Glossary of Terms
R
Generally an adhesive, fabric-backed tape such as duct tape.
Rack and Pinion --A steering system where the rotary motions of a pinion gear join the steering shaft act to a rack, or linear gear.
Rain Tire --A form of racing tire intended for use in rainy weather or wet conditions.
Rally Sport --The trim package on first- and second-generation Chevy Camaros that included hidden headlights in the first generation packages and a split front bumper on the second-generation packages.
Rally Wheels --Slotted steel wheel used in Chevy cars from ’67 through ’70. These beautiful wheels were used on virtually every Chevy of the era, including the Corvette and the Camaro.
Ram Air --A Pontiac term for engines fed by large hoodscopes. These engines were denoted by Roman numerals, thus resulting in the Ram Air I through IV. In the ‘90s the term was revived for used on the Trans Ams.
Ram Tire --A type of induction system that obtains incoming air by extending out into the airstream beyond the bodywork.
Rapid Transit Authority --Plymouth’s ’70 Rapid Transit Authority was similar to Dodge’s Scat Pack, though it included instead the Duster 340, ‘Cuda 440, ‘Cuda Hemi, Road Runner, and Sport Fury GT. The series of cars roamed the country acting as a traveling display.
Rat Motor --An affectionate, yet unofficial, term for Chevrolet’s big-block V-8 given to it because of its being larger than a “mouse motor.”
Ratio (gear) --Refers to the number of rotations of the drive shaft needed to produce one rotation of the driven shaft(s).
Rebound --Within suspension, the term “Rebound” refers to motion in the upward direction.
Reciprocating Engine --An internal combustion engine that utilizes the actions of one or more pistons to accomplish rotary motion in the crankshaft.
Relief Valve --A check valve that vents upon reaching a prescribed pressure differential.
Replica --A component that is identical in function and appearance to the part which it replicates.
Resistor Spark Plug --An ignition system spark plug that reduces radio interference by utilizing electrical resistance.
Ride Height --A measurement of the distance a specified portion of the car to the (level) ground with other components (such as the tires, wheels, air pressure etc.) normally placed.
Rim Width --The distance between opposite sides of a wheel.
Ring Gear --A drive gear in the rear differential that is driven by the pinion gear.
Road Runner --A two-door, B-Body Plymouth with engines that ranged from a 383ci up to the 425ci Hemi. Road Runners were built from 1968 through 1975.
Rocker Arm --A valve train component responsible for transmitting motions of the camshaft to a valve, often with a multiplication of travel.
Rocker Cover --A cylinder head attachment containing lubricants that protects the valve’s mechanism from contaminants.
Rocket 88 --The first high-compression OHV V-8 offered at an affordable enough price for the public. The ’49 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 was considered extremely futuristic for its time and is still considered the grandfather of all muscle ecars. By that day’s standards the Rocket’s huge 303ci V-8 made an impressive 135hp that helped it to be extremely successful in NASCAR.
Rod End --A load-supporting threaded mechanical joint at the end of a tie rod.
Roger Penske --A famed race-team owner whose success in the Chevrolet Z/28 in SCCA Trans-Am road racing helped to popularize the Camaro among the public. Roger Penske switched to AMC for the ’70 season and went on to win the championship again in ’71.
Roll Bar --A safety device protecting the driver in the event of a roll over-type accident.
Roll Cage --An extension of a minimal roll bar, designed with the purposed of protecting the driver from injury in the event of violent forces from several different directions.
Roller Cam Follower --An engine part known as lifter or tappet which has a roller on the end that contacts the camshaft.
Rotary Engine --A NSU-Wankel-type non-reciprocating engine.
Rotary Engine Rotor --The primary rotating component in a rotary engine. The Rotary Engine Rotor accomplishes the compression, power delivery, and exhaust functions in a reciprocating engine.
Rotor Housing --In a rotary engine, the housing where the rotor resides. Comparable to the engine block in a reciprocating engine.
Royal Pontiac --A dealership in Royal Oak, Michigan, that was known for endorsing drag cars and super-tuned street Pontiacs in the ‘60s.
R/T --A racy trim used on many sporty Dodge cars. The trim, whose initials stand for “Road” and “Track” accordingly, has been used since ’66 and is still used today.
Rub Strip --An expendable material added to the bottom of a car that protects non-expendable parts from coming into contact with the road surface.
Runner --A duct of an induction system that travels to the cylinder head.
Running Light --A signaling light with the purpose of improving the ability of other drivers to detect the signaling light. Running lights may have different specified sizes and locations on a car.
