Chevy 350 vs. Ford 351!

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we explain how oil kills power—because it’s not about synthetic versus regular oil and not about a brand-to-brand comparison, but about windage and oil-pan design. We take a 700hp big-block Chevy and show you how too much oil can kill 20 hp, and you’ll also see gains when we go from a stock-design pan to a Milodon drag-racing oil pan. We are thankful for Engine Masters’ sponsors Permatex (for no oil leaks!), Auto Meter (to check oil pressure), Mr. Gasket (to keep the oil inside), Earls (for AN oil lines and more), and Summit Racing Equipment (where you can buy it all).

How Oil Kills Power!

It’s back to basics this time on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, with a comparison of dual-plane versus single-plane intake manifolds. While the intakes used here are typical for any carbureted V-8, the lessons about how the length of the intake runners affects the shape of the power curve apply to any four-stroke engine. So are you into low-end grunt, or top-rpm horsepower? And how much of one are you willing to sacrifice to get the other? This episode will help you answer those questions. Engine Masters is supported by MSD, Holley, Permatex, Auto Meter, and Summit Racing!

Intakes for Torque Vs. Horsepower

There is no hotter engine package these days than the turbocharged GM LS-Series V-8. Many people have proven that you can pull a 4.8L or 5.3L straight out of a junkyard and boost it to the moon and make 1,000 hp—but what if you’re a little more conservative and want to have huge power but also reliability from an engine you can drive every day on pump gas? That’s what you’ll learn about on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL. We’ll show you where we spent the money and where we saved it, and why we chose some lower-power components in favor of budget and reliability as we make incredible power from a 5.3L with a single turbo, 91-octane fuel, and stock cylinder heads.

Turbo LS the Right Way!

You asked and we're here to answer! On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we take our small-block Chevy 383 and show, piece by piece, how much power your water pump kills. We move from an electric pump to mechanical with all kinds of cooling tricks to show you just how little it matters. We even throw on an alternator under load just to drive the point home. Engine Masters is supported by Summit Racing Equipment, Holley/MSD, Earls Vapor Guard Hose, and Mr. Gasket.

If Accessories Could Kill

Get ready for “no replacement for displacement” with a massive 598ci BluePrint Engines crate big-block Chevy! On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we’re going to show you two completely different power combos, one for low-buck and massive street-ready low-end torque, and a second one for high-buck and high-rpm killer horsepower. Both of these setups proved super effective and we’d encourage you to duplicate them, but the episode also addresses the age-old questions about torque versus horsepower and how they are affected by parts selection and rpm—as well as how they might need to be set up in a car. And by the way, we LOVE this engine!

598ci of Torque Vs. Horsepower!

A junkyard Chevy LS engine with a turbo—it’s a dime-a-dozen concept these days, but how big can it go? To find out, Engine Masters went to the originator of the “Big Bang Theory” dyno test: Richard Holdener, who delivered the world a 1,200hp boosted 4.8L way back in 2011 in the pages of HOT ROD magazine. Holdener has brought many junkyard engines to a power-adder-assisted demise since then, and has found the connecting rods to be the weak spot. The Gen IV engines have better rods, so this time the victim is a 6.0L with a pair of BorgWarners on the way to 30 psi. Will it go or will it blow? Find out in jaw-dropping fashion on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL.

1,500hp Junkyard Short-block!

More myths shattered! For decades, street/strip racers have been told not to run nitrous-oxide injection on the most common dual-plane intake manifolds because “you’ll get fuel distribution problems.” But is it true? We’re here to find out on Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, where this time we run the most popular intakes with a 175hp nitrous shot and analyze cylinder-to-cylinder air/fuel ratios to discover the facts. While we’re at it, we’ll find out which intake makes the most power on nitrous. See it all on this episode!

What’s the Best Intake for Nitrous Oxide?

This time, our episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL is for the purists. It’s for the ones who disputed our Episode 2 test with throttle-body injection (TBI) not being real electronic fuel injection (EFI). So we’re back and more serious than ever with a state-of-the-art 1,050-cfm multipoint EFI system facing off against the 750- and 1,000-cfm relics known as carburetors. Which will squirt the most power into our tried-and-true 383 Chevrolet? Find out here.

Efi Vs. Carbs Redux!!

This episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL is very personal to host David Freiburger, since it’s his own race engine that he handbuilt in the quest to get into the 200 MPH Club at El Mirage Dry Lake. Instead of the normal A/B testing on Engine Masters, this episode will focus on the details that make the engine optimized, specifically for the sustained wide-open throttle operation required for land speed racing. Plus, you’ll get to see a ProCharger make more than 1,000 horsepower on a 23-degree, 347ci small-block!

