Features Archives - Page 68 of 131 - Engine Builder Magazine
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part Two

Our story so far: • GM declares bankruptcy. • Chrysler emerges FROM bankruptcy. • Congress passes the Consumer Assist & Save Act of 2009 (Also known as H.R. 2346. Also known as “Cash for Clunkers”). • GM emerges from bankruptcy. • Ford pledges millions to help auto parts supplier Visteon emerge from ITS bankruptcy. Just

EFI Introduction 101

EFI has become the tool that has unlocked the next level of engine performance. Nowhere is it more evident than in drag racing, where EFI has taken over where the rules permit. Take Joe Dunn’s Pat Musi-powered ’68 Camaro that just rocked the competition with a 6.38 @ 218 mph pass. Its 755 cid big-block

Why Buying That New Machine Is The Right Thing To Do Right Now

Why am I saying to upgrade and buy now? Well, I’ll tell you why: because if your equipment is behind the times it can’t create the tolerances that today’s engines require. So why now? After all, the market is in decline, business is off, times are really tough, right? Blah, blah, blah! Yes, the market

Engine Part Coatings: Is Beauty Only Skin Deep?

Outside of the engine building community, people think of coatings  and think of something dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy. For us it’s a little different, especially with engine coatings – even though it may be candy to your engine parts business. So let’s just clear this up right now: there is no caramel,

Understanding Dyno Numbers’ Place in Your Business

It is very difficult to cover all of what you need to know about dyno testing in an article of this length, but perhaps I can take a swing at nailing some of the critical information down. Dyno testing is an important part of engine development programs and can provide an improvement in quality control

Engine Blocks & Cylinder Sleeves

In our February 2009 issue, Technical Editor Larry Carley provided a comprehensive overview of the changes in engine blocks over the years. Thanks in part to natural attrition (after all, many of the most popular engines were actually designed and built more than 50 years ago) and the high price for scrap metal in the

2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part One

As the debate over bailouts, bankruptcies and generally bad policy concerning the automotive aftermarket continues in Washington, engine builders may well shrug their shoulders and say “welcome to our world.” Now that new car dealers and manufacturers are taking it on the chin because many consumers have apparently decided that “making do is better than

Oil Pump Technology

Oil pressure is something every engine builder worries about. Low oil pressure or a loss of pressure can cause expensive warranty problems and catastrophic engine failures, neither of which is good for your business. Though the “bigger is better” mentality persists, most engines only need about 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1,000 rpm

Grassroots Road Racing: Will They Line Up For Your Engine Expertise?

Are there any opportunities in grassroots road racing? The answer depends on what is being raced. For the most part, track day cars and spec classes are going to offer only a few opportunities for engine builders, but there is a bright side in that you may get to do work for these racers after

Customer Service: Good, Bad or Ugly, It

Normally in this space, we talk about high performance and ways you can expand into the performance market in an effort to continue your company’s success. Well, I’m going to change gears just a little bit and talk about customer service. I originally intended to cover another subject, but recent experiences have led to me

2009 Machine Shop Market Profile

Now that new car dealers and manufacturers are taking it on the chinbecause many consumers have apparently decided that “making do isbetter than buying new,” there is increased optimism in many segmentsof the service sector. For engine builders – who have been operating ina challenging environment for several years now – the opportunities tobe both

Selecting Cranks, Rods and Bearings For Your Next Build

Racing engines are made for one thing – speed. But speed is a wide target. It is in the sum of parts that are bolted together to make up the package that speed is delivered to your customer. Engine builders know that one of the biggest areas where races are won and lost is in