Tag: All Posts

Auto Industry News: EJS Debuts, EPA Emissions, and UAW Election Votes

Forget the dyed eggs and jellybeans, the true sign of Easter has arrived – Jeep’s EJS concept debuts. The automaker pulled the covers off four new rides in Moab this weekend, and while the lineup may be smaller than years’ past, it’s no less impressive. The Engine Block has pictures and specs, along with updates […]

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Top 8 Upgrades for First-Time Truck Owners

Buying your first truck is a really exciting thing. You’ve officially opened the doors to a whole new world of possibilities. There’s no telling what you and that four-wheel-drive, bed-bearing, tow-ready rig are about to get into. That feeling can quickly fade when you realize just how barren trucks are in their factory-fresh form. While […]

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Westin Automotive Heads Way Off-Road for 2024

Westin Automotive leads the charge in 2024 for off-road enthusiasts seeking fresh new gear. As the popularity of overlanding continues to grow, so does its crossover potential with traditional off-roading. In fact, the two categories have become pretty blended over the years. While off-roading typically involves short, adrenaline-packed excursions and overlanding emphasizes extended journeys with […]

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Auto Industry News: Jeep’s Easter Safari Teasers, New ADAS Challenges, and Important Debates About Your Data

Get ready for a whirlwind tour through the latest in automotive news, as it was a week of surprise announcements. Jeep dropped more teasers for its upcoming vehicle debuts at the 2024 Easter Jeep Safari, while the IIHS dropped a critical report detailing where automakers’ ADAS systems fall dangerously short. The biggest bombshell, however, came […]

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Tech Corner: Understanding Piston Failure

Deciphering piston issues and decoding failure clues. Nobody wants to deal with catastrophic engine failure. It will never happen at an opportune moment, and it will always cost thousands of dollars to fix. The only good thing about it is that it presents a learning opportunity for you to determine what went wrong so you […]

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5 Benefits of a DuraLiner Drop-In Bed Liner

When it comes to the bed of your truck, it can handle pretty much whatever you throw at it. Pretty much being the operative phrase. Eventually, wear and tear will take its toll. Set up your ride with some quality protection by installing a drop-in bed liner — one that’s designed to withstand the rigors […]

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Auto Industry News: Mint 400 Recap, Ridler Award Raves, Waymo’s Green Light, & More

From the heart-pounding action of the Mint 400 to the jaw-dropping craftsmanship showcased at the Detroit Autorama’s prestigious Ridler Awards, the auto industry served up adrenaline and excitement of all flavors this week. The Engine Block has information on all the thrills (and spills), as well as the latest updates on Waymo’s expansion approval in […]

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Best Trails Across the U.S. for Mudding

We take pride in our off-road trail roundups. The team does an amazing job of highlighting the best trails that have a little something for everyone, hitting specific regions such as the Central Midwest and Lower South. We’ve even dived into specific types of trails, like the best canyons along the way. Yet somehow, we’ve […]

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2024 BIG Show: New Products in Truck, Off-Road, Overlanding, and Towing

When it comes to showcasing the latest in automotive innovation, the Keystone BIG Show never disappoints… It’s been almost two weeks since the 2024 Keystone BIG Show wrapped up in Kissimmee, Florida, and The Engine Block team has spent most of that time excitedly gushing over our favorite products from the event. As you likely […]

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Tech Corner: Selecting the Proper Camshaft for a Beloved Hot Rod

Selecting the proper camshaft is one of the most important parts of building an engine. It essentially controls how the engine wants to breathe and dictates how and when the power is produced along the power curve. When an engine has only one purpose in mind, it eliminates a lot of gray area. For instance, a […]

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Auto Industry News: Collector Car Excitement on Amelia Island, Manufacturing Concerns in DC, & Quick-Hit Industry Updates

The Amelia Concours d’Elegance wrapped on Sunday, closing out several days of collector car auctions and a top-notch car show. The Engine Block has highlights from the event, along with the Best in Show winners. Additionally, keep reading to learn more about the growing tensions in the U.S. auto sector due to Chinese EV makers’ […]

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Selecting the Best Wheels and Tires for Your Overlanding Build

Today we’re taking a look at wheels and tires, a common area of critique on an overlanding rig. While you’re reading this post – and especially when you’re making eventual decisions – we ask that you block out everything you hear from others and everything you see on Instagram. Start with one basic thought. Do you […]

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Get Outside! 2024 Outdoor Recreation Market Update

The COVID-19 pandemic may be over, but its effects are still being felt on the 2024 outdoor recreation market… positive growth effects, that is! For almost a decade, the outdoor recreation market has seen continuous growth. However, its value swelled significantly in the last few years, sparked initially by the pandemic which forced participants to […]

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Auto Industry News: Emissions Rollbacks, Ethanol Go-Aheads, and a Milestone Victory in Daytona

Thanks to several days of rain, a postponed Daytona 500 kicked off the week – and capped off an exciting anniversary celebration for winning team, Hendrick Motorsports. Meanwhile, over on the industry side of things, government regulators made what felt like politically-motivated chess moves. The White House expanded ethanol mandates in the Midwest and – rumor […]

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Hidden Gems: Unconventional Travel Destinations Right Here In The U.S.

