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

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

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!

Click here  to view past issues.

Get the latest news, insights, and more delivered directly to you inbox.

Katie is an engine builder and cylinder head specialist for LinCo Diesel Performance (LDP) who has more than 15 years of engine shop experience. Her level of experience, knowledge and talent is always in high demand.

Anyone who follows our engine content has likely seen a YouTube series we do in conjunction with LinCo Diesel Performance and owner Jeff McCord called LinCo Lessons. You may have also seen our Mild vs. Wild episode highlighting the Duramax engine platform, which we also filmed at LinCo Diesel Performance. It was during that video shoot that we met Katie Coleman for the first time.

Katie is an engine builder and cylinder head specialist for LinCo Diesel Performance (LDP) who has more than 15 years of engine shop experience. Her level of experience, knowledge and talent is always in high demand, so when she left her previous shop, Creason Racing Engines, Katie might have been the hottest thing going in the St. Louis area.

Her start in this industry came during high school when she needed a job. Katie’s dad knew Joe and the folks at Creason Racing Engines, so she was able to help out with small tasks around the shop to earn some extra cash.

“I did things like sweep floors and take out the trash, and that’s what I did for almost a year,” Katie Coleman says. “Then, the engine builder quit and Joe asked me if I wanted to start building engines. I was like, ‘Oh, okay.’ I didn’t know anything about engines. I knew nothing about tools. I didn’t even know how to put an air tool on an air hose. It was that bad. Joe took me under his wing and he taught me everything about gas dirt track motors and small block Chevys. That’s what we specialized in at Creason’s.”

Katie ended up spending 14 years at the Troy, MO engine shop. She did everything from engine tear downs to machine work to engine assembly. The experience made her appreciate engines and engine work, as well as a career in this industry.

“It’s all fascinating,” she says. “It’s like an art.”

However, after 14 years at Creason Racing Engines and learning all about gas engines, Katie was looking for something different. As mentioned, her talent was in high demand, and it was LDP, which had just opened a brand-new 25,000 sq.-ft. diesel shop next to its also new 8,000 sq.-ft. machine shop, that captured Katie’s attention.

“I wanted something different, and that’s where the diesel world came in,” Coleman says. “Jeff called me on the phone and persuaded me to come work for him. I’m still learning a lot at LinCo. It’s definitely different than gas motors. It’s a lot different, but at the same time similar. I never thought in a million years I’d be working on diesels. I like it.”

She’s now been an engine builder and a cylinder head specialist at LDP for over two years. In that short amount of time she’s come to find that diesel work is giving her that new challenge she was wanting.

“The diesel stuff is a lot more greasy,” she laughs. “I had never worked on Cummins, Duramax or Powerstroke ever. When I came here, I honestly didn’t know which was which. That’s kind of how I was at Creason’s, but now Jeff is teaching me what everything is. The nice thing is I’ve used all the machines such as the seat and guide machine, the surfacer, the boring bar, etc.”

After spending much of her life in engine shops, Katie says she’s experienced a lot that she’s really enjoyed about this industry, but also some negative aspects of it too.

“There’s something about the smell of a machine shop that I really like,” she says. “I also like seeing the customers when they come in for their finished product and seeing how happy they are. However, I have had a few that came in, looked at me and said, ‘She’s building my engine? Nope.’ They walk away and get their engine done by someone else and it blows up, and then they come crawling back and apologize. That actually happened twice.

“That actually happened when I was at Creason’s and it hurt my feelings, but I was also young. I don’t really understand the folks who think a woman can’t build an engine. You’ve just got to look past it. No one has refused my work since Creason’s. Despite that stuff, I just love it. I love working with the machines. I’ve done this more than half my life. It’s my family. It’s my thing.”

While gas and diesel engines have plenty of similarities, there’s a ton of differences that make the work seem worlds apart. That’s where Jeff has helped Katie broaden her horizons at LDP.

“Just putting an engine together in the assembly room, it’s so different from gas,” she says. “Things such as grinding rings or the bearing clearances and anything like that is similar. It’s things like the injectors and glow plugs that make diesels much different than small block Chevys. I do really like the Duramax platform, because they’re light. I’ve been doing a lot of Cummins heads lately too.”

Speaking of Katie’s cylinder head work, there’s a lot that she has to do on a daily basis when it comes to the machine work she’s responsible for and the components she needs to know how to install. It keeps her very busy.

“When I start on a cylinder head, I have to check to see if the guide clearance is good,” she says. “If it’s not, then we have to change guides or put guide liners in it. Next step is to see if they have cracks in the seats. For most Cummins heads, we’ve been putting new seats in no matter what, because they fall out. Then, I’ll resurface the cylinder heads and do three-angled valve jobs. I also grind the valves. The installed height for springs needs to be perfect. The springs themselves need to be perfect, so you have to test all those. Even though they’re brand new in a box, that doesn’t mean they’re legit. You have to test every single spring.

“I also put o-rings or fire rings in the heads, which is a new thing for me. That is actually very therapeutic for me. I like doing that.”

Despite her new role at LDP and working with diesel engines, Katie is still very fond of the small block Chevy platform.

“If you put a small block Chevy in front of me, I’ll just love it,” she admits. “At Creason’s, one of my fellow workers made a bet that I couldn’t tear down a small block Chevy in under one hour. I did it in 50 minutes. He owed me lunch the next day. I can literally close my eyes and put a small block Chevy together. Transitioning to diesels isn’t taking me too much time, but it’s different and new.”

No matter what engine platform Katie is working on, she’s found a true love for this industry and for her work, which she’s been able to share with others who have an interest in doing what she does.

“There’s a young lady who came into our shop a couple months ago and I’m teaching her, and she reminds me a lot of me when I was her at 18,” Coleman says. “She’s very eager to learn and I’m very happy to be her coach. When it comes to this stuff, you have to stick with it. You learn stuff every day. It’s fascinating work.”

As for Katie’s future, she looks forward to becoming even more entrenched in the diesel world, and hopes to begin building more of those diesel engines very soon.

Features:  Women in Motorsports: Jillian McLaughlin

Features:  Women in Motorsports: Janine Shoffner

Features:  Women in Motorsports: Hannah Maloof

Features:  Women in Motorsports: Tricia Musi

Content for engine professionals and enthusiasts