Jalopnik - Obsessed with the culture of cars

Weight Is The Enemy In Rob Dahm's Single-Rotor Turbocharged Miata

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Tue, 05 May 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Can a single rotor Miata exist without shaking itself apart? Can a single rotor Miata be even more fun to drive than its piston-driven siblings?

Why Choosing Aluminum Or Cast-Iron Duramax Heads Isn't As Simple As Lightweight Vs. Rugged

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Tue, 05 May 2026 19:25:00 +0000

GM's famously durable 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 comes from the factory with aluminum cylinder heads, but for some owners, cast-iron is the better option.

Can You 3D Print Gaskets That Actually Work?

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Sun, 03 May 2026 17:05:00 +0000

Different gaskets face different conditions, and some are better suited for 3D-printed replacement than others.

How Diesel Fuel And Jet Fuel Are Surprisingly Similar

staff@jalopnik.com (Ryan Erik King) — Sun, 03 May 2026 15:25:00 +0000

While there are several types of jet fuel, Jet A1 is the most common used fuel in commercial aviation around the world.

Here's What Can Happen When You Use Starting Fluid In A Diesel Engine

staff@jalopnik.com (Andy Kalmowitz) — Sun, 03 May 2026 09:25:00 +0000

Use starter fluid on anything with a glow plug and you're looking at detonation city.

Driving With A Bent Rim Is A Bad Idea: Here's How To Decide When To Repair Vs Replace

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Sat, 02 May 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Bent rims can cause plenty of trouble on the road, and driving on one isn't a smart move. But will you need to replace it entirely or just get it fixed?

Why The NHTSA Outlaws Replaceable-Bulb LED Headlights, But Can't Stop You From Installing Them

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Sat, 02 May 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Enforcement of laws around modified vehicles is a state issue, not a federal one, and states often have bigger fish to fry than some headlights.

Driving Without A Catalytic Converter Is Possible, But Is It Worth The Risk?

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Sat, 02 May 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Catalytic converters are a vital part of your car, but just how vital are they? Can you spend a few miles without having one present at all?

What Engine Parts Are Most Susceptible To Carbon Buildup?

staff@jalopnik.com (Marko Mikulic) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Carbon buildup can create some big issues while you're driving. A few engine parts are more susceptible to it than others, so check them regularly.

Do Inner And Outer Tie Rods Need To Be Replaced At The Same Time?

staff@jalopnik.com (Alvin Reyes) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:25:00 +0000

If you've ever had to replace tie rods, you've probably heard about doing it in pairs. But is that really necessary if there's only an issue with one of them?

Speeed Is Building Anti-Hype Cars For YouTube

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:25:00 +0000

It's not a Lamborghini, it's not a big-power turbo car, and it's not some wild big-dollar thing. What it is, though, is finished.

Why The Strongest Bolt Grade Isn't Always The Best For A Safe Car Repair

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:25:00 +0000

The stronger the bolt, the safer the car, right? Not necessarily, as some bolts are deliberately engineered as weak points that break under specific loads.

How A Short-Throw Shifter Actually Works

staff@jalopnik.com (Eugene Buono) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:25:00 +0000

Short-throw shifters reduce lever travel for faster gear changes, but there's more to the story. Here's how geometry and fulcrums actually change your drive.

The Difference Between Street Rods, Hot Rods, And Rat Rods Explained

staff@jalopnik.com (Benjamin Gracias) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:25:00 +0000

You've probably heard of hot rods, street rods, and rat rods before, but there are quite a few distinct differences to them beyond their names.

What Are The Differences Between Billet And Forged Car Parts?

staff@jalopnik.com (Charles Krome) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Billet and forged parts might share the same material DNA, but the way they're made determines their performance under pressure. Here's what you need to know.

Is There Any Standardization For Stage 1, 2, Or 3 Engine Tuning?

staff@jalopnik.com (Peter Nelson) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:05:00 +0000

You've probably heard about the three "stages" of tuning, but what do they mean? And is there any standard definition for each of the three?

I Want To Be Like The Gears And Gasoline Guys When I Grow Up

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:25:00 +0000

Don't worry, these guys aren't just building trailer queens that get trotted out for a fast lap or two.

For Fans Of Antiquated Ways To Power Spark Plugs, Here's How To Set Ignition Points

staff@jalopnik.com (Chloe Clougher) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:25:00 +0000

Back when cars relied on distributors, spark plugs needed ignition points. You'll have to know how to set them correctly if you have a classic.

Saturn Once Made An SC Turbo, But Not For You

staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:25:00 +0000

Saturn never made a factory-turbo SC, but when they let their engineers have a go, it got a big dose of forced induction and nearly double the power.

Los Angeles Car Strippers Leave Porsche 911 A Shell Of Its Former Self

staff@jalopnik.com (Amber DaSilva) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:35:47 +0000

The cops notified the car's owner, and the LAPD says its detectives are on the case.