200-MPH Horsepower!

In the modern world of bulletproof bottom ends, boost has become the go-to for bolt-on power. But is it really the best way to get where you want to be? On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich and Steve Brulé take a bone-stock 5.3 truck LS and test four different combos of built and boosted. Building off the baseline of the naturally aspirated motor, they pull big numbers with just an intercooled turbo setup. Next, they pull the turbo to build it N/A with heads, a cam, and an intake, and then finally hang the turbo back onto the newly built mill. The choice is up to you (and your budget), but the guys will give you all the data to decide where to spend your dough.

Stock Vs. Built Vs. Boost Vs. Both

This time on Engine Masters presented by Amsoil, we go head-to-head-to-head-to-head to find the best dual-plane for your buck. Using our longtime test mule 372 small-block Chevy, we bolt up the four most popular Air-Gap–style dual-planes to compare power and cost, to help you make the best choice for your engine and budget.

SBC Dual-plane Shootout

This time on Engine Masters presented by Amsoil, we explore what we’ve always known: Increased engine temperature decreases power output. We always thought we knew the answer, but today our 598 Chevy big-block gets some special heat treatment to find out exactly how and why heat kills power. The answer might be just as surprising to you as it was to us.

Heat Kills Power—the How and Why

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we take the mystery out of carburetor selection. More air means more power, but is there such a thing as too big? And how do you know when you’ve passed good? David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich, Steve Brulé from Westech Performance, and the dyno get together to compare carbs from 650 to 950 cfm on Our Ultimate Average 383 to help you find all the power and all the driveability.

Carb Size Matters

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich, and special guest Richard Holdener explore the science of reducing temperature out of a turbo in order to increase power out of the engine. Intercoolers cool wonderfully, but they can be expensive and tough to package. Water/meth injection is cheaper and easier to package, but will it cost you power in the end?

Hot in, Cool Out—Intercooler Vs. Water/Methanol Injection for Turbos

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich welcome back Richard Holdener to blow the literal lid off of internet “blower manifold” theories. You’ve seen us play with runner lengths before, but this time we use FAST’s modular-runner intake manifold to test both short and long runners to see how each reacts in both NA and boosted trim. Is there such thing as a “blower manifold” or is it all just keyboard huff and puff? Join us to find out, won’t you?

Pressure Testing the “Blower Manifold” Debate

How much effort have you put into tuning your carb and ignition? We’re always talking about ignition timing and air/fuel ratios, but never about their direct impact on your power production. This time on Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we show you how much power you could be throwing away with a subpar tune-up.

Tuning in the Tune-up

This time, the comparison features 100-percent more hydraulic cam! Last round we compared hydraulic and solid roller lifters on hydraulic and solid cams, respectively. But we have more questions! For instance, can you actually run solid roller lifters on a hydraulic cam? Why would you? And, if you do, will they make more power? How long will they survive? The list goes on, but check out the answers for yourself on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, and hopefully you’ll be as intrigued as the rest of us.

Hydraulic Vs. Solid Lifters: the Redux!

Budget mufflers. What do you get for $40? How do they sound and how much power do they kill? On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we run our 408 Cleveland with 12 different muffler options, including no muffler, straight through, chambered, and turbo style. Which one is best for you is up to you, but here’s all the info you’ll need to make the decision.

$40 Muffler Shootout

How much fuel pump power does your motor need? This time on Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we investigate the limits of four budget, mechanical pumps on our very streetable, 500 horse 372 Chevy. Can these budget pumps keep enough pressure and flow to support our power numbers? What about the power that you’re making? If you’re anything like us, this might motivate you to take a second look at your own fuel system.

Battle of the Budget Fuel Pumps

Well, maybe. This time on Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we dive into what effect changes to your intake manifold's plenum volume will have on your motor. We want to know if all of the Internet's theories about big boost, big cubes, and/or big rpm needing bigger plenum volume really hold water. Will all of that increased volume really turn into increased power production or are you just creating hood clearance headaches? Watch as we go from straight out-of-the-box to out-of-the-bounds-of-sanity with this plenum volume comparison.

You're Gonna Need a Bigger Plenum...

This time on Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich, and Steve Brule´, go on the hunt for the best manifold to make big horsepower numbers on a big-inch, big-block Chevrolet. These aren’t manifolds for any boring, old 454 or even a 496. We’re talking 598 cubes of big-block, and we’re throwing four different single-plane, single 4bbl manifolds at it from Dart, Pro-Filer, Brodix, and Edelbrock to see how the difference in their runner walls and plenum shapes make or cost power.

