Coretalk: Tony Stewart Motorsports To Headline SME Show - Engine Builder Magazine

Coretalk: Tony Stewart Motorsports To Headline SME Show

Stewart’s personal race team, which is a passion for the versatile NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC champion, will be featured on the show floor on January 24-25 at the Performance Theater.

“The competition level is so tight right now – any extra bit of speed or performance you can squeeze out of your car can be the difference between wining or losing,” said Stewart, the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion. “That’s why I’m glad SME is bringing the ‘Manufacturing for Performance’ event to Indianapolis. Now motorsports manufacturers and race teams can see all the latest manufacturing processes and technologies so necessary in maintaining a winning edge right in their own backyard.”

The Performance Theater is an exciting on-the-show-floor venue designed to illustrate trackside engineering. Manufacturers will have opportunities to learn more about how to connect with the best applications available in aerodynamics, additive manufacturing, advanced materials, design, machining, prototyping, advanced fabrication, welding, measurement and testing, finishing and coating, sensors and aerospace technology transfer.

On Monday, January 23, attendees will have four exciting tours to choose from, limited to 45 persons and requiring pre-registration:

  • Chip Ganassi Race Shop: This team races in the IRL (Indy Racing League) and the Daytona Prototypes in the Grand Am Series out of Indianapolis.

  • GM Allison Transmission: GM Allison Transmission is a world-leader in the design, manufacture and sales of commercial-duty automatic transmissions, hybrid propulsion systems, and related parts and services for on-highway trucks, buses, off-highway equipment and military vehicles. The manufacturer of the Allison 1000/2000 series transmissions illustrates cellular manufacturing, Just-in-Time, and inventory management.

  • Horn Machine Tool (HMT): This tour includes an interactive seminar on light radius tube bending geared specifically to the automotive, truck and motorcycle OEM and Aftermarket performance exhaust and header industries. HMT will display electric/hydraulic CNC benders, tight radius tooling dies, mandrels and wiper dies mounted on working CNC benders for today’s high performance exhaust and header requirements.

  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum and Track: Located on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this is one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing.

    Attendees will also participate in conference sessions and learn how to reduce cycle times, improve surface finishes, increase part repeatability and quality and accelerate product development times.

All levels of motorsports manufacturing from one-man machine shops to race teams experimenting with state-of-the-art technologies will explore ideas for improved performance in a sport where speed is king.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world’s leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up-to-date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing engineers and executives annually.

For more information about the show or available sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sme.org/motorsports, or contact Ann Sorensen at (313) 425-3137.

PERA To Visit AER Manufacturing

The Production Engine Remanufac-turers Association (PERA) has announced that its next meeting will be held on March 30-April 1, 2006 at the Marriott Quorum Hotel in Dallas, TX.
PERA president, Mark Spaulding, encourages attendance, “Registrants to the Spring Technical and Marketing Conference will have the opportunity to visit AER Manufacturing in nearby Carrolton, TX,” Spaulding says.

The format for the Conference will be technical presentations on the mornings of March 31 and April 1. A tour of the AER facilities will take place on the afternoon of March 31, 2006.
Complete program details will be available by early January once all topics have been finalized.

In other PERA news, joining Spaulding on the executive committee for 2005-2006 are:
Mark Fellanto, vice president, PROMAR Precision Engine Rebuilders, Paterson, NJ. Fellanto was named PERA’s Engine Remanuf acturer of the Year in 2003. He will serve as PERA president in 2006-2007

Bill Bokan, treasurer, Bokan Brothers, Sacramento, CA. His firm was started in 1946 by his father and uncle. Bokan began working for the family-owned business when he was 12 years old. He left the company to get a business degree from Notre Dame and a law degree from the University of San Francisco.

In 1973 he rejoined the family business full-time. He previously served on the PERA Board in the mid 1980’s. Bokan will serve as PERA President in 2007 -2008.

Visit www.pera.org for more details.

Jerry McCabe Given AWDA Pursuit of Excellence Award

The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) has presented its 2005 “Pursuit of Excellence Award” to Jerry McCabe of Affinia Group in recognition of excellence in business performance.

The award, established in 1983, recognize those who support AWDA and its ideals in an outstanding fashion. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, McCabe was recognized specifically for his work in the area of business technology and supply chain management.

McCabe has worked for a number of aftermarket companies during his long career, including McCord Gaskets, TRW, Wolverine, Clevite Engine Parts and Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group. He is currently senior vice president of marketing at Affinia, with responsibilities for Wix, Raybestos and Spicer.

A past president of NEPMA, and founder of both the Engine Repower Council and the Aftermarket Data Trust, he has also been honored as PERA manufacturer member of the year.

Jasper Engines, Boy Scouts Become Recruiting Partners

The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with Jasper Engines & Transmissions to help in their annual fall membership recruiting efforts. The Boy Scouts make a strong effort each autumn to visit schools to try and get in contact with every boy who is of scouting age, and ask him to join.

