Engine Masters

Watch Engine Masters

  • 2016
  • 8 Seasons
  • 8.4  (63)

Engine Masters is a show from Motor Trend on Demand that premiered in 2015. The show features a team of expert mechanics and engine builders, led by Steve Dulcich, who put different engines through a series of rigorous tests to determine their power and performance under varying conditions.

Each episode of the show focuses on a specific engine, with the team exploring the history and technology behind it, as well as sharing tips and tricks for maximizing its performance. Some of the engines featured on the show include small-block Chevys, Ford 302s, and Chrysler Hemis, among others.

The show is designed to be both informative and entertaining, with plenty of humor and banter between the hosts. Episodes often include challenges, such as building an engine from scratch in a limited amount of time, or trying to create the most powerful engine possible within a specific set of rules.

One of the unique aspects of Engine Masters is its use of dyno testing to measure the power output of each engine. The team uses a state-of-the-art dynamometer to put each engine through its paces, measuring its horsepower, torque, and other performance metrics. This allows the hosts to make precise adjustments to the engines in real time, tweaking everything from the fuel mixture to the cam timing to achieve the desired results.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the world of engine building and tuning. The hosts share their knowledge and expertise, giving viewers an inside perspective on the challenges and rewards of working on high-performance engines.

One of the standout features of Engine Masters is its attention to detail. The team explores every aspect of the engines they test, from the science of combustion to the intricacies of airflow and valve timing. They also showcase a wide range of tools and techniques used in engine building, from high-tech diagnostic equipment to hand-crafted custom parts.

Another highlight of the series is the chemistry between the hosts. Steve Dulcich leads the team with his easygoing charm and encyclopedic knowledge of engines, while David Freiburger and Jason Fenske provide plenty of comic relief with their witty banter and infectious enthusiasm for all things automotive.

Overall, Engine Masters is an informative and entertaining show that offers fans of high-performance engines a unique and insightful look into the world of engine building and tuning. With its expert hosts, cutting-edge technology, and engaging challenges, the series is sure to be a hit with gearheads and racing enthusiasts alike.

Engine Masters is a series that is currently running and has 8 seasons (219 episodes). The series first aired on July 8, 2016.

