If you live in a region with below freezing temps, you may have heard of engine block heaters. Here's what they are, the different types, and how they work.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. For much of the U.S., the concept of an engine block heater is a foreign one. Even areas like the mile-high city (Denver), which faces its ...

Just like a solid foundation is important for a sturdy house, a well-prepped engine block is critical for a motor make big power—and do it more than once. A professional engine builder offered to show ...

A teardown of a locked-up GM Vortec 350 reveals bent rods, destroyed bearings, a ventilated block, and why these workhorse ...

While there have been some iconic big-block engines over the last few decades, it's difficult to argue with the success of the small-block engine. Small-block engines not only weigh less — allowing ...

A class action lawsuit filed against GM over alleged faulty lifters in certain V8 engines has still not received class action ...

Ford Division's first overhead valve V-8, the Y-Block, remains one of the sexiest V-8 engines ever with its perfect symmetry, finned and studded Thunderbird Special valve covers, dual-plane "stacked ...

Freeze plugs don't make your engine freeze up, and they aren't useful only when it's freezing out. They're a crucial part of ...

There are several ways for an engine block to become cracked. The obvious one is freezing in winter due to not using antifreeze or frequent topping up with plain water which dilutes the antifreeze.

Chevrolet has had many accomplishments over the years, from being the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history to producing the world's first affordable fully automatic transmission. However, one ...

Hot rod builds a mouse trap and tries to catch a rat. Originally published in the August 1998 issue of Hot Rod magazine. To celebrate HOT ROD's 75th anniversary, we teamed up with CASTROL GTX to bring ...

Thomas has spent two years working in the auto journalism industry, contributing to a UK-based newspaper and writing for Euronewsweek. A full-time writer and lifelong engineering enthusiast, he now ...