AAIA Releases Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard Version 3.0
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has announced the general release of version 3.0 of the industry standard for electronic catalog data. The Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) begins the new decade with technology that completely supports the management and exchange of application catalog content, including digital assets, for a wider range of vehicle classes.
Today’s Niche Market Engine Opportunities
As we reported in our 2009 Machine Shop Market Profile, the total number of engines built is down, however, savvy engine builders know that finding the right niche markets can make the difference between success and failure of their business. With OEMs making engines that last well into the 200,000-mile range it’s no wonder rebuilders
Shifter Kart Engines: Opportunities from Spec to Open Classes
Like many forms of racing in this economy, shifter kart racing is in a state of change. With substantially more power, a six-speed sequential gearbox and 4-wheel brakes, they certainly delivered "bang for your buck" performance. Probably the biggest testament to the value of racing shifter karts is the career path of Scott Speed who
Ohio Technical College Celebrates 40 Years of Automotive Training
Alot has changed in the world of automotive technology since 1969, withV8 muscle cars making way for high-tech hybrids and the days ofdo-it-yourself repairs being replaced by professional technicianservice. The same holds true for leading automotive school OhioTechnical College, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary as apremier provider of hands-on technical training. This milestone
EPA Confirms Aftermarket Right to Service Heavy Duty Vehicles
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) recently announced that it had received confirmation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that nothing in EPA’s rule requiring On-Board-Diagnostics (OBD) systems for heavy duty applications was intended to prevent aftermarket facilities from servicing heavy duty vehicles and engines. APRA had questioned EPA about certain language in
Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Engine Rebuilding
The book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance demonstrates that working on motorcycles may be either dull and tedious drudgery or an enjoyable and pleasurable pastime; it all depends on the inner attitude, or lack thereof. Looking deeper into Zen and the Art, the narrator seems to point out that there are two different
Racing Oil and Additves
Engine oil has sometimes been compared to a cake mix. The base oil is like the flour and the additives are the spices. How much is used of each varies by the type of cake and its intended use. Birthday cakes don’t really work for weddings. Engine builders have also been compared to gourmet chefs,
Hastings Releases 2009 Master Piston Ring Catalog
Hastings Manufacturing Co. hasannounced the release of its new 2009 Master Piston Ring Catalog.Featuring the broadest offering of piston ring applications availableto the engine aftermarket, the Hastings 2009 Catalog includes stock oiland compression piston rings for virtually every engine type, includingcars, trucks, motorcycles, agriculture, compressors, marine andperformance racing—gasoline or diesel—domestic and international. Hastings 2009 Master
Balance of Power (and Profit)
One of the keys to a smooth running, long lasting engine is proper balance of the reciprocating and rotating parts. When a crankshaft is out of balance, the uneven distribution of weight can generate centripetal forces that shake the engine with increasing intensity as engine rpm goes up. Centripetal force (which many people mistakenly call
From ATVs to Karting to Everything In Between
While small engines are in many types of equipment and toys, there isn’t anything small about their potential for engine builders to make a profit. From karts to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to motorcycles, for many engine builders looking to add profit margins to their business or to get into a specialized area of the industry,
Race Engine Pistons and Rings
Cubic inches is the name of the game today. The performance piston market is being driven by bigger bore blocks and stroker crankshafts. A few years ago, a 540 cubic inch motor was a monster motor. Nowadays, some professional drag racers are running engines as large as 850 cubic inches, and 600-plus cubic inch big
New Metals-New Challenges
Cast iron is like an old familiar friend to most of our readers because it’s been around forever. Vehicle manufacturers like cast iron because it’s cheap compared to most other metals, it is strong and durable, and it can be easily cast and machined to make engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, connecting rods and other
Push Rods & Lifters
The pushrods and lifters work with the camshaft and rocker arms to open the engine’s valves. This basic setup has changed little since the earliest days of pushrod engines. The only major change in these components has been roller lifters replacing flat bottom lifters on late model engines. Even so, there’s still a market for
Coretalk: Key Industry Speakers Slated For PERA’s Chicago Convention
Yastrow and Som will discuss “Current Issues in Employment-Related U.S. Immigration Law: I-9 Compliance, Visa Updates.” In addition to addressing hot topics and compliance tips, they will provide answers to your specific questions.Bob McKenna, President/CEO of Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and Past President of NAPA, will be speaking on “Motor Vehicle Parts Suppliers
Riding the Powersport Wave
If you just look at the number of engines being built year after year – a steady downward trend – it may seem like there is no way to survive in this industry by building production automotive engines. However, most shops that are thriving have found something that gives them an edge. You have to
From Block Work to Manufacturing – CNC Machines Wear Many Hats
From a shop owner’s perspective, a good employee is one who’s never late, is extremely productive and never asks for a raise. Enter the perfect employee: the multi-purpose computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine center can do the work of several employees and never complain about it. There is no doubt that today’s machine shops must
Custom Rod and Bike Market Reality:Is There a Place in for Custom Engines?
Have you ever dreamed of starring In your own reality television show? Is the human drama and bickering in your shop great enough to hold America’s attention week after week? Well, you may not impress the Nielsen families, but you could guest star as a custom rod or bike engine builder in your own local
High Performance Piston Rings and Cylinder Finishes
Today’s performance ring sets are thinner, lighter and more conformable than ever before. Thinner, low-tension rings reduce friction for more usable horsepower. Less weight reduces ring groove pound out. Narrower rings also allow tighter tolerances and less blowby. All very good things when you’re building a performance engine. But they also require rounder, straighter cylinder
Building Drag Racing Engines and Modification Work
Although drag strips are far outnumbered by oval tracks in the United States – approximately 1,043 oval tracks to just 295 drag strips – the number of competitors in drag racing nearly equals those in the circle track ranks. The NHRA alone has more than 35,000 licensed members. One reason might be that virtually any
Fast Lane: Boundless Opportunities Await You in 2005
By now you have all made your New Year’s resolutions, and hopefully, at least one of those goals tions is to look for new opportunities that will help your business become even more successful. This month’s column should give you some help in keeping that resolution. The elections are finally over and the economy is