This summer, the Boy Scouts decided to build a theme around their recruiting program called “Race to Scouting,” says Buffalo Trace Council Scout Executive Robert Hopper. Because of the excitement of NASCAR racing, Hopper said it would be a great way to make an instant connection with kids and families. “Where else would we go to build this kind of theme up than to an organization that’s already a great scouting supporter that happens to have a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team?” asks Hopper.

The Buffalo Trace Council approached Jasper Engines & Transmissions about the theme, and received permission to use the image of the No. 77 Jasper Dodge in a series of posters, flyers, stickers, and billboards. The Council also took advantage of the use of the Jasper die-cast car to help promote scouting. “Every boy who joins in the Boy Scouts receives a Jasper die-cast car,” explains Lincoln Heritage District Senior District Executive Randal Craig. “It’s been very successful.”

“Jasper Engines has been a supporter of scouting for many years,” says Tom Schrader, Jasper vice president of marketing. “We are very pleased to be able to help in this year’s ‘Race to Scouting’ recruiting drive.”

Probe Industries Hires New National Sales Manager

Probe Industries, Torrance, CA, has announced the addition of William J “Willy” Webb as the company’s new national sales manager.

“With more than three decades of aftermarket experience, Webb will be responsible for expanding Probe Industries’ growing market share nationally, as well as the continued high level of customer service” says a company spokesperson.

Dana Corp. to Acquire Full Ownership of Core Operations in Mexico

Dana Corporation has signed a letter of intent with DESC S.A. de C.V. under which Dana will acquire full ownership of several core operations based in Mexico. Under terms of the letter, Dana and DESC will dissolve their existing joint venture partnership, Spicer S.A. de C.V., with Dana assuming 100-percent ownership of five manufacturing operations, which had combined sales of $290 million (USD) for the trailing 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2005.

Dana currently holds an indirect 49 percent interest in the operations, which manufactures and assembles axles and driveshafts, as well as forging and foundry operations. DESC will assume full ownership of the transmission and aftermarket gasket operations in which it currently holds a 51 percent interest.

The transactions, which are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2006, are subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, approval by Dana’s Board of Directors, and customary regulatory approvals.

“These transactions will provide Dana with a strategic opportunity to strengthen our core axle and driveshaft businesses with vertically integrated and technologically advanced operations in a key geographic location,” said Dana Chairman and CEO Mike Burns. “As a result, Dana will be positioned to benefit from low-cost manufacturing efficiencies, as well as top-line growth from fully owned core operations in Mexico.”

The facilities that will soon be under Dana’s ownership – Autometales, S.A. de C.V.; and Ejes Tractivos, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico City, and Cardanes, S.A. de C.V.; Engranes Conicos, S.A. de C.V.; and Forjas Spicer, S.A. de C.V. in Queretaro — produce light vehicle axle and driveshafts and a variety of related components.

DESC will assume full ownership of Transmisiones y Equipos Mecanicos, S.A. de C.V. (Tremec) and Transmisiones TSP, S.A. de C.V. (TSP) transmissions, located in Queretaro, Mexico; Transmission Technologies Corporation (TTC) with operations in Knoxville, Tenn.; and the T.F. Victor, S.A. de C.V. aftermarket gasket operation in Mexico City, Mexico. Dana will sell aftermarket gaskets in Mexico through T.F. Victor and original equipment gaskets directly to engine and vehicle manufacturers.

New Engine To Power One In Every Five Ford Vehicles

Next year, Ford will introduce two new breakthrough crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) – the Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator – equipped with an all-new 3.5L V6 engine and new six-speed transaxle. The new V6 engine will be a powertrain cornerstone for Ford Motor Co., eventually powering one in every five of its vehicles on the road by the end of the decade.

The new 3.5L V6 was designed to deliver the best combination of fuel economy, refinement and performance for the customer and be compact enough to fit into a variety of vehicles. The height and width of the engine is the same as the smaller displacement Duratec 30 V6.

The engine produces 250 hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque in its CUV applications. It uses a dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power capability and smooth operation at high rpm. It incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize fuel economy by adjusting valve timing for a smooth idle, optimal part-load driving and an impressively broad torque curve with good power. In anticipation of future needs, the new V6 has been designed to accommodate advanced technologies, including gasoline-direct injection and turbocharging.

Emissions Compliance Could Cost $5,000-$10,000 Per Engine
Truckingnews.com

“We recognize that this is a pretty significant increase in pricing,” Kapur told trade media at a Tuesday teleconference, “so our focus has been to work to mitigate – to the extent possible – the financial impact to our customers.” International will draw heavily on its experience as an integrated manufacturer as well as its Green Diesel Technology, which has been available on school buses and trucks since the early 2000s.

