Head Porting – Going with the Flow
Flow…that magical, mystical word that is seemingly carved in stone anytime the discussion topic turns to performance cylinder heads. Whether you are a seasoned veteran in the engine wars or finalizing the specs for your first ever build, it is virtually impossible to avoid it. The flip side of that coin always carries another word
Don’t Throw Those Old Mustang Parts Away
Don’t throw those old Mustang parts away. That’s what Bob Perkins of Perkins Restoration (www.perkinsrestoration.com) in Juneau, WI told many Ford dealers back in the 1970s. Perkins somehow came up with a list of every Ford dealer in the country and whenever he traveled around, he would visit them and try to buy up their
Self-Driving Cars Face Unexpected Challenges
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, driverlesss cars actually required the quick input of a human driver 2,578 times during testing in 2016. And that’s in California, where the people and the road conditions are beautiful!
What I Learned From ‘Maverick’ Golden and the Little Red Wagon
What would become known as “The Little Red Wagon” started out life as a 90-inch wheelbase Dodge A-100 compact economy pickup that was normally powered by a slant-six.
Historic Machine Shop Named National Landmark
The W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop in Rices Landing, PA, has recently been designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior, meaning this sprawling factory on the banks of the mighty Monongahela River is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Big-block Chevy Dragster “Hangs Out” at Green Bay Art Gallery
This “turn-key” mid-engined dragster was built by Undercover Motorsports. It is powered be a 555-cubic-inch 900-hp Chevrolet V8 from Dart Machinery, Ltd.
The Best Way To Boost Your Business? Build a Rapport and Relationships
It’s important for you to get familiar with and interact with many more people in your business than just your customers. Getting familiar with your banker, suppliers, services and the media can be a big help. One thing that helps me has been my racing and involvement in motorsports. Even if you are not a
Profitable Performance – Sell Value Before Price
Selling value is all about selling you. Yes, this is the time to roll it all out. Your years in business represent security. Your vast resources and a belief in using quality products is important as well. Everyone knows quality costs a little more, and the implication is that it is worth it.
Lost Art of Head Porting
If I had my current shop rate paid to me in a lump sum for every hour I spent porting and flowing heads and intakes in the ’70s and ’80s, I could build a new race car. In ’76 when I started running Pro Stock, my wife Linda got me a SuperFlow 110 for Christmas so I could flow my own heads.
Help this Industry – and Help Yourself, Too
As a reader of Engine Builder, you’ve no doubt become aware of the Performance Engine Builder of The Year Contest over the past four years. You’ve read stories of our winners and runners up and perhaps thought, “Heck, I could do that.” Yes. Yes, you can. And you should.
I Object!
Much can be learned consulting and comparing notes with colleagues and even clients. But carefully consider their comments and perhaps double check with another source to be sure their view is valid.
Industry Still Strong, Say Readers
Engine Builder readers tell us business has changed, but opportunity still remains.
