- B -

Bipolar Transistor

A transistor containing both a positive and a negative current carrier

Birdcage

1. The plate on an axle housing for attaching suspension components. 2. The chassis space frame with many small pieces of structural tubing.

BIT

1. Breakerless ignition tester 2. The smallest unit of information recognized by a computer

Bite

Performance term for tire traction.

Bk

Berkelium An element with the atomic number of 97

Bl

Blue.

Black Book

A guide used to determine the value of a used vehicle.

Black Box

A term often used for a central processing unit (CPU).

Black Flag

The signal for a driver to return to the pits for consultation with race officials.

Black Light

An ultraviolet-light system used to detect flaws in metal parts.

Black Smoke

The exhaust that is produced when the air/fuel mixture is to rich.

Black Water

Liquid refuse that must be stored on an RV until it can be disposed at a dump station.

Blackout

A restyling component, usually a black plastic or Lexan piece that covers stock headlights or taillights.

Blackwall

A tire that has no white or colored stripe on its sidewall and no white lettering.

Blacky Carbon

A term used in disdain for gasoline by drivers using it as a fuel.

Blank

A term often used for billet.

Bleed

1. To drain fluid. 2. /to remove an air bubble or air lock. 3. To draw air into a system.

Bleed Air Tanks

The process of draining condensation from air tanks to increase air capacity.

Bleed Orifice

A calibrated orifice in a vacuum system that allows ambient air to enter the system to equalize the vacuum.

Bleeder Current

A continuous load placed on a power supply by a resistance load that helps improve regulation and safety.