Popular Posts Building a 6.0L LS Engine Women in Motorsports: Mattie Graves Crankshaft Offering Update 94mm Turbocharged 427 LS-Powered Pontiac Trans Am 88mm Turbocharged 383 cid Gen II LT1 Engine Connect with us advertise with us

Building a 6.0L LS Engine

Women in Motorsports: Mattie Graves

94mm Turbocharged 427 LS-Powered Pontiac Trans Am

88mm Turbocharged 383 cid Gen II LT1 Engine

Popular Posts Building a 6.0L LS Engine Women in Motorsports: Mattie Graves Crankshaft Offering Update 94mm Turbocharged 427 LS-Powered Pontiac Trans Am 88mm Turbocharged 383 cid Gen II LT1 Engine Connect with us advertise with us

Building a 6.0L LS Engine

Women in Motorsports: Mattie Graves

94mm Turbocharged 427 LS-Powered Pontiac Trans Am

88mm Turbocharged 383 cid Gen II LT1 Engine

How can you not love summer? Sure, it gets hot, but it definitely beats the cold, and there’s so much going on to occupy your time. Here at Engine Builder, our team has stayed extremely busy attending racing events, shows, visiting manufacturers and engine shops, as well as our usual content work.

When the timing cover or block has no dowel pins, or the dowel holes do not fit snug on the pins. Take an old damper and hone the center so that it is now a slip fit onto the crank snout. Use it to hold the cover in place while tightening the bolts.

Women in motorsports... need we say more? These nine women do some awesome things in this industry.

