Glossary of Terms
B
Within Chrysler, the midsize line of cars ranging from the Dodge Coronets and Chargers to the Plymouth Satellites and Road Runners.
Backing Plate --A brake support plate used in drum brake systems, the backing plate supports the brake shoes and wheel cylinders.
Baffle --A plate or panel in a fluid container that prohibits the transfer of fluid when the car is experiencing.
Balance --when balancing and engine or driveline component balancing the components will equalize the weights of the similar reciprocating components.
Balance Pipe --An exhaust pipe that is installed to an exhaust system to connect two or more independent exhaust systems.
Baldwin-Motion --Performance modified Chevrolets built by Motion Performance in combination with Baldwin Chevrolet in Baldwin, New York. These were typically ordered in the 1960s and 1970s as regular cars from Cheverolt. After they arrived at the dealer they were upgraded with many high performance parts. These cars remain extremely rare and very collectible.
Ball Joint --A bearing coupling consisting of a concave component and a convex component. Ball Joints are typically found in suspension or steering systems and permit a prescribed range of angular movement.
Base Circle --The constant radius portion of a camshaft lobe which is closest to the centerline of the camshaft.
Battery Box --the container on-board a vehicle used for housing a storage battery
Beam Axle --The non-rotating axle that, in a vehicle, connects the undriven wheels.
Bearing --A part ensuring that connected parts move smoothly in respect to each other with minimal friction and maximum durability.
Bearing Carrier --The housing for the shaft and bearings.
Bell Housing --An attachment that connects the engine to the transmission and usually contains the clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, and flywheel assembly.
Belt Drive (Car) --A system in which the engine power in transmitted to the wheels through a flexible belt and pulleys.
Bezel/Rim --The outward parts of the trim that determine its appearance.
Bias Ply Tire --An old style of tire very popular before the introduction of radial tires.
Big End --The end of a connecting rod that is by the crankshaft.
Blanking Sleeve --A replacement for a thermostat that diverts cooling water away from the cooling system bypass circuit.
Block --The part of an engine that contains the cylinder location(s) and crankshaft mounting points.
Blueprinting --The rebuilding of an engine with improvements reached through the use of chosen components by improving upon the factory machining of stock engine parts to acquire the best tolerances within specified performance limits of an engine
Body --The part of a car that make up the outer shell of the car. Usually connected to the frame.
Bolt Pattern --The way in which the bolts or fasteners are arranged to join two components.
Boost --The amount of air pressure forced into an engine by a turbo or supercharger.
Boot Cover --A cover for the area to the rear of the passenger/driver seats when the vehicle is an open car.
Bore --The internal diameter of a cylinder.
Boss 302 --Ford built the ’69 and ’70 Boss 302 Mustangs, which were built for SCCA Trans-Am Racing. The 302 cubic inch small-block developed 290 hp.
Boss 351 --A 1971 Boss Mustang that produced 330hp, through a 351ci V-8 Cleveland engine.
Boss 429 --Special Hemi Mustang built in 1969 and 1970 Mustangs. These were built so that Ford could qualify there 429ci 375 hp Hemi-V-8 for NASCAR competition.
Brake Light --A light signaling braking actions that is situated in the rear of the car. The brake light will only become illuminated when the brakes are tapped.
Brake Lining/Pad --Replaceable material covering the brakes that uses friction to aid in braking.
Brake Rotor --The rotating disc of a disc brake braking system.
Braking System --A system that allows the driver to slow down the speed of a car through hydraulic and mechanical components.
Breather Vent --An opening allowing a flow of air in or out of a part/enclosure.
Bulkhead --A form of division that separates compartments.
Bump Steer --A change in toe-in or toe-out when the wheel(s) rises or falls from its neutral position, and thus changes the suspension geometry.
Bump Stop --A cushioning pad that capable of limiting suspension travel in one vertical direction.
Bushing/Bush --A tubular insert of sleeve used to reduce the dimensions of an existing hole.
