Machine Maintenance: Be Straight With Your Jobs By Being Level With Your Machines
Before we get into the meat of this article, let me say thanks to all the fine folks who sent pictures of their shop pets in machine shops around the world. There are some good-looking shop pets out there. Let Me Level With You! Are we on the level? Are you half a bubble off?
Variable Valve Timing
With all the scientific technology computing power out there in the world today I have yet to hear an answer to the age old question: What came first, the chicken or the egg? Well the automotive industry has a similar dilemma that continues to plague its existence. Which is more desirable, large displacement and horsepower
Putting the Pressure On High Power Cleaning Systems
Despite these automated times in which we live today, many shops still use manual cleaning systems to hand-clean each engine component piece by piece. This may seem slow and tedious to some, but for others it’s necessary quality control in order to remove all of the hidden particles that can cause damage to an engine
Diesel Engine Technology: Emissions Control
Good news! You won’t be faced with any new engine technology in acouple of years. While engine makers are planning on using variousmeans to qualify their products for the enhanced emissions regulationsthat will take effect in 2010, all will use technologies long proven onthe road. Most manufacturers, especially those with European ties, haveindicated that they
How to Select Your First TIG Welder
TIG welding is frequently used for highly cosmetic applications or those involving thinner metals that require strict heat control. This process is becoming more popular as technology improves and more welding applications, such as exotic metals, require TIG welding. Selecting the right TIG welding machine for your application is easy if you follow the right
Final Wrap: Times May Be Tough But So Are You
If you’re one of those types who always starts reading in the back because you know that’s where the best stuff is found, I congratulate you on your insight. And, normally, I’d agree with you – but in this case I have to say, “don’t forget to read the front of the magazine – it
2009 Engine Builder Buyers Guide Listings
Click here to see all of the categories and companies listed in the 2009 Engine Builder Buyers Guide and 2009 High Performance Buyers Guide.
Profitable Performance:
Last year I wrote the first in a series of articles looking for Profits in Performance (see May 2008 Engine Builder, page 59). I discussed a series of plans to combat “walk-in parts,” and offered suggestions to train your customers to trust your expertise in engine building and component matching to achieve the best engine
Building Engines for the Street and Strip
A lot of engine builders who sell crate engines as well as custom engines promote “street/strip” engine packages. The implication here is that such engines will run well on the street and still be competitive on the drag strip. These engines are typically rated anywhere from 450 hp up to 650 hp for small blocks,
19th AETC: New Theme Is A Winner
You can always expect to do a fair share of “bench racing” while sitting around the breakfast and lunch table at the Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC). This year did not disappoint. Held just before the PRI Trade Show on December 8-10, 2008, at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, the 19th AETC nearly doubled its
Cleaning Rules
One of the least pleasant parts of any engine builder’s day is the cleaning process. Removing the oil, carbon and general gunk from blocks, cylinder heads and assorted parts before your inspection, machining and rebuilding process can even begin may seem as painful as a trip to the dentist’s chair. But if you think that
Up-Selling in a Down Market
Do you ever wonder what’s next? First gas prices climb to more than $4.50 per gallon and everyone is dumping their gas-guzzlers. A couple of months later gas free-falls to $1.50 a gallon, but no one cares because people are being laid off in record numbers. Our major investment banks go bust, the credit system