A question from one of our readers asked us: â??What exactly is the rear engine seal and why is it so expensive to replace? Thereâ??s got to be a â??trickâ? to getting seals like this in without buying expensive equipment that dealerships use. Can you shed some light on an easy way to get these seals in place without damaging the inner lip?â?
-Mike G., via importuner.com

Photo Gallery: Main Crankshaft Seal Replacement – 411 – Import Tuner Magazine

Weâ??re all guilty of it: With the numerous maintenance and legality issues that accompany owning a less-than-new car these daysâ??especially one thatâ??s constantly going under the wrench for upgradesâ??maintaining a proper alignment often falls to the wayside. We all know how poor alignment can hasten tire wear and impede safety, but some would argue that it can even be robbing your car of power.

Photo Gallery: Improper Alignment Can Decrease Power – Fact or Fiction – Import Tuner Magazine

Photo Gallery: Improper Alignment Can Decrease Power – Fact or Fiction – Import Tuner Magazine

I never liked the Miata.

Photo Gallery: The Miata Articles – Build Log – Import Tuner Magazine

Photo Gallery: The Miata Articles – Build Log – Import Tuner Magazine

If youâ??re like many of us, you donâ??t spend a lot of time thinking about the pistons in your engine. Most of the time you donâ??t need to, but there are times when burnt, scuffed, or cracked pistons need to be replaced or upgraded. If youâ??re rebuilding your engine, chances are youâ??re probably upgrading to a set of forged aluminum pistons. But which alloy should you go with? And should you buy into new technologies? Here are some tips on choosing the proper pistons for your engine.

Photo Gallery: Piston Anatomy – Tech Knowledge – Import Tuner Magazine

Photo Gallery: Piston Anatomy – Tech Knowledge – Import Tuner Magazine

As you read this, chances are the World Time Attack Finals just went down outside Sydney, Australia, where Eric Hsu hopefully tuned the Sierra Sierra EVO to Unlimited AWD victory. Some other Eric Hsu facts:

Photo Gallery: Toyota 2JZ Engine Swap – Question It – Import Tuner Magazine

With the summer days upon us, your engineâ??s cooling system should be inspected, flushed, and refilled with fresh coolant. One area of cooling systems that even do-it-yourself mechanics overlook is checking the radiator hoses. A quick visual inspection could uncover a weakened hose that could leave you stranded if remained unrepaired. If youâ??ve never inspected radiator hoses, we offer this simple guide.

Photo Gallery: Radiator Hose Inspection – Tricks of the Trade – Import Tuner Magazine

Shop: Corner 3 Garage | Lake Forest, CA

Photo Gallery: Broken Stud Extraction – Import Tuner Magazine