Where do you buy your shop tools?
Wagon jobber: %
Local hardware or department store: 22.22%
Discount retailer: 11.11%
Internet: %
Local Auto Parts Store: 22.22%
Engine tool and equipment manufacturers or WDs: 44.44%
When a customer brings parts in do you:
Send him away with a verbal tongue-lashing: 5.71%
Refuse to use the parts but continue to build the engine: 7.14%
Use the parts but have the customer sign a "no complaints" form: 54.29%
Build the engine, thankful to have the business: 32.86%
What do you feel is the single biggest competitor to your machine shop services or rebuilt engines?
Used engines being installed: 31.37%
Low financing rates on new cars: 5.88%
Better quality new engines from OE: 31.37%
Retail engine sales: 25.49%
Low financing rates on used cars: 5.88%
What percentage of your business is niche market oriented?
1-10%: %
11-20%: 8.33%
21-30%: 25%
31-40%: 8.33%
More than 41%: 58.33%
What areas do you plan to expand into most in the coming months?
Sport Compact "Tuners": 20.37%
American Muscle: 29.63%
Heavy-Duty Diesel: 12.96%
Industrial Engines: 5.56%
Small Engines: 22.22%
Other specialized niche: 9.26%
Which engine have you rebuilt the most in the last 12 months?
Small Block Chevy: 35.03%
Ford 302: 14.65%
Big Block Mopar: 6.37%
Honda B18: 7.64%
Briggs & Stratton: 7.64%
Harley V-Twin: 3.18%
Heavy-Duty Diesel: 8.92%
Other: 16.56%
Which alternative fuel do you think is the most viable for the U.S.?
E85: 25.86%
Ethanol Blend: 5.17%
Bio-Diesel: 14.94%
Hydrogen: 33.91%
Electricity: 12.64%
"Horse" Power: 4.6%
Other: 2.87%
Which of these issues are you worried about the most?
High Gas/Energy Prices: 54.22%
Healthcare Costs: 13.25%
Slowing Economy: 28.92%
No Worries: 3.61%
How often do you change the oil in your personal vehicle?
Every 3,000 miles religiously: 40.85%
You have to change that stuff?: 9.86%
3,000 - 6,000 miles: 38.73%
6,000 - 10,000 miles: 10.56%
I believe E85 is:
A viable alternative fuel and I'm actively building engines for it.: 17.02%
Driving up the cost of many other items with no real obvious benefits.: 72.34%
Going to replace gasoline when flying cars come on the scene.: 10.64%
How many business associations do you belong to?
One: 27.78%
Two to three: 33.33%
Four or more: 5.56%
None: 33.33%
Which business topic would you like us to cover more?
Marketing/Sales: 9.52%
Niche Markets: 14.29%
Management Tips: 9.52%
Education/Training: 66.67%
What is your favorite feature of our redesigned website?
User Gallery: 15.38%
Issue Archive: 7.69%
Tech Center: 61.54%
What redesign?: 15.38%
What internet connection do you have in your shop?
Cable: 23.53%
DSL: 58.82%
Dial-up: 14.71%
What Connect?: 2.94%
How long have you been a subscriber to Engine Builder magazine?
Less than 1 year: 19.05%
1-2 years: %
3-7 years: 23.81%
8 or more: 57.14%
Which of these would be your next major purchase?
Dynamometer: 50%
CNC Machine: 50%
Cleaning Equipment: %