Plans for International’s 6-cylinder “I-6” engines include exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), optimized combustion, increased injection pressure, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) based on the Green Diesel program. Its V-8 products will follow basically the same recipe. The after-treatment system will also include pressure and temperature sensors that will monitor particulate burn-off or regeneration. Company executives said they’re working closely with suppliers of big bore engines and all products for 2007 will use EGR and particulate filters with active regeneration. Kapur said they are not yet ready to disclose details of International’s own 12-liter engine, currently being developed with MAN. The engine is scheduled to go into production in late 2007. International has trucks running in captive tests and some trucks are being tested by customers in a variety of applications. At this point the company doesn’t anticipate any significant impact on maintenance, other than routine maintenance of the particulate filters. Fuel economy is harder to peg since it depends largely on the application. For instance a heavily loaded tractor running in the southwest where ambient temperatures are high would see very little regeneration time and therefore very little degradation in fuel economy. But other applications create a lot more particulates to be burned off, and that burn-off process will decrease fuel economy.

Manufacturers are hoping to ease the sting of higher prices by keeping fuel economy, maintenance, reliability and other cost factors as close to pre-2007 levels as possible. As Kapur noted, the industry has also come together in support of an effort led by the American Trucking Associations to win an investment tax credit for the new engines. Two bills (HR 3301 and S1240) each propose a 5 percent Investment Tax Credit for Class 8 trucks purchased from January through December of 2007. The measure has strong support in Congress but is bucking a movement to reduce spending and curb tax breaks spurred by the high cost of recent hurricanes.

APRA Officially Launches www.AutoElectricPro.com

The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) officially launched their revolutionary new website which is a complete source of wiring diagrams. The launch of www.AutoElectricPro.com occurred at the opening of the International BIG R Show on October 29th.

“AutoElectricPro was developed with remanufacturers, rebuilders, auto electric shops and transmission rebuilding shops in mind,” stated APRA President Bill Gager.

Mark Kothe, APRA Technical Director added, “This website contains more than 86,225 wiring diagrams for over 4, 918 vehicle applications from 1985 – 2005. It is powered by information from Mitchell 1.”

Mohammad Samii of Sammy’s Auto Electric in Champaign, Illinois was one of the people who provided initial input on the new site. He commented, “Rebuilders should turn to www.AutoElectricPro.com when they are trying to properly diagnose vehicle problems, especially the most difficult electrical problems. This site enables access to complete wiring diagrams of every vehicle from 1985 – 2005.”

Gager added, “With all the different types of electronics on today’s vehicles, there are many times when proper diagnostics is difficult. This new service will help APRA members save time and money by cutting down on the necessary research time to solve the problem and satisfy the customer.

Special charter subscriber rates to www.AutoElectricPro.com are $275 a year or $25 a month.
Another added feature of this site will be the “FIND A SHOP” Category. All APRA members who perform “on-vehicle repairs” will be automatically registered on the site so potential customers may find them. Those who are not members, but would like to become one so that they can get listed on the site as well as to have access to the wiring diagrams should contact Phil Bolbach at APRA Headquarters – 703 968-2772 ext 115 or [email protected].

A U.S. Bankruptcy Court Approves Federal-Mogul’s Deal with British Creditors
AutoBeat Daily

A U.S. bankruptcy court has tentatively approved Federal-Mogul Corp.’s deal with British creditors and insolvency administrators, Dow Jones Newswires reports. The ruling is a key step in moving the Southfield, Mich.-based auto supplier closer to emerging from four years of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The judge says he will give final approval after the deal is reworded to his liking. Acceptance of the U.K. settlement avoids a trans-Atlantic court clash over control of the bankruptcy. The agreement, which Federal-Mogul announced in September, also averts a potential breakup of the company. U.K. insolvency administrators already had found buyers for the company’s British operations. Federal-Mogul sought Chapter 11 protection in October 2001 to isolate its asbestos liabilities from ongoing operations.

Beth Skove Joins Babcox Publications as Associate Publisher

Beth Skove of Akron, OH, has joined Babcox Publications as associate publisher for the company’s Tomorrow’s Technician and TechShop – Equipment Tools and Supplies magazines.
Skove previously was vice president of Ken-Tool, a manufacturer of quality tire changing tools and equipment and mechanic’s specialty tools. During her 21-year career at Ken-Tool, she was responsible for national and international sales and marketing, new product development, trade show management and customer service. Her previous experience also includes serving as automobile channel market manager with Dupli-Color, a division of Sherwin-Williams, where she held similar responsibilities.

Skove holds a B.A. degree in English from Hiram College. She resides in Akron with her husband, two sons and miniature golden retriever.

Beth Skove can be reached at 330-670-1234 ext.291, or via email at [email protected].
Babcox Publications, Inc. (Babcox.com) is a business-to-business magazine and custom publishing company serving both the automotive aftermarket and the truck fleet market. With a comprehensive mix if niche publications, Babcox has the unique ability to effectively and efficiently package and deliver top-quality integrated communication services.

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