Repurposed Race Engines
No Shortage of Used Race Engines in a Crate Motor World Today, there is no shortage of used engines of many categories. The recycle yards are full of them. Used, moderate mileage engines are often seen as a viable alternative to remanufactured or rebuilt engines today. Many things work against us, including modern fuel injection,
The Art of the Engine
It’s sometimes called the “Second Great Minnesota Get Together.” It’s not as large a gathering, nor is it as long as the State Fair, but for three days people come from many states around to attend the MSRA Back-to-the-‘50s car show. The Minnesota Street Rod Association hosts this annual car freak extravaganza, open to cars
When You Can’t Buy It, Building It Expands Your Shop Capabilities.
We all get crazy ideas from time to time. Sometimes we see something and that sparks an idea. Other times we’ll have a need and, “necessity being the mother of invention,” we come up with an idea of how to build that special part or tool that would fix the problem. The majority of the
Little Victories – Big Bucks from Small Engines
Finding Performance Potential in 4 and 6 Cylinder Engines Let’s get something on the table right now – I’m a V8 guy. As you’ve read elsewhere in this issue, I tend to also chant the mantra, “There’s no replacement for displacement.” Bigger just seems better and badder. Perhaps you’re like me. But let’s take a
Driven to Succeed
Optimize Personal Performance To Maximize Professional Profits I was looking back over the past 10 years since my first article appeared in the May 2008 Engine Builder issue and noticed a trend. Much of what I write about has to do with performance. Not speed or high performance, but something that might resemble personal performance. While
The Parts Sale Awakens
I have proposed five sales strategies based on successful businesses. But even these distant outposts have had to adjust to the new cyber-marketplace today.
Why That 5.3L LS Can Be A Parts Nightmare
The combinations of pistons, gaskets, camshafts, lifters, cam bearings, head bolts, timing sets and oil pumps are endless. And though the options don’t seem quite as large, quoting a 6.0L GM without a year and VIN is just about as difficult.
Engine Add-Ons; Selling the Bling that Might Bring a Little Green
In the muscle car heydays of the ’60s and ’70s, manufacturers knew that a few chrome items under the hood not only helped set their high horsepower performance mills apart from their anemic stock counter parts, but could also add to their performance potential.
Trying to Find the Future in My Crystal Ball-Micrometer
The Machine Shop Market Profile in the June issue of Engine Builder was a bit of an eye opener for me. I was not surprised by the fact that the biggest problem we have as an industry is finding good help in the form of qualified employees.
First Impressions: What Did I See When I Came To Visit?
They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I think most dads can relate to the idea of a first impression if you’ve ever had to meet a daughter’s new boyfriend. Moms can relate as well, but their expectations may be different. We can all remember when we were that boyfriend or bringing home that boyfriend and the impressions we made, which were not always that good. This may have had an impact on your relationship, and your happiness.
From Good to Great – Simple Ideas to Take Your Business to Another Level
Recently, sales figures nationally have been flat at best, and there are far more shops closing than new ones opening. But there are shining stars that still beg to be recognized. These vibrant, busy and profitable businesses can’t help but beg attention. These owners are well aware that others may not be seeing comparable prosperity,
Right to Assemble – Assembly, The First Amendment to the Constitution
The right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. It is often forgotten that the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States gives the American people, including persons in the automotive industry, the rights to peaceful assembly and to petition the government for redress