Engine
Fan Belt Transfers power from a crankshaft-driven pulley to an engine fan and other accessories.
Fuel Injector Electrically controlled valve that inputs a precise amount of pressurized fuel into each combustion chamber. (Replaces carburetors.)
Horsepower Power produced by the engine. The higher the horsepower, the higher the vehicle's top speed. One hp is the power needed to lift a 550-lb weight, one foot in one second. (Often confused with torque, horsepower is what keeps you going- i.e. maintains the power.)
Torque A measure of twisting force, given in foot-pounds. In a vehicle, it's the force that the engine exerts on the crankshaft. Vehicle specifications typically include the maximum torque that an engine produces at a specific number of revolutions per minute (rpm.) (Often confused with horsepower, torque is what gets you going-- i.e. acceleration.)
Octane The hydrocarbon substance in gasoline that reduces engine pinging, caused by the premature ignition of fuel in the cylinder combustion chamber. The higher the number, the less the chance of premature ignition. Octane level or type of gas for a particular vehicle is recommended by the manufacturer, and often classified as regular, mid-grade or premium.
Spark Plug Converts voltage into an arc the passes between its electrodes, which then ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. When the mixture explodes, the piston is pushed down and power is created.
Starter An electric motor that's used to initiate movement of the engine parts to begin combustion. When the starter is activated (upon turning on the vehicle), the solenoid thrusts the pinion gear in the starter against the engine flywheel ring gear and begins turning it.
Turbocharger Compresses and forces extra air into the intake manifold to produce more power. Turbochargers and supercharges are used to produce more power without increasing engine displacement, however they typically aren't fuel efficient and are more costly to maintain.
Supercharger Like a turbocharger, the supercharger produces more power without increasing engine displacement, by forcing more air and vaporized fuel into the intake manifold of the engine. Unlike the turbocharger however, it avoids lag time by running off an engine-driven pump.
V-Type Engine In a V engine, the cylinders are divided into two banks, each angled away from the other at the top, essentially forming a "V" shape. Vehicles with a V engine (V-6, V-8, V-12), usually have twin exhaust pipes, and deeper rumbling engine sound.