Blog - Articles on engines and reconditioning
Articles on engine reconditioning, turbos and crankshafts. Knowledge and experience from the workshop, written by the team at Meksta.
Here we share technical guides, process walkthroughs and real cases from the workshop floor. The blog is for anyone who wants to understand what happens during an engine reconditioning, why a crankshaft wears or how a turbo is upgraded. We write for the car owner who wants to ask the right questions and for the enthusiast looking for deeper technical insight.
Timing belt or timing chain: what's the difference?
Timing belt vs timing chain - maintenance, durability, failure risks and how they affect the precision of your valve timing. A guide from Meksta.
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Compression and camshaft choice
Static vs dynamic compression, how duration lowers DCR, and why a bigger cam needs more compression. A matching guide from Meksta.
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The whole valve train: from cam lobe to valve
Camshaft, lifter, pushrod, rocker arm and valve - how the valve train works as a system. Every component's role explained. A guide from Meksta.
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Camshaft material: cast iron vs steel
Cast iron, billet steel, nitriding and phosphating - the materials behind the camshaft and why they matter for wear and performance. A guide from Meksta.
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Camshaft wear: symptoms and causes
What does a worn camshaft look like? Pitting, scoring, lobe checks, ZDDP requirements and when to replace versus regrind. A diagnostic guide from Meksta.
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Overlap: when both valves are open
What is overlap and why does it affect idle, vacuum and performance? Here's how valve overlap works - and why turbo and naturally aspirated engines need different amounts.
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The right camshaft for a turbo engine
Why do turbo engines need different cam profiles? Boost pressure, exhaust backpressure, lobe separation angle and asymmetric duration - everything that governs cam choice in a turbo engine.
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Valve lash: how to set it correctly
How do you set the valve lash correctly? The EO-IC method, hot vs cold lash, and what happens when the lash is wrong. A practical guide from Meksta.
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Hydraulic lifters vs mechanical lifters
Hydraulic or mechanical lifter? Pump-up, bleed-down, preload, RPM limit and dyno data - understand the difference and choose correctly. A guide from Meksta.
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Flat tappet vs roller lifters
Flat tappet or roller lifters? Ramp speed, RPM limits, spring requirements and wear differences - the engineering behind choosing your lifter type. A guide from Meksta.
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Valve springs: how to choose the right spring
Seat pressure, open pressure, installed height and coil bind - everything you need to know to match valve springs to your camshaft. A guide from Meksta.
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The camshaft's role in engine performance
Duration, lift and lobe separation - understand how the camshaft's profile shapes power, torque and drivability. The basics of cam profiles explained. A guide from Meksta.
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DLC-coated valve lifters - what is it?
DLC-coated lifters cut friction and extend the life of the cam and lifters. Learn what Diamond-Like Carbon does and when you need it. A guide from Meksta.
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Valve guides: cast iron vs bronze
Cast iron or manganese bronze - which valve guides suit your engine? Strength, heat conduction and compatibility with stainless valves. A guide from Meksta.
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OEM cam gear vs adjustable cam gear
What sets an OEM cam gear apart from an adjustable one? Learn why adjustable cam gears are needed when you change the cam, and how quality affects durability. A guide from Meksta.
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Degreeing the camshaft - step by step
Step by step: how to degree in the camshaft using a degree wheel, dial indicator and piston stop. Find TDC, measure valve events and set the centreline. A guide from Meksta.
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Why you must degree your camshaft
Why do you need to degree the camshaft? Inaccurate sprockets, keyways and deck milling can all shift the valve timing. Learn the causes and the tools you need. A guide from Meksta.
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Breaking in a flat tappet camshaft
The first 20 minutes decide the camshaft's lifespan. Here's how to break in a flat tappet cam correctly - preparation, lubrication, rpm and common mistakes.
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How to choose the right camshaft for your build
How do you choose the right camshaft? Use, power goals, turbo or naturally aspirated, fuel and gearing - everything that decides which cam suits your build.
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Environment and sustainability in the car industry
Engine reconditioning is a sustainable alternative to replacing an engine. Read how reconditioning reduces resource use and waste.
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Reconditioning a Porsche 964 cylinder head
How we reconditioned the cylinder head for a Porsche 964. From inspection and diagnosis to the finished result.
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Upgrade your turbo - a guide to more power
What does it take to upgrade the turbo? We walk through turbo upgrades, supporting modifications and what you should keep in mind.
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How much power can you get with a turbo?
Turbocharging can deliver dramatic power gains. But how much more power do you actually get? We set out the facts.
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What is a crankshaft?
The crankshaft is the backbone of the engine. Learn how it works, why it wears and when it needs reconditioning.
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