Commentary , Shop Solutions , Tech Center , Tech Center

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Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Engine Components A/N Fittings/AdaptorsAir Induction SystemsBatteriesBearings (camshaft)Bearings (engine sleeve type)Bearings (main rear main)Bearings (Rod)Belt Tensioner/IdlersBrass FittingsBushingsCam CapsCamshaft Belt DrivesCamshaft KitsCamshaft SealsCamshaft Thrust Plate and PartsCamshaftsCarburetorsChain KitsClampsComplete EnginesConnecting RodsConnecting Rods Nuts BoltsCrankshaft ConversionsCrankshaft KitsCrankshaft Oil SlingersCrankshaft Pulley SleevesCrankshaft Repair SleevesCrankshaft SealsCrankshaftsCylinder Head ComponentsCylinder Heads New: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads New: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Liners (sleeves)Diesel InjectorsDipstick Adapters (Chevy Ford)Dowel PinsEFI ComponentsEngine BlocksEngine Blocks - RemanufacturedEngine KitsEngine Management Systems/ECUsEngine MountsExhaust ComponentsExhaust Components: Complete SystemsExhaust Components: Custom ExhaustsExhaust Components: Leak DetectionExhaust Components: ManifoldsExhaust Components: Tube NotchingExhaust Components: Tube SwagingExhaust Components: Tube/Frame Bending MachinesFilters - AirFilters - FuelFilters - OilFlywheel (ring) GearsFlywheel AssembliesFuel Injection - ElectronicFuel Injection - MechanicalFuel PumpsFuel System ComponentsGasket CementGasketsGear DrivesGovernorsHarmonic Balancer Repair SleevesHarmonic Balancers/DampersHead Bolts/StudsHex ShaftsHydraulic Lash AdjustersIgnition ComponentsInjector TubesInjectors - DieselInjectors - Gasoline DirectInjectors - IndirectIntake ManifoldsIPR ValvesKeysLockwashersMain Caps (4-bolt)Manifold StudsNitrous Oxide Systems, ComponentsNitrous Valves and PlatesNuts and BoltsOil CoolersOil Filter AdaptersOil PansOil Pressure SpringsOil Pump KitsOil Pump ScreensOil Pump ShaftsOil Pump Timing CoversOil PumpsOiling Systems; Dry SumpOverhead Camshaft Repair SleevesPiston Pin BushingsPiston Pin Lock RingsPiston PinsPiston RingsPistonsPlugs - ExpansionPlugs - MagneticPlugs - Oil DrainPlugs - StandardPush RodsRadiator/Oil FansRering KitsRestoration Engine PartsRocker Arm Rebuilding ComponentsRocker Assemblies and KitsRocker Stud GirdlesSealsSerpentine BeltsShimsShort BlocksSpark PlugsSpringsSuperchargers, componentsSwitchesTappetsThread RepairThrust WashersTiming Belt/Chain TensionerTiming Belts/ChainsTiming Chains, Gears, SprocketsTiming ComponentsTiming CoversTransmission AdaptorsTurbochargers, componentsValve CoversValve Guide LinersValve GuidesValve KeysValve Lifter BallsValve LiftersValve Locks and SealsValve Seat InsertsValve Spring InsertsValve Spring RetainersValve SpringsValve Stem Oil SealsValve Train PartsValvesWater PumpsWater Tubes Engine Equipment & Preparation Adhesive DispensingAir Flow BenchesAir Handling SystemsBalance Shaft Elimination KitBalance Shaft Line Boring EquipmentBalancing AccessoriesBalancing EquipmentBelt SanderBench GrinderBlock Pressure Testing EquipmentBoring Bar InsertsBoring Bar Tool BitsBoring Machines/Connecting RodBoring Machines/CylinderBoring Machines/LineBoring Stand (For Portable Boring Machines)Brass FittingsBroachBushing Bearing & Seal Driver SetsCAD/CAM SoftwareCam Bearing Installation ToolCamshaft Degree Wheel (Digital)Camshaft GrindersCap & Rod GrinderCBN Inserts - NewCBN Inserts - ResurfacedCleaning Specialized EngineCNC Machining CentersCNC Retrofit KitsCompressed Air EquipmentConnecting Rod GaugesCoolant Filter MachinesCore Shift TesterCrack Repair EquipmentCranesCrankshaft Balance WeightsCrankshaft FurnaceCrankshaft GrindersCrankshaft Journal Weld KitsCrankshaft PolisherCrankshaft Polishing BeltsCrankshaft StraightenerCylinder Head Adapter PlatesCylinder Head Assembly/Disassembly Equip.Cylinder Head Chamfering ToolCylinder Head GaugeCylinder Head HoldersCylinder Head PolishingCylinder Head PortingCylinder Head Pressure TesterCylinder Head StraighteningCylinder Hone StopsCylinder Porting ToolsCylinder Sleeve PressDemagnetizersDiamond DressersDiesel Injector Hole Repair ToolsDiesel Injector Sleeve Installation ToolDowel PullersDye Penetrant InspectionDynamometersEngine Adaptor PlatesEngine Cycle AnalyzerExhaust Leak DetectionFeeler GaugesFlexible Honing Tools/Brush HonesFlywheel GrinderFuel Injection Cleaning ServicesGrinder Head StraighteningGrinding CoolantsGrinding WheelsHardness TestersHead/Block Crack Repair KitsHead/Block Resurfacing (Belt/Sanders)Head/Block Resurfacing (Milling)Heat Tabs Temperature SticksHolding FixturesHone Stop FixtureHoning JigsHoning Machines Wrist PinHoning Machines/CylinderHoning Machines/LineHoning Machines/RodHoning Machines/Valve GuideHoning PlatesHoning StonesIgnition System TestersIn-Process Gauges(Cam and Crank Grinders)Inspection GaugesLeak Down TesterLeveling DeviceMagnetic Particle Inspection Crack DetectionMicropolishing EquipmentOHC Line Boring ToolsOil Leak DetectionPCD Inserts - NewPin Fitting & Rod Reconditioning/TestingPin PressPin RemovalPiston KnurlerPiston Ring CompressorsPre-Cup Machining ToolsPush Rod Guide PlatesReplacement Chuck for Valve FacersRocker Arm GrinderRod AlignmentRod Bolt ProtectorsRod FurnaceRod VisesRun-In StandsStandsStud PullersTapsTest EquipmentThickness GaugeThread GaugesThread Repair & Replacement KitTorque PlatesUltrasonic Test EquipmentVacuum TesterValve Grinding BenchValve Guide & Seat Driver SetValve Guide & Seat MachineValve Guide Boring FixtureValve Guide HoneValve Guide KnurlingValve Guide PilotValve Guide ReamerValve Guide ToolValve Refacer (Cutter)Valve Refacer (Grinder)Valve Refacer WheelsValve Seat CuttersValve Seat InserterValve Seat PullersValve Seat ResurfacerValve Seat Runout GaugeValve Seat Tool GrinderValve Seat WheelsValve Spring CompressorValve Spring TestersValve Stem GrinderValve Stem Height MeasuringValve Stem PolisherWater Tube PullerWet Flow Bench Conversions Supplies & Service Chemicals & SolventsCore Cleaning & ProcessingCranes & HoistsHand ToolsLubricantsPressesServicesShippingStorage Racks & BenchesWelding

Whether you’re a professional engine builder, machinist or manufacturer, or an automotive enthusiast who likes engines, racing and fast vehicles, Engine Builder offers content aimed at you. Our print magazine offers in-depth tech features on everything you need to know about engine building and its different markets, while our newsletter options keep you up-to-date on the latest news and products, tech info and personalities in the industry. But, you only get all of that if you subscribe. Subscribe now to receive Engine Builder magazine in print and/or digital each month, and our Engine Builder newsletter, Engine of the Week newsletter or Diesel of the Week newsletter directly in your inbox each week. You’ll be covered in horsepower in no time!

Whether you’re a professional engine builder, machinist or manufacturer, or an automotive enthusiast who likes engines, racing and fast vehicles, Engine Builder offers content aimed at you. Our print magazine offers in-depth tech features on everything you need to know about engine building and its different markets, while our newsletter options keep you up-to-date on the latest news and products, tech info and personalities in the industry. But, you only get all of that if you subscribe. Subscribe now to receive Engine Builder magazine in print and/or digital each month, and our Engine Builder newsletter, Engine of the Week newsletter or Diesel of the Week newsletter directly in your inbox each week. You’ll be covered in horsepower in no time!

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Not all of us start out in this industry. Take Jillian McLaughlin for example. The once hairdresser is now an engine builder helping do a little bit of everything at Precision Machine Engine in California.

