January 2018 Archives - Engine Builder Magazine
When Do You Blow the Whistle?

When do you cover for the prior mechanic or engine guy? When do you have to tell the customer the truth to justify the correction and parts? There have been times I have done it each way. And for a couple, I regret my decisions.

Cast and Forged Performance Pistons

If we consider the extreme environment of combustion pressures and high temperatures that regular cast replacement pistons operate in, it’s quickly apparent that when these values are increased it necessitates using a much more efficient component able to withstand these elevated levels.

Ford 9-Inch Differential

The Ford 9-inch differential is one of the most widely used differentials in hot rod, street rod and 4×4 vehicles. The Ford 9-inch differential was put into production beginning in the late 1950s, and remained in production up until the mid 1980s.

Understanding What Dynos Can Do For Your Business

An engine dyno can be a valuable tool in many corners of a modern engine facility. As an investigative tool, it can help you find new solutions to old challenges. As a testing tool, it can help prove your hypotheses. As a creativity tool it can help push you in new directions. And as a sales tool it can help differentiate you in the eyes of customers.

Sprint and Stock Car Engine Market

Building engines for sprint cars and late-model stock cars is a good niche to be in if your local tracks have a strong racing program that is attracting significant numbers of racers and fans. It takes both to maintain a healthy market and a steady demand for engine work.

Let’s Talk Engine Oils

SN oils don’t have sufficient ZDP to coat all the engine components which are subjected to sliding friction. And, if that isn’t bad enough, a new oil specification, ILSAC (International Lubricant Specification and Approval Committee) GF-6 is on the horizon.

Engine (Business) Building 101

Every build starts with the end in mind. What are your goals? What are you trying to achieve? Building a successful business is no different.

Jeremy Wagler Named Diesel Engine Builder of the Year 2017

Opened in 2012, Wagler Competition Products (WCP) located in Odon, IN, is a full machine shop specializing in diesel work with a focus on the Duramax engine.

Engine Pro Shop Solutions – January 2018

I needed to mount this Desoto Hemi from a nostalgia dragster on my align bore machine. It did not line up with any mounting holes on my end plates, so I had to drill new holes – here’s the procedure to make sure it’s done right.

Proving Yourself

Well, it’s 2018. If you’ve already made, broken and forgotten your New Years’ resolutions, let me welcome you to the club. This time of year, it’s easy to say we’re going to do something better, for our health, for our finances, for our business and, most of the time, we truly believe what we say. At least I do, for a while.