How Engine Balancing Improves Performance and Longevity

November 11th, 2025
How Engine Balancing Improves Performance and LongevityEngine balancing is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in building a reliable high-performance engine. At Fastime Performance, we balance every rotating assembly that leaves our shop to ensure smooth, efficient power.Why Balance MattersEven small weight differences between pistons, rods, and crankshaft journals can cause vibration and stress. Balancing reduces those forces, preventing premature bearing w...

Signs Your Engine Needs Machine Work

November 11th, 2025
Signs Your Engine Needs Machine WorkEvery engine wears over time, but knowing when it needs machining can save you from major failures later. Here are common warning signs our team at Fastime Performance in Taylor, Michigan looks for before a rebuild.Low Compression or Uneven CylindersLow compression can indicate worn rings, damaged pistons, or warped heads. Machining the block, honing cylinders, and resurfacing heads restores sealing and compression for reliable performance.Metal in the Oil or ...

Circle Track vs. Drag Racing Engines: What Makes Them Different

November 11th, 2025
Circle Track vs. Drag Racing Engines: What Makes Them DifferentNot all performance engines are built the same. The setup that dominates a circle track won’t survive long on the drag strip. At Fastime Performance in Taylor, Michigan, we build both — and we understand what each discipline demands.Power Curve and RPM RangeCircle track engines need to make consistent power across a wide RPM range for sustained racing. Drag racing engines are tuned for short bursts of extreme horsepower a...

Top Mistakes Builders Make Before Engine Assembly

September 11th, 2025
Top Mistakes Builders Make Before Engine AssemblyBuilding a performance engine takes precision, patience, and the right prep work. Even experienced builders can make small mistakes that lead to costly failures later. At Fastime Performance in Taylor, Michigan, we see it often — and help fix it. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid before engine assembly.Skipping Proper Cleaning and InspectionMachined parts must be spotless before assembly. Any debris, machining grit, or oil r...

Block Burn

July 15th, 2025
Deep-Clean Engine Block Restoration at Fastime Performance: Burn It. Blast It. Shake It. Build It.When it comes to rebuilding or restoring an engine, cleanliness isn’t optional — it’s critical. At Fastime Performance, we’ve perfected a 3-step engine block cleaning process that removes years of grime, corrosion, and buildup to deliver bare, precision-clean metal ready for inspection, machining, and high-performance assembly.Here’s how we do it.Step 1: Burn-Off Cleani...