The vast majority of folks in our industry have been living, breathing, eating, and sleeping cars and engines their whole lives. It’s an industry that can be hard to break into for that reason. However, those of us who find this industry later in life, tend to have just as much passion for it. That’s certainly the case for Jillian McLaughlin, an engine builder at Precision Machine Engine in North Highlands, CA, just outside of Sacramento.

“I was never into this stuff growing up,” McLaughlin says. “I used to be a hairdresser out of high school.”

The turning point was meeting her husband Joe, who happens to own Precision Machine Engine, which is just as the name implies, an engine machine shop. Together, Jillian and Joe have six kids – four biological – and it was during one of Jillian’s pregnancies that she decided to help out at the engine shop.

“I used to do desk work and reception at the salon before I did hair, so I just started doing book work and working on the computer at the shop and I slowly started getting interested in it,” she says. “Joe is so into this scene that I’ve picked up stuff about cars through him. I didn’t know anything before meeting him. It was like a whole new life for me, but I fell in love with it pretty quick.

“I did hair, so I’ve always been a very hands-on type of learner. We had some people come in and train me, and at first, I started tearing down engines and learning all the different parts. I slowly started working my way up in the shop and learning more and more and more. I still have tons and tons to learn, but here I am. I started getting more into it the first time I saw a set of heads I built go down the track and the customer won the whole event. Knowing I was part of that was so cool and satisfying.”

Precision Machine Engine was founded a number of years ago by a different owner. Joe purchased the shop about six years ago and has been in business ever since building custom engines and race engines. Just as the shop has grown, so too has Jillian’s experience and capabilities around engines.

“What’s been really cool is having a lot of support and people who are willing to teach you in a way that you learn,” McLaughlin says. “I started just tearing engines down, learning all that stuff, and then I started doing heads more because that’s where we needed more help at the shop at the time. Once I started getting pretty good and comfortable with that, we just slowly started introducing more things.

“Now, I more do piston and rod balancing, assembling and gapping rings. I like that stuff a lot because it’s pretty rhythmic. When I know I have to do that I can just go turn my music on and get to work and just focus. For me it’s a very natural process.”

Jillian also keeps some of her engine jobs fun through social media. If you check out the Precision Machine Engine Instagram page, you’ll find plenty of cool videos of Jillian doing her thing, often in time lapse.

“I do a lot of the social media for Instagram,” she says. “That’s a whole other animal and a whole other job, but it’s fun. It keeps things motivated at the shop and gets everybody excited.”

Although her skills have continued to improve and Jillian has taken on more engine building jobs within the shop, she says that machine work is still something out of her league.

“I’m just not a big fan of machining because I feel it’s almost too much pressure for me,” she admits. “You can’t put the material back on and I don’t want to be the one to screw that up. I let everybody else handle that part. That said, I’d like to get more hands-on in the full assembly of the blocks. I know how to fully assemble heads and do the top end, but the bottom end, besides assembling the pistons, that’s something I’d like to learn next. There’s always room to grow and learn.”

When it comes to Jillian’s favorite engines to work on, she’s much like everybody else recently in that the LS engine is top-of-mind.

“I like LS engines because I know them the best,” she says. “We do a lot of big block Fords and big block Chevys too, but the LS is probably the fastest and easiest to get together and probably easiest to make the most power out of.”

Now that Jillian has been in the engine building industry for several years and gotten to experience engine shop life, she says it’s not always the easiest atmosphere for a woman, but overall, it’s been a very positive experience.

“I’ve had a good experience, but that’s because of the team around me and the people around me,” McLaughlin says. “It’s kind of funny when people say stuff about a girl working at the shop because they don’t know me and they don’t know what I know. It doesn’t really affect me. I actually think some of the jokes/comments are funny, which I’m sure not everyone would find funny, but my favorite one so far was a social media comment that said, ‘That’s a funny kitchen she’s in.’

“Everybody has opinions and we just get done what we’ve got get done and our engine work speaks for itself. As long as we put out the best product we can then it is what it is. If people don’t like that a woman is building their stuff, well, we can pretend I didn’t do it. Nobody’s going to know when it’s in your car.”

What might be even more impressive than Jillian’s jump into engine building is her ability to juggle her shop life with her home life, which includes those six kids mentioned earlier.

“They’re all 10 and under,” she says laughing. “It’s a lot, but Joe and I are a good team. We get it done. I’ll take a couple with me. He’ll take a couple with him. We’ve got some in school. It’s definitely a lot of balancing and it’s a lot of hard work, but it is nice because the kids see how hard we work and they know how hard we work. All the kids want to help, and they’re developing a good work ethic out of it at the very least. They’re seeing what it takes and they’re already telling us, “I want to own a business when I’m older,’ or ‘Do I get to work at the shop when I grow up?’ It seems to be working.”

Whether Jillian is working hard in the shop, enjoying some racing at Sacramento Raceway or Sonoma Raceway, or balancing her work and home life with her kids, she’s excited to call herself an engine builder and is looking forward to what the future of Precision Machine Engine has in store.

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