Where Will Your Next Generation Of Customers Be Coming From?
In the tough economy we are facing today, many of us are concerned with generating sufficient business to keep the doors open, often at the expense of anything else. Are you so busy worrying about today that you’re not thinking about the future? Let me try to give you an idea about having the best
SSSSSnake Bit!
In 1974, America watched 93 cars get destroyed in a 34-minute car chase. “Gone In 60 Seconds,” an independent film written, produced and directed by and starring Toby Halicki was an otherwise forgettable ’70s movie. The plot revolved around Mandrian Pace (Halicki) and his car thief cronies and 48 cars that they needed to steal
TIG Welding Aluminum Heads
To survive in the current economic climate, you must look for opportunities to become more profitable and still maintain control of your profits. You must always look for ways to keep more of what you do “in-house” and keep as much of the revenue you generate in the business. Whenever you can control what goes
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
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 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,
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
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
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
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
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