Big-Inch, Big-Power, Big-Block Manifold Shootout

You’ve known and loved the 440 for as long as we have, and haven’t been able to afford a proper muscle car 440 in just as long. You’ve probably also seen our motorhome 440 antics on Roadkill and Roadkill Garage. So on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we take one of those uber-low dollar, uber-low compression boat anchors and see how respectable it can be with just a few more bucks in investment.

The 440 You Can Afford

Finally, after all these episodes, the Engine Masters crew set out to test the effects of running long rods versus short rods on otherwise identical engines. Do longer rods make more torque? Does the faster swipe past TDC of the shorter rods make all the difference? Or does it not actually matter in the least? We found out, and now you can too, on this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL.

Rod Ratio Examined

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by AMSOIL, we found out which cheap carbs produce the most expensive results! We pick a fight between three remanufactured offerings from Edelbrock, Summit, and Demon to see which of these 750cfm bargains will pump the most power into our tried-and-true, Ultimate Average 383 Chevrolet.

Cheap Carb Showdown

On this episode of Engine Masters presented by Amsoil, David and the Steves flip things upside down to find out how much power you might be leaving in your oil pan. Pan shape, windage, and oil control features all play a part in minimizing turbulence around the crank, but is a $1,100 oil pan really worth the cost? Come find out as we test and tune our way to some pretty impressive results.

Pantastic News!

All else equal, which will make more power, an iron head or an aluminum one? That’s what we’re testing on this week’s Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL. Aside from the obvious weight savings, there are some real things to consider. Does aluminum’s ability to shed heat help it make more power, or does the iron head’s heat retention promote cylinder pressure and therefore more power? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s right here on the dyno.

Iron Vs. Aluminum Heads: a Study of Heat

Changing the installed centerline of your camshaft will create a shift in when your valves open and close. On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we explore how a little advance or a little retard in cam timing can help you tune your power curve for the high-end performance or low-end power that you’re after.

Advances in Cam Timing

Got a solid cam? Well, have we got some free ponies for you! By experimenting with your lash adjustments, you can effectively tune a bit of duration and lift into or out of your camshaft. Looser lash creates a hair less of each; a tighter lash, on the other hand, can actually buy you a bit. Given your specific engine and cam combo, there may be some serious (and FREE!) power just waiting to be tuned in. Come see how to find it on this episode of Engine Masters, presented by Amsoil.

Free Valvetrain Tuning for More Power!

Once again, ladies and gentlemen, you asked and we delivered! The question was simple yet timeless: "Which makes more power, a dual 2.5-inch or a single 3.0-inch exhaust system?" To find out, we're swapping pipes on our run-of-the-mill 351 Ford, which makes about 400 hp, and to richen the pot we're also testing out turbo vs. straight-through mufflers and Y-pipe vs. a 90-degree merge. Come get all the data you can handle, right here on Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL.

Single vs. Dual Exhaust

This time on Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we deliver on a question that fans have been asking for years: “Will a carb spacer make me more power?” The answer is yes, no, and maybe. It all depends on your engine and manifold combination. So come see what works, what doesn't, and how you might be able to get a couple extra ponies for some seriously minimal effort.

Carb Spacers: Gimmick or Gold?

On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we put more power claims to the test! This time it's the belief that a simple swap of the standard 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 firing order can create more power in your 90-degree V-8. Whether it's changes in manifold pulsing patterns or crankshaft harmonics that make more power, the theories abound. So we're here to do a 4/7 swap on a big 572 to see if there's more power to be had or if the theories are just that: theories.

The Mystery of the Great 4/7 Swap

Ford fans, listen up! It’s your turn to get schooled in the art of intake manifold selection. On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we’ve rounded up four of the most popular street-style, dual-plane intake manifolds on the market and strapped them to our test mule. Today, that engine is a something you’d find under many a Ford hood: a 351 Windsor with a stock bottom end, roller cam, about 430 horsepower, and an appetite for more! Oh, and Mustang fans, come find out how much power that hood clearance issue really costs you. You’re not going to like it.

Windsor Manifold Showdown

1,500 horsepower!!! Need we say more?! We take 555 BBC and the Blower Shop then test the difference in power between gas and e85, and how much more we can make when running each on nitrous.

1,500 HP, the Blown and Squeezed BBC Way!!

On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, we dive into one of the most commonly confusing elements of camshaft design: lobe separation angle. A cam's LSA dictates how far apart valve events are, how the engine will idle, where the peak power will live and where the rpm range ends.

