GM DURAMAX V8 Diesel – The Next Small Block Chevy for the Diesel Hot Rodder?
If you look back into automotive history, hot rodding and performance upgrades for power are rooted in such V8 classics as the flathead Ford and small block Chevy. But when you look on the diesel side of history, most big torque power plants utilized the inline 6-cylinder configuration since near-perfect piston to rod angles create
Big Power, Big Products – Search for increased longevity and durability in diesels continues
Modern diesel engine platforms offer a great source of power potential regardless of the manufacturer. I suppose that is why the mid-size diesel truck has become so popular among the younger generation. Take an engine that already makes power and find ways to make more. Turbocharged diesel engines have a huge amount of power gains
The Great Crate Debate – Profit Potential From Packaged Engine Programs Actually Exists
Right now I know of no other term that draws as much negativity among some engine builders as the term “Crate Motor.” It immediately brings feelings of sales lost. We all know the story. The customer sees his car project like one big plastic model. When it comes time to pick a rear differential, write
Waupaca’s “Time Machine” Machine Shop
The readers of Engine Builder include thousands of skilled machinists who are also car enthusiasts. Over the years, there have been countless stories printed in this magazine about vintage cars. Rarely, if ever, do you read a story like this one about a vintage machine shop that’s been miraculously preserved by just a handful of
Numbers Don’t Tell The Whole Story
We ask a lot of questions. Yes, I can admit it – we’re a nosy bunch here at Engine Builder. Sometimes, our requests may come across as discourteous, intrusive or even downright rude. Because sometimes we ask hard questions, things that even I would probably hesitate to answer. Let me first say this: I apologize
I Object! – Be Sure Your Sources Are Reliable
Like Perry Mason, I don’t trust hearsay information. When I am not sure of something, I consult a book, website or ask someone who is an expert about the information I seek. Having been in an automotive and racing career for 50 years, I have a huge collection of Chilton and Motor Manuals, from 1935
From a Dump Truck Dynasty Came a Speedboat King
Garfield Wood never intended to go into the boat building business. His goal in life was to personally set every speed record on water and be recognized as the world’s speedboat king. However, a need for speed on the water came about at an early age working with his father. Garfield Arthur Wood was born
Help this Industry – and Help Yourself, Too
As you have heard from this bully pulpit many times over the past 15 or so years, I want you to let us know how we’re doing. Engine Builder exists so our readers (engine builders, remanufacturers and machine shops) and advertisers have a business tool that promotes the success of both. Communication is both simpler
Take Our Business Back – Let’s Stop Talking About the Parts Sales Dilemma and Do Something
What has me so fired up recently is a report I read in another industry magazine written by a UPS executive, who was reporting on a study they did on consumer online purchases and the automotive industry. Of course, this is a good thing for a carrier, as the greater the online purchases, the more
Pro Stock Quandary
One of my first writing heroes was Robert Benchley and his first book I read was when I was a freshman at LaSalle Peru (IL) High School in 1954. While researching materials to use as an exordium for an English assignment, the humor literature section caught my eye. I found Robert Benchley’s 1936 collection of
When Does Your Customer Service End?
Anytime I have a discussion with an engine builder, I’ve found our conversation eventually turns to his customers. We discuss how he can get more, how he can satisfy the ones he has now and, in some cases, how to get rid of the ones he doesn’t want anymore. As you know only too well,
Trade Shows Are Business Benefits If Properly Planned
Yes I am and I will tell you why. I have been a trade show junkie since I was just a little sales manager. Yep, I am not lying. To me, trade shows are the premier method to be able to see, touch and learn about any and all things in any market you go