Engine Masters
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Seasons
O2 Sensors and AFR Readings
20. O2 Sensors and AFR Readings
October 7, 2023
Standalone air/fuel ratio gauges come with a world of tuning possibilities and pitfalls. The guys compare five off-the-shelf units, then show how things like placement, air leaks and even dead cylinders can affect readings, tuning decisions and power.
Proper Pushrods
16. Proper Pushrods
September 9, 2023
Can your pushrods or valve springs affect your power production, even when valve float isn't a problem? This promises to be an eye-opening episode of Engine Masters, as we test varying combinations of valve spring and pushrod strengths.
Air Filter Shootout Findings
15. Air Filter Shootout Findings
September 2, 2023
We've all run standard 14-inch round filters in the past and wondered every time if there's any difference between them. Does cotton gauze make any more power than a paper filter, or is it just more expensive? Is there even any difference between brands?
Dual Plane Shootout!
12. Dual Plane Shootout!
June 17, 2023
With so many average power, cruiser level, and even bone stock big-block Chevys roaming around, this one is long overdue. From high rise to low, square bore and spread, this is all about which intake will give you the most bang for your basic big-block.
Header Primary Length
9. Header Primary Length
May 27, 2023
The guys explore how the length of header primary tubes can affect the power curve, and look at how engines expel exhaust, including the negative pressure wave that pulls burnt gases from the cylinder, how that changes torque, and where the power occurs.
Straight Talk on Spark Plugs
8. Straight Talk on Spark Plugs
May 13, 2023
Can any one type of spark plug make more power than the next? What about the ones with fancy metal tips or extra ground straps? What if you gap them bigger or smaller? The crew answers these questions and shares as many tips and tricks as you can handle.
Bellmouth Power
5. Bellmouth Power
April 21, 2023
Auto parts testing and engine-to-engine shootouts; developed from the popular Engine Masters Challenge and hosted by Steve Dulcich of Engine Masters magazine, David Freiburger of Roadkill, and Steve Brule of Westech Performance Group.
The Throttle-Body Throwdown!
4. The Throttle-Body Throwdown!
April 14, 2023
The crew compares 90 mm and 105 mm forward-facing throttle bodies against one another, and then to 2000 cfm worth of top-mounted, dual quad-style throttle bodies, all atop a fuel-injected, 700-hp LS7. How much airflow is enough for this power level?
Tank Testing for Air-to-Water Intercoolers
3. Tank Testing for Air-to-Water Intercoolers
April 7, 2023
Explore the effects of different-sized water tanks and their ability to keep the intake charge colder longer.
High vs. Low Injectors
2. High vs. Low Injectors
March 31, 2023
Tests show that carbs make more peak power than EFI.
Air-to-Air Intercooler, Now With CO2!!
1. Air-to-Air Intercooler, Now With CO2!!
March 24, 2023
The guys explore the benefits of an air-to-air intercooler in terms of power and detonation resistance.
Sequential vs. Batch Fire EFI
137. Sequential vs. Batch Fire EFI
April 28, 2023
Despite the reputations sequential and batch-fire injection styles each carry, does either really make a difference when it comes to overall power? The guys explore that question, tunability, what it takes to make the switch, and all of the pros and cons.
One Cam, Three Ways!
138. One Cam, Three Ways!
May 5, 2023
Cam specs are cam specs, right? WRONG!! On this episode, we show you how three seemingly identical cams can behave very differently. It's called cam lobe intensity, and it's all about the shape of the lobe between the base circle and the nose. So what's the difference between a standard, a high-intensity, and a low-shock cam? Which one is right for you? Find out on this episode of Engine Masters.
Straight Talk About Spark Plugs
139. Straight Talk About Spark Plugs
May 12, 2023
Can any one type of spark plug make more power than the next? What about the ones with fancy metal tips or extra ground straps? What if you gap them bigger or smaller? We'll answer all these questions and share as many tips and tricks as you can handle. If you have a gas motor of any size, this episode of Engine Masters has something for you!
Exhaust Tech: Header Primary Length
140. Exhaust Tech: Header Primary Length
May 19, 2023
This one's all about how the length of your header primary tubes can affect your power curve. You'll learn about all the different ways your engine expels its exhaust; mainly the negative pressure wave that pulls burnt gases from the cylinder and how that changes how much torque is made and where the power occurs. Come get scientific with us on this episode of Engine Masters.
Cams: How Small Is Too Small?
141. Cams: How Small Is Too Small?
May 26, 2023
The bigger the cam, the higher the curve, right? Well, there's some truth to that, but what about when you're talking about low-end torque? On this episode of Engine Masters, we explore the world of usable, cruisable, tow-ready torque curves with three of the smallest camshafts we've ever tested. But how small is too small? Come with us as we find out.
When Headers Don't Matter
142. When Headers Don't Matter
June 2, 2023
