Answers to FAQs About Engine Programmers
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just drop in a magic “chip” and your car or truck suddenly takes on NASCAR-like qualities – able to accelerate quicker or even achieve better gas mileage. Too good to be true? Not necessarily, as owners of a dizzying array of vehicles already enjoy improved performance and economy by installing a
Must Have Shop Tools & Measuring Equipment
You can’t do quality work in an automotive machine shop if you don’t have the right tools and measuring equipment. “Must have” tools and equipment include those that are necessary for engine disassembly, for inspecting and measuring engine components, and for engine assembly.
Epicor Marks 30 Years of Automotive Aftermarket eCatalog
Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of electronic cataloging for the automotive aftermarket. The company introduced the industry’s first electronic catalog (eCatalog) in August 1984. Today, Epicor eCatalog products and related data solutions are used by tens of thousands of parts professionals, more than
Top 5 Reasons Business Deals Fall Apart, And How To Prevent It
A business sale requires the full attention and cooperation of the seller. Take your vacation before putting the business on the market. Then be prepared to dig in, be available and be actively involved in the stages of the selling process. Once it’s sold, then it’s time for that trip of a lifetime. Your engine
Caterpillar, Argonne Undertake Cooperative Virtual Engine Design
Internal combustion engines are poised for dramatic breakthroughs in improving efficiency with lower emissions, thanks in part to low-temperature combustion regimes. Such regimes show great efficiency and emissions potential, but they present optimization and control challenges that must be addressed before they enter the engine mainstream. Caterpillar Inc., in Peoria, IL, turned to U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne
Delphi Launches Heavy-Duty Repair Program
Delphi Product & Service Solutions (DPSS) announced the launch of its global Electronic Unit Pump (EUP) and Smart Injector repair program for high performance, heavy-duty (HD) applications. The product launch provides Delphi’s authorized repair network the potential service opportunity of almost two million EUP and Smart injector units. Delphi’s EUP uses proven valve technology from
The Latest Improvements on Performance Cylinder Heads
Heads are a product line that warrant almost constant research. Both the OEMs and aftermarket are creating new applications that solve problems, save time or money and just generally make life easier for engine builders. But, these improvements are only beneficial if those builders know what is out there waiting to help them. So, we
Working ‘On’ Your Business, Not Just ‘In’ It
Before I dig into an article about how to work on your business instead of in it, I’d like to share a story with you. Once upon a time, my accountant had to prepare 102 W2s in a single year for my shop. We had so much turnover, dealt with so much chaos and were
What Can CNC Do For You?
Are you using Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) equipment in your shop? According to our most recent Babcox Machine Shop Market Profile Survey, 12 percent of engine builders said they own a CNC machining center (a multi-purpose machine that can do surfacing, boring, milling, drilling, etc.). The survey also asked what other types of equipment our
Three Ways to Promote and Sell More Service Through Your Website
The U.S. economy continues to change, resulting in more consumers keeping their vehicles longer. Consumers are also becoming more proactive in the care and maintenance of their vehicles, which translates into more opportunities for you to sell parts, accessories and full services Here are three ways you can use your website to sell more service:
SCT Holdings Acquires Bully Dog
SCT Holdings (SCT), a software company focused on improving fuel efficiency and increasing performance in vehicles, announced the acquisition of Bully Dog, an automotive calibration solutions provider to the truck aftermarket. The combined company will offer customers with the most effective software solutions to optimize their vehicles’ performance across an unprecedented number of vehicle types. “Combining
AERA Tech & Skills Conference Hosted by Liberty Engine Parts
Time is running out to register for the AERA Tech & Skills Conference hosted by Liberty Engine Parts on Saturday, March 15, 2014 in Louisville, KY. The AERA Tech & Skills Conference hosted by Liberty Engine Parts will be held at 3865 Produce Road Suite 213-A, Louisville, KY 40218. FEES: $10 per person ($10 for each additional person from the same
4 Ways to Personalize Your Website Brand
What makes you stand out from your competition? Whether you’re the customer service leader, have the best service techs in town or offer the widest selection of aftermarket wheels in the state, the unique value proposition you offer is your brand identity. Your website is your first opportunity to showcase that unique value proposition, so
Holley Announces Gen 3 Ultra Dominator
The original Dominator took carburetion to another level in 1969 when it was developed for NASCAR racing. It has been refined over the years, and is now receiving its biggest change ever. Holley is proud to introduce the Gen 3 Ultra Dominator featuring an all new main body, all new calibrations, high capacity fuel bowls,
Dyno-Might: Utilizing a Dynamometer to ‘Boost’ Engine Builds
Some would say that one of the criteria for being a “real” performance engine builder is having your own engine dyno. A dynamometer is not just a tool for measuring horsepower and torque (though some people think that’s all a dyno is used for). It’s a quality control tool that allows you to make sure
Computer ‘Tools’
Infusing Software Technology into a Performance Build For years, computer-aided design (CAD) has been used in the automotive industry to develop prototypes of body styles, as well as to design auto components including engine parts, electronics and even tires. In fact, Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty, an American computer scientist who is known as the “Father
Choosing Camshafts – Picking Performance
Choosing the “right” camshaft is not only the cornerstone of building a performance engine, but also its centerpiece. Choosing a cam can give anyone a headache – especially if they choose the wrong cam for a given application. There’s a lot of science involved in cam selection, so keep reading and we’ll help you
SEMA’s Gen-III Innovator Award Presented to MSD Performance’s Todd Petersen
Todd Petersen, the Chief Innovation Officer of MSD Performance, was awarded the SEMA Gen-III Award during the 2013 SEMA Banquet. The SEMA Gen-III Award credits a young individual that generates a game-changing product or service to our industry. Petersen has been instrumental in leading the MSD Performance team to develop their line of Atomic EFI
Building on Cummins B-Series
Changes from the 5.9L to the 6.7L Engine When you think about a Dodge truck, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I will give you a hint: Cummins. Dodge introduced the B-series Cummins engine in the Dodge truck in 1989. It’s not like they had to convince consumers that the Cummins engine
Cylinder Head Porting
Huge flow numbers may be impressive, but optimizing airflow at mid-valve lift is key to power. If airflow though a valve port is plotted on a graph for the entire valve cycle (from opening to peak lift and back to close), the area under the curve is total airflow, which corresponds to total power. So