Engine Personality Test: Camshaft LSA Explained

You've seen the treasured motorhome 440 before, but not like this! We explore the myriad gains you can find on a sickly, pathetic, low-compression 440 in three stages: first, by plumbing up a turbo; then with a set of too-trick-for-this-engine TFS cylinder heads; and finally with some turbo boost pushing through those heads.

The Turbo MoHo 4-4-0

On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the guys guide you through the basics of bringing your motor to the dyno cell for the first time, including motor setup, how the dyno works and how to make the most of your money, time and motor.

Welcome to a Day at the Dyno!

On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the crew answers the high-voltage question of whether upgrading an ignition system is worth it. They load up a big-block Ford with junky leftover parts and replace them one-by-one to see how valuable each piece is.

Throwing Sparks: the Great Ignition Debate

The guys from Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, fit the COVID-350 with progressively shorter header collectors to see the effect of a little more piping. Power is just waiting to be collected with some cheap and effective trial-and-error tuning.

Tuning the Tubes: Why Header Collector Length Matters

Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, follows the build of Freiburger's 582ci BBC in his quest for 1,000 NA horsepower. An in-depth rundown of the parts that came together and why they were chosen shows the evolution of the build and the path to glory.

One THOUSAND Horsepower. Naturally Aspirated. Period.

Whether they’re Zoomies, Lakes, Tri-Ys, or Fenderwell headers, some pipes are just gotta-haves. On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, The crew investigates just how much power gets sacrificed in that quest for cool!

ZOOMIES!! A Novelty Header Shootout!

Everybody knows that a lighter car is a faster car. On this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the guys see if choosing lightweight parts for the rotating assembly helps the engine make more power, too.

Less Weight to Rotate!! Diet Testing the Rotating Mass

The common knowledge is that a boosted motor acts just like an oversized version of the NA motor. On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the guys see if the headers that made the most NA power hold up on a power-boosted motor.

Headers for Boost!!

It's another battle of old-school cool here on Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, where the guys bolt tunnel-ram and cross-ram setups to the 383 Chevy and stagger jets until their gasoline-soaked hearts are content.

Tunnel Ram vs. Cross Ram! The Old School Dual Quad Shootout

So you wanna street-drive your 1,000 HP monster. You'll need a muffler for the street that will also wring every horsepower possible at the strip. The guys see which street-worthy muffler does the trick on Engine Masters, Presented by AMSOIL.

1,000 HP Muffler Showdown!!

On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the guys break down two very different engines that both make very similar 500-hp power numbers. It's our 500-hp 372 small block vs. our 500-hp big-block 454 and a high-rpm screamfest vs. low-end grunt.

Small-Block vs. Big-Block. How Do You Want YOUR 500 hp?!

On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, Steve Dulcich puts his Leaning Tower of Power to the test to see if it lives up to its name. With a supercharger, 10.5:1 and a race-prepped head, his slant 6 is shooting for the moon to make 383 power numbers.

Dulcich's Quest for Slant 6 Greatness!

The guys put claims about blower cams to the test with their new 363ci small-block Ford. They'll run similarly spec’d "street" and "blower" cams both NA and under boost to see if blower cams make more power across the board, just under boost, or not at all.

The Great Blower Cam Debate

It's uncharted territory on this episode of Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL. After years of willing dismissal and dinosaur-brained ignorance, the Engine Masters have decided to give the Gen III Hemi a fair shake. Can you swap it in cheaply? How tunable is it? How robust is the aftermarket support? We'll explore all of these questions AND find out what it does with a (hopefully) simple cam swap. Come in, sit down, and learn with us, won't you?

Engine Masters go to School on the Gen III Hemi

On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the crew dives into how cylinder head flow and boost affect horsepower. They run their 363 Windsor once with 195cc and 225cc heads, and declare once and for all if cylinder heads actually matter under boost.

Do Cylinder Heads Matter Under Boost?

The guys run tests with 87, 91, 110, 116 and even E85 to see if higher octane makes more power, and if an engine's optimal timing even changes with different octane. See what happens as we pump up the gas on Engine Masters.

Does Octane Make Power?

On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the guys put a Demon 650 blow-through carb up against Holley's new Super Sniper Stealth throttle-body-style EFI to see which reigns supreme in terms of tunability, cylinder-to-cylinder distribution and horsepower.

The Blow-Through Battle: Carb v. TBI

The guys find out if mandrel-bent exhaust pipes really make more power over the crimped and crunched pipes the local shop bends up. They test them with mufflers, without mufflers, with turbo mufflers and more on Engine Masters.

