Engine Parts: Where Are They?

Where Have All the Engine Parts Gone?

Does this sound familiar? “We are experiencing issues within the supply chain that has created manufacturing delays, temporary stock-outs, longer lead times and increased cost. You may experience delays in shipment and product shortages. We are committed to working through these challenges and thank you for your patience and support.”

I have had countless conversations with engine builders over the past year and they have all told me their lead times have gone out the window due to longer waits for parts, and it seems there’s no end in sight. From the oil pan to the valve cover and every component in between, the wait for parts has gotten longer due to a number of factors. Whether its OEM or Aftermarket, it doesn’t matter – lead times for parts went from just days to weeks and even months.

With parts materials and sometimes the parts themselves coming from different places all over the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a supply chain mess, plain and simple. It’s not just the automotive industry seeing these issues either. 

Our industry’s manufacturers are doing what they can, but unfortunately, there’s little that they can control in all of this. To make matters more complicated, the pandemic has actually boosted business for many manufacturers of performance engine parts and for engine builders alike. 

“The industry seems like it’s booming now,” says Carmen Trischetta of CT Performance Machine. “Everybody into performance is just going nuts. Unfortunately, no matter where you go, stuff is out of stock – whether it’s valves, gaskets, pistons – all kinds of stuff. The demand for the parts is there, but we have to be able to fill that.

“It’s caused me to have to go to different distributors and different manufacturers in order to get parts. Things got busier with the pandemic in the performance world. Everybody got that stimulus check and they’re spending it on their cars.”

People have been devoting their spare time to their hot rod, their race car, their vintage project that had previously been neglected until the COVID pandemic gave them the time, and in some cases, the money, to focus on it. The result has been more engine builds!

While the boom in business is very welcomed, the supply chain has brought frustration to all those involved, and all we can do is wait. However, while we wait a little longer for parts to show up at the shop, we can breathe a little easier knowing that 2021 is seeing a more ‘normal’ return to motorsports and industry events so far this year.

Fans are being allowed back to the track in larger numbers, events that had been cancelled a year ago have been occurring once again, and as we look to summer and fall, there’s plenty to fill your calendar with. I know the Engine Builder team is excited to get back on the road to take in some events this year.

Speaking of being excited, our May issue is chalk full of exciting diesel content! From features on Powerstrokes, Cummins and Duramax engines to a look into the 2021 UCC, diesel turbocharging, injectors, and much more, what’s not to like?! Keep up the good work, and hopefully we’ll see you in person at an event soon.  EB

You May Also Like

Brand Loyalty – is it a Thing of the Past?

Well folks, it’s late September and summer has officially come to a close. If you’re like me, you’ll miss those warm weather days and longer hours of daylight, but it’s been a great few months of race events, car shows, seeing customers, visiting shops, and of course, creating tons of content. In fact, one of

Well folks, it’s late September and summer has officially come to a close. If you’re like me, you’ll miss those warm weather days and longer hours of daylight, but it’s been a great few months of race events, car shows, seeing customers, visiting shops, and of course, creating tons of content. In fact, one of those content pieces that will be big for us this fall is Engine Builder’s Dream Engine Giveaway – a twin-supercharged 427 small block Ford we are building with Chris Wright of Pro Car Associates / MVT. You can enter to win this engine here: . We’ll be sharing updates via our website, YouTube and social media channels as we get the build done in time to be given away at PRI in December. But, all of that is for another time.

Engine Builder Attends SBI’s 40th Anniversary Gala

If there’s anything that these past couple years has demonstrated, it’s that nothing is for certain in life or in business. In these days of such ever-changing environments, economies, consumer habits and the like, it’s more than impressive when a company reaches a major milestone. In July, the team at S.B. International, located in Nashville,

SBI Gala
Summer Vibes and a Dream Engine Giveaway

How can you not love summer? Sure, it gets hot, but it definitely beats the cold, and there’s so much going on to occupy your time. Here at Engine Builder, our team has stayed extremely busy attending racing events, shows, visiting manufacturers and engine shops, as well as our usual content work.

Think You Got What it Takes to Brawl?

First things first, I’m not referring to a fist fight, but I’m sure most of this crowd could hold their own. Rather, I’m referring to a new drag race event called Builder’s Brawl.

Passion Runs Deep

Having had the distinct opportunity to view this industry from my chair as editor of Engine Builder has certainly opened my eyes to a lot of great things this industry has going for it. However, my favorite thing about it – hands down – is the passion. Related Articles – PRI 2021: What a Show

Other Posts

Experience Always Wins

Formula 1 racing often tells smaller stories within each individual race; the final stretches of the Russian Grand Prix proved in my eyes that experience always wins.

Should Driving Be Outlawed by 2050?

As the world changes, so too does the automotive industry. Will self-driving cars eventually take over?

Male or Female – Passion Fuels Our Industry

Whether you’re a man or a woman, you can relate to that feeling this industry gives you and you want to immerse yourself in it. That’s what makes this industry great.

Ed Iskenderian of Isky Racing Cams Celebrates 100

July 10, 2021 marked the 100th birthday of Isky Racing Cams founder Ed Iskenderian. The man is an icon in the industry.