Roadkill Garage's Steve Dulcich has posed a theory. His claim is that headers don't matter nearly as much when paired with a small cam as they do with a larger cam. To find out, we'll look at the percentage of power gained on our Ultimate Average 383 when using factory-style manifolds, shorty headers, and full-length headers with both a tiny 200/206 cam, and then again with a meatier 230/236 stick. Does a smaller cam benefit less from a header upgrade? Come find out on the episode of Engine Masters.
Big-Block Chevy Dual Plane Shootout!
143. Big-Block Chevy Dual Plane Shootout!
June 9, 2023
Listen up, street drivers of big-block Chevys, this is the shootout for you! With so many
The Weight of Oil
144. The Weight of Oil
June 16, 2023
With so many oil weights and combinations on the market, this episode of Engine Masters sets out to show you how different
Keep Your Fuel Cool!!
145. Keep Your Fuel Cool!!
August 25, 2023
Why does colder fuel make more power? How can you consistently keep fuel temps down, and what difference will it really make? All these questions, and more, answered this time on Engine Masters.
The Surprising Findings of the Air Filter Shootout
146. The Surprising Findings of the Air Filter Shootout
September 1, 2023
This is back to the basics, but not without its merits. We've all run the standard 14-inch round filter in the past and wondered every time if there's any difference between them. Does cotton gauze make any more power than a paper filter, or is it just a more expensive filter? Is there even any difference between brands? We aim to find out on this episode of Engine Masters, and the differences just might surprise you.
Proper Pushrods & Sufficient Springs
147. Proper Pushrods & Sufficient Springs
September 8, 2023
Can your pushrods or valve springs affect your power production, even when valve float isn't a problem? This promises to be an eye-opening episode of Engine Masters, as we test varying combinations of valve spring and pushrod strengths in our 514 Big Block Ford.
The Nitrous Plate Debate
148. The Nitrous Plate Debate
September 15, 2023
The spray-bar style nitrous plate has been the standard forever, which begs two questions: Can it be improved upon, and does it even need to be?! On this episode of Engine Masters, we put the tried-and-true spray-bar style up against the new-fangled perimeter discharge style. A 200-hp shot is a 200-hp shot, but how does each delivery method affect the tune of your motor? That's what we're here to find out!
BBF Intake Manifold Comparison
149. BBF Intake Manifold Comparison
September 22, 2023
We've done intake manifold comparisons on nearly every big and small block platform, and at long last it's big block Ford's turn. We shoot out single and dual planes on a street/strip 514ci combo that should relate to what many BBF guys are running.
Heat Management
150. Heat Management
September 29, 2023
Whether from exhaust, transmission or any heat-generating components, controlling heat can make a hot ride comfortable, and even a hot intake charge cooler. We test header wraps and panel heat shields, to see how -- and how not -- to keep your cool.
A Study in O2 Sensors and AFR Readings
151. A Study in O2 Sensors and AFR Readings
October 6, 2023
Standalone air/fuel ratio gauges come with a world of tuning possibilities and pitfalls. The guys compare five off-the-shelf units, then show how things like placement, air leaks and even dead cylinders can affect readings, tuning decisions and power.
Controlling the Hit
152. Controlling the Hit
October 13, 2023
We test a long-told hose-length theory as well as a long-proven nitrous controller practice to illustrate how softening the "hit" of the nitrous can help you control the power and keep your motor in one piece.
BIG CFM Shootout
153. BIG CFM Shootout
October 20, 2023
Freiburger's 582 big block Chevy is back! And this time we use it to shoot out 1050, 1250 and 1450 cfm Dominators. When you're flirting in that 1,000-hp range, how much difference do those extra cfms make, and how much does the tune change between them?
Sniper 2 the Rescue
154. Sniper 2 the Rescue
October 27, 2023
Holley recently debuted the second iteration of its throttle body EFI system, and we're here to see if it's any better than the first version and any better than the carburetor we so dearly love. We walk you through the installation, setup and benefits.
Port v. Plate Nitrous Injection
155. Port v. Plate Nitrous Injection
November 3, 2023
Does a 300 shot of nitrous sound like a lot, or like you're just getting started? That's one way to tell if you should run a plate or a port system, and the guys walk you through each, how much power you can add, and the jetting differences between them.
The Exhaust Duration Equation
156. The Exhaust Duration Equation
November 10, 2023
As this show often does, we're diving back into the intricacies of camshaft grinds. This time, we're exploring not just split-duration cams, but how larger and larger splits affect the power curve. Will it make any difference at all?
Header Science: Step vs. Merge
157. Header Science: Step vs. Merge
November 17, 2023
Looking for the invisible voodoo that can make or rob power in an exhaust system, the guys test stepped headers, whose primaries step up in diameter, and merge collectors, which create a restriction in the collector, against good old-fashioned headers.
Description
Where to Watch Engine Masters
Engine Masters is available for streaming on the Motor Trend OnDemand website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Engine Masters on demand at Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime and Sling.
  • Premiere Date
    July 8, 2016
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (63)