Step into 2024 with a sense of adventure and discovery, as we unveil a collection of unique and offbeat travel destinations. Beyond the well-trodden paths of typical tourist spots, we delve deep to uncover “hidden gems” scattered across the United States. Each promises an unforgettable experience and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Let’s start […]

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Competition Corner: March 2024 Auto Events

March is right around the corner. That means spring is just a few weeks away — and automotive events are about to start kicking up. Just in time, too, right? We don’t know about you, but we’re about ready to jump out of our skins over the icy, rainy, slushy grossness that defines this time […]

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5 Things To Know When Shopping for an Aftermarket Fuel Pump

When you’re in the market for an aftermarket fuel pump, it’s natural to focus on performance specifications like flow pressure, volume, and supported horsepower to ensure the right fit for your car. But what about your wallet? Manufacturers may not disclose if anything falls short. In fact, many exaggerate the truth to make a product […]

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7 Must-Have Chemicals In Your Garage This Year

Your vehicle is highly dependent on chemicals and fluids for survival. Without them, the moving parts will fail, leaving you with nothing but a rotting piece of metal to deal with. That’s why you need to stay on top of keeping fresh, clean fluids inside of it. However, that doesn’t mean the only products you […]

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Auto Industry News: Daytona Doubleheader, Chinese EVs Coming to America, & More Bad PR for Self-Driving Vehicles

A weekend of Florida downpours reveals a silver lining – the first-ever Daytona 500/Xfinity Series doubleheader. While ticketholders settle in for a long day of high-octane fun, automakers in Detroit are letting out another beleaguered sigh. China’s BYD, now the world’s largest seller of EVs, is planning a factory in Mexico, allowing it to get […]

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Protect Your Ride: Top Anti-Theft Solutions Every Car Owner Needs

Develop a multi-layered strategy for your car’s anti-theft protection. Let’s talk about something that’s been revving up a lot of conversations lately: the not-so-fun surge in car thefts. It seems like there’s been an alarming rise in the amount of people treating themselves to joyrides in vehicles that aren’t theirs. According to the National Insurance […]

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Love Your Ride: 9 Mothers Car Care Products to Beat the Spring Slush

When it comes to protecting your ride this winter, there’s nothing quite like a Mother’s love… As winter winds down, it’s essential to transition your car from survival mode to recovery mode. The harsh conditions of ice, snow, slush, and road salt have undoubtedly left some battle scars on your vehicle’s paint, undercarriage, and wheels. […]

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Auto Industry News: Slow Chicago, Worsening Vehicle Dependability, and a Really Bad Week for Self-Driving Cars

The Chicago Auto Show opens in the Windy City with a dismal two debuts on the agenda, feeding rumors that poor automaker participation is killing the traditional auto show. Manufacturers have their own challenges to deal with, however, as J.D. Power’s annual survey reveals that new-vehicle dependability is slipping. Plus, representatives for GM’s Cruise are […]

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Best Movie Chases Featuring Unlikely Hero Cars

Unsuspecting hero cars prove it’s not always about horsepower. I admit, I like watching movies where the latest supercar is chased by blacked-out luxury SUVs full of cartoonish thugs. But sometimes, it comes off more as serving the needs for product placement rather than the writer’s vision. I want to be surprised by the cars […]

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Battery Maintenance Tips for Reviving Stored Project Cars

Everyone knows that a crucial part of rolling that prized ride into storage is putting a trickle charger on the battery to keep it topped off. But… what if you forgot or didn’t know this was best practice? What if that car’s been in storage for more than a single season? And, what if, when […]

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Packing With Weight Distribution In Mind

When you think of weight distribution, RVs often come to mind. And while weight distribution in a travel trailer or fifth-wheel is critical for proper towing and safety, it’s also extremely important when it comes to packing your everyday vehicle – especially if you’re planning for a long trip or off-grid adventure. Weight Distribution and […]

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Auto Industry News: KOH 2024 Delivers Epic Finale, GM Pivots Back to PHEVs, and Elon Loses At Court

There’s never a dull moment in the auto industry, but this week’s excitement is mostly of the go-fast variety. The 2024 King of the Hammers wrapped up this weekend, delivering one of the most nail-biting final laps in history. The Engine Block walks you through the action — as well as the fresh drama coming […]

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Best Off-Road Trails in the Central Midwest

When it comes to serious adrenaline-punching off-road excursions, it’s probably not much of a stretch to say that your first choice isn’t likely to be the Central Midwest – but, hear us out. Venturing into the heartland’s off-road trails unveils a refreshing playground for adrenaline junkies and rugged explorers alike. Forget about the conventional allure […]

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The Ins & Outs of Oil Coolers

What exactly is an oil cooler — and is it right for your ride? Your engine is highly dependent on the oil within it. That means oil is not only the most important fluid it depends on, but also the most critical part of the engine to maintain. Despite how crucial it is, though, the […]

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