Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost As a technician, you'll need to understand how Ford's EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years. More

Tech Tip: Kia 4WD Mode Inoperative On the 2000 Sportage, the four-wheel-drive mode may become inoperative (diagnosed either during or after replacing the knuckles and hub seals) due to insufficient vacuum being applied to the hubs. In some cases, moisture has entered the vacuum system and vacuum lines have become corroded, plugged or ­developed a leak. Corrective Action: Verify that w More

Tech Feature: Engine Part Coatings Almost any part can be coated, but just because you can doesn't mean you should. There are various types of coatings and choosing the right process for the right parts is one of the biggest keys to making more power and increasing component life. More

Directions: Turbocharging’s Not Just A Lot of Hot Air In a recent study of U.S. consumers by Honeywell, more than half of those who plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years believe fuel efficiency is more important than it was during their last vehicle purchase. More

Tech Tip: How Can You Tell if a Head Gasket is Leaking or Has Failed? The first symptoms of a head gasket that is failing are usually a slow loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or a Check Engine light with cylinder misfire codes. More

Tech Feature: Tips for Servicing Performance Carburetors Carburetors have been around forever, and are still the dominant fuel mixer for most circle track, drag racing and street performance muscle cars. More

Tech Tip: Checking Fuel Pressure Fuel pressure can be checked by attaching a gauge to the Schrader valve fitting on the fuel injector rail, or by teeing the gauge into the fuel supply line if the fuel system lacks a test fitting. More

Feature Article: Performance Mods that Pack a Punch A project car in the form of a WRX/STI shows that Z Sport in Everett, WA, is all about ­balancing ultimate performance within legal parameters and practicality. See what performance modifications the shop has completed with that goal in mind. More

Tech Feature: Cylinder Head Gasket Service Essentials Cylinder head gasket design has become more sophisticated than in years past. Critical steps must be taken during the repair process to ensure ­customer satisfaction and avoid time-consuming­ ­comebacks. More

Tech Feature: Valve Seat Selection and Machining The type of seat material that's "best" for a particular cylinder head will depend on the application, fuel used, how much power, type of valves, and longevity and durability the engine is expected to deliver. More