Rebuilding the Chevrolet LT1 Engine
Although it shared many common dimensions, looked much the same and even had a few common parts, it was totally redesigned to provide more power with lower emissions and better fuel economy. Compared to the 1991 Chevy 350 L98 with TPI, the LT1 made 20% more horsepower, got better fuel mileage, and had a
Core Review 199: Talk Continues To Revolve Around Supply And Demand
The usual core supplier issues are all alive and well, and the talk among those in the core business continues to revolve around supply and demand, domestic and import cores, parts proliferation and the like. But this year there is a new concern, that being the involvement of Ford Motor Company and other large players
Cv Shaft & Rack Review 1999: The Numbers Speak For Themselves
The numbers speak for themselves. The annual replacement market for front-wheel drive axle shafts, all-wheel drive axle shafts and four-wheel drive shafts is estimated to be around 12 million units a year and growing with total sales in excess of $450 million. Within five years, the number of shafts being replaced is predicted to grow
Brake Review 1999: Vibration And Harshness Seem To Have Moved To The Head Of The Issues Line
A year ago, we described the term "application specific" as the buzzword of the aftermarket brake business. It was, and still is an important issue, brought about by the end of the "one friction material fits all" concept and awareness of how brakes perform in different vehicle designs, plus advances in testing methods. While application
High-Performance Engine Failure Analysis
As often as not, a high performance or race engine is built to replace one that already exists. When that
1999 Machine Shop Of The Year Award Winner: Metric Automotive Engineering Ltd
Each year, the staff at Automotive Rebuilder magazine recognizes one machine shop that displays business practices that go above and beyond the norm. This year, along with input from the Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), we have selected Metric Automotive Engineering (Pty) Ltd., from Germiston South, Republic of South Africa. Metric was chosen from numerous entries
Machine Shop Market Profile
In Part I of our annual profile of the custom engine rebuilder/machine shop market (see June, 1999 issue, page 54) we provided details on the average number of engines, cylinder heads and crankshafts produced monthly by the typical machine shop during production year 1998. Also included in Part I
The Obd Ii Shop: Will Machine Shops Be Able To Pass Added Technology Costs On To Their Customers?
These days, OEMs push the envelope in terms of precision engine building techniques. Will machine shops be able to pass added technology costs on to their customers? After a recent tour of the DaimlerChrysler Kenosha, WI, engine plant, I came away with a lot more questions than answers about the future of engine rebuilding, especially
Crankshaft Grinding Wheels: Manual Dressing Of The Grinding Wheel Is An Important Factor
Manual dressing of the grinding wheel is an important factor in producing satisfactory work on your crankshaft grinder. The wheel must be dressed each time it is placed on the machine, even though it may not have been removed from the wheel center. Mount the wheel dresser on the grinder table. Bring the rotating grinding
There’s No Crankshaft In A Search Engine: Internet Opportunities For Automotive Engine Rebuilders
Surfing the net for fun is one thing. Using it as a tool to grow your business is another. Recently we talked to machine shop owners, as well as a few suppliers, to get their take on Internet opportunities for automotive engine rebuilders. Machine shop Internet usage According to Babcox Publications
Machine Shop Market Profile: Machine shops rebuilt an average of 19.4 engines monthly in 1998 compared to 18.29 in 1997
The average number of engines rebuilt by custom engine rebuilders/machine shops rose slightly in production year 1998 compared to production of engines in 1997. Machine shops rebuilt an average of 19.4 engines monthly in 1998 compared to 18.29 in 1997. An extensive survey of machine shops located primarily in the U.S. was conducted by Automotive
1999 Machine Shop Labor Costing Study
There are probably few topics of more interest to machine shops and custom engine rebuilders than charges for specific shop labor operations. In January, Automotive Rebuilder surveyed 2,400 machine shop members of the Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA) throughout the U.S., asking for labor charges for 22 basic labor operations performed on two popular engines currently