A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission that varies the distance between a pair of belt or chain-linked pulleys, wheels or cones to smoothly alter its gear ratio without requiring any predefined steps or sudden changes in engine speed. Continuously variable transmissions operate on the theory of pulleys; a large pulley connected to a smaller pulley ... Read More »

Chain drives use a chain connected between a sprocket at the transmission output and a sprocket attached to the rear wheel. Drive chains consist of a number of links that contain pins, rollers, bushings, and plates. O-rings work in conjunction with the pins, plate, and bushings to hold lubrication inside the pins and rollers. Rollers and pins have the same ... Read More »

The brand name for a heavy-duty, synthetic material made by DuPont that feels like canvas. It is often used in the manufacture of lightweight clothing, backpacks and camping gear. Read More »

The drivechain connects the crankshaft to the rear wheel and needs to be lubricated and checked for proper tension. Some motorcycles have internal timing chains that control the opening/closing of the valves. A qualified mechanic must service the timing chain. Read More »

A two-door, hard-top passenger car with seating for four to five people. Read More »

As Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) heads into its 20th year, FedEx has joined the series as a co-sponsor. The series is now known as the FedEx Championship Series for the PPG Cup. The cars in this series, previously known as Indy Cars, will now be referred to as Champ Cars. Read More »

An expression meaning it is a lot of fun. For example, the engine’s a cracker! Read More »

Once this was simply defined as the frame of the car which provided the strength of the vehicle, and to which the body, engine, drive line components and suspension were attached. Now, few vehicles other than trucks have separate frames, and the chassis structure is incorporated into the body components in what is known as a shell or unit body ... Read More »

A typical internal combustion engine consists of three major elements: the cylinders in which the pistons move; the cylinder head where the fuel/air combination enters, where combustion occurs, and where the burned gasses are vented off; and the crankcase which houses the crankshaft and usually the oil supply. The crankcase is usually the major part of the engine, and takes ... Read More »

In most aluminum engines sleeves mades of a harder material, such as cast iron, are usually inserted into the cylinders. Aluminium is a very soft metal so cast iron is used to protect against wear in the engine block. This provides both the benefits of a lighter weight metal in the engine block and the stronger wearing capabilities of cast ... Read More »