Mandrel- v. Crunch-Bent Exhaust

As unsexy as it is, protecting an engine starts with the oil and filter. On Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, the crew tests 10 different filters back-to-back-to-back. From the cheapest to the trickest in the catalog, they're on the hunt for the best.

Oil Filter Shootout

Since the dawn of supercharging, compressed air has been stuffed through carburetors, and it's as true now as it was back then. The question today on Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, is: what type of carb hat is best for that blow-through application?

Carb Hats for Blowers

The crew is on the hunt for two things. First, they're searching for low air temps and big HP numbers as they compare the heat-extracting power of under-roots intercoolers vs. E85! And secondly, they aim to bring up the entire curve by swapping the short-runner blower manifold for a tunnel ram.

Roots Blower Testing!

Does port matching an intake manifold create enough power to justify the cost? On Engine Masters, the crew is going to find out with an out-of-the-box Super Victor, a port-matched Super Victor and an off-shelf Wilson-prepped version.

Is Intake Manifold Port Matching Worth It?

When it comes right down to it, nothing that happens on the dyno matters until you get the engine in the car. Today on Engine Masters, the guys test everything that will be used in David Freiburger's Model A drag car.

Dyno Testing for Real Life!

Holley carbs have been known for years as the standard by which all racing carbs are measured, but today's question is this: CFMs being equal, is there any difference in power between the smaller-bore, narrower-set "street" style 4150 carb and the bigger-bore, wider-base 4500 series Dominator carb?

4150 v. 4500 - The Battle of the Holley Carbs

Does compression make power? The easy answer is yes, but the answers we're looking for today have more to do with how it makes power and how sensitive it becomes to temperature on pump gas. Does it favor top or bottom-end power, or does a point of compression equal a linear increase across the powerband?

Does Compression Make Power?

It's a battle between the iconic 440 Six Pack and the legendary 426 Hemi, and we're settling age-old bets on this one. Do they live up to lore of 440 grunt and 426 top end? Can the Six Pack cool outgun the famed Hemi heads?

Mopar Muscle Showdown!

We're taking trips to the moon as we test different combos on a 331ci small Chevy. Starting with an excellent little combo good for 7K RPM, we step it up to show you how improved airflow on a small motor equals pure RPM. Best of all, we do it all with simple parts and a small budget.

Screaming 8K RPM!!

Sounds boring, we know. But if you're like us, you've always chosen an oil pump based on some knee-jerk instinct. It's time to finally learn the difference between standard, high-volume and high-pressure oil pumps in terms of pressure, flow and horsepower. Come see what there is to know on this episode of Engine Masters.

It's the Oil Pump Pump-Off!!

We all know that adding any sort of restrictor -- like a muffler -- is going to hurt power on a turbo motor. We also know that sometimes it just makes sanity-sense to cut down excess noise. The crew tries to find out just how much horsepower that sanity costs.

Exhaust for Turbos - The Dos and Dont's

We love our big-block Mopars here at Engine Masters, and we've finally put together a horsepower-per-dollar comparison of street-centric wedge cylinder heads. Want to spend bottom dollar on some 906s? We've got you covered. Want to step all the way up to CNC-ported, tall-valve set of TFSes? Tested.

The Wedge Head Shootout!!

You've seen them, you've drooled over them, and you may have even run them. We dive into the wavy waters of individual runner systems, how you can tune them, and whether all that cool makes any more power than the stalwart carburetor.

Hilborn Stacks!

The guys study the fueling demands, horsepower, and the pros and cons of running 116 octane gasoline, E85, methanol and oxygenated gas. They all have different oxygen contents, air/fuel ratio demands, and ultimately, different abilities to cool the cylinder and create power. What does that all mean, and which is right for you?

Choosing Fuel: Which Barrel Is Right for You?

The guys explore the cooling benefits of water-methanol injection. They'll be looking at any added tolerance to detonation, intake air temps, how much to inject at what rpm, and the optimal ratio of water to methanol. There's plenty to explore with a little experimentation on the dyno.

Water-Meth Injection: Is It Cooler Than the Intercooler??

We've done air filter shootouts before, but none like this. On this episode of Engine Masters, it's all about finding the least restrictive way to route a cold air system. We're here to find out how much the size of that filter, as well as the length, path and diameter of the tubing, affects your performance.

Cold Air Considerations

We dive into the fundamentals of the cheapest, easiest and most effective way to give your motor some grunt: nitrous oxide. Using the most basic 150-horse plate system, we'll show you the basics on installation, safety and tuning for nitrous on your typical carbureted engine.

The Best Seasons of Engine Masters

The Best Seasons of Engine Masters

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8