Engine Rebuilders Council to Co-host New Reman Section at AAPEX
The Engine Rebuilders Council (ERC), along with the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), will co-host the 8,000-square-foot Remanufacturing Section at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), Oct. 30 – Nov.1. This new section will be centrally located on the main show floor and will focus on the economic, environmental and product performance benefits
Understanding Differences, Challenges Between Crankshaft Position Sensors
I don’t believe that I have ever written about watching out fordamaged as-cast reluctor rings, spark triggers or whatever other namesome manufacturer has given them to create their ownidentity/ownership. It’s not as bad as the variable displacementacronyms but still running a close second. ANYWAY. Before we talk about this issue you need to understand
Advanced Tips for EFI Tuning with Fuel Pressure
Below are many small but key points, tips and insights all “tuners” should know and understand before cranking on that adjustable regulator. 1) Install a fuel pressure gauge before removing the stock fuel pressure regulator and leave it installed until final adjustments are made to the new one. 2) Do NOT use liquid filled fuel
CNC Machining Advantages
Running a profitable machine shop these days requires a lot of things: skilled machinists who know what they are doing, accurate equipment that can perform all of the tasks that are required to machine cylinder heads and blocks, an efficient work environment that maximizes both shop labor and equipment usage to boost productivity, a commitment
Cashing In On The Cafe Racer, Vintage Bike Revival
The Rockers who rode on the racy-looking machines sculpted after grand prix motorcycles gained the nickname “cafe racers” because they were often seen parked outside a coffee shop and were considered wannabe racers. The name was originally intended to be an insult but later turned out to be a proud moniker. A right of passage
Understanding and Profiting From the Caterpillar C7
I believe society naturally directs the outcome of its environment: if someone manages a quality independent automotive repair shop, they will always be looking for ways to increase their education and specialty tools as technology changes. In order to take care of their customers when the warranty runs out and they no longer visit the
Hail to the Chiefs
With all of the talk of special interests, pork barrel spending and polarization, the political landscape across America seems hopelessly mired in rhetoric. But while it may be politics as usual in Washington, DC, on the airwaves and at both of the major party conventions, constituents of the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) will celebrate
Leveraging Your Most Valuable Customers
You have total control over how your business is run, but unfortunately for you, the economy is something that you have no power over. There’s basically two ways to address economic slumps, and I’m a strong advocate for one method and strongly denounce the other. The approach that I refuse to endorse falls along the
Torque Wrench Maintenance and Usage Tips
Guidelines are typically provided noting acceptable torque ranges, theorder in which specific fasteners are tightened and the number of timesa fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torqueapplication. Failure to properly torque fasteners can lead toequipment damage, personal injury or worse. It is important to follow acceptable maintenance and use practices, such as:
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: September 2012
Editor’s Note: This coming October will mark the 5thanniversary for the Shop Solutions column, and to help Engine Pro celebrate, we’re putting plans into place to have a “Top Five from the Past Five” contest where you get to choose your favorite Shop Solution from the past five years. Send your favorite Shop Solution to
Humpy Wheeler to Share Insights at Race Track Business Conference During PRI Race Industry Week
An outstanding panel of presenters is being assembled for the inaugural Race Track Business Conference-2012 to be held on Wednesday, November 28th, announced Tim Frost, publisher of National Speedway Directory. The event will be held just prior to and in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry Show, the centerpiece event for Race Industry Week 2012.
GRAND-AM Road Racing, American Le Mans Series Announce Historic Merger
Plans for a landmark merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) were unveiled Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway. Under terms of the merger, the following entities will combine with GRAND-AM: the American Le Mans Series; the International Motor Sports Association, which sanctions ALMS events; the Road Atlanta race track
National Performance Warehouse Acquires Sacramento-Based Motor Warehouse
National Performance Warehouse Companieshas announced the addition of its ninth location as a result of its acquisition of Motor Warehouse in Sacramento, Calif. This is NPW’s second acquisition in 30 days. Late last month, the company announced that it had purchased Karbelt Warehouse in Ajax, Ontario. Larry Pacey, company president and CEO, had these
Common Coolant Concerns – Know What You Know And Question the Rest
My column on issues surrounding the PCV system may have bordered on the mundane to some of you, but there was a method to the madness. When you stop to think about how often the PCV system is the root cause of a problem you just can’t talk about it often enough. I think of
Edelbrock LLC Acquires SX Performance
SX Performance has been designing and manufacturing advanced fluid delivery systems for aerospace, military and automotive use for over 60 years. They have a proven track record in aerospace design, manufacturing, quality control, distribution, and customer service while serving some of the largest names in the aerospace and armed forces sector. Edelbrock is very familiar
Time Management And Achieving Balance
Looking back at my upbringing, I recall we didn’t have as much “stuff” as my friends in school, but one thing my mom always had for us was her time and love. While Mom worked, she had many hobbies from bowling to rose gardening. As we began the process of cleaning out her house, her
It’s All About The Choices
When I had difficulty coming up with ideas worthy of the space between the covers of this magazine it took only a couple of phone calls from customers before the light bulb came on: I realized I needed to examine the past to address the present. After two or three calls from customers relating their
Musings on Presents, Prizes and Presidents
Sometimes these tips are of a very technical nature. Sometimes…well, not so much. “My wife decided to help me out this winter by buying me a new jacket to wear during the cold weather. She purchased a new camouflaged-colored work jacket. The jacket is just fine, except when I take it off and lay it
Common Rail Injection History: Less Conspiracy, More Efficiency
It seems as though when customers are at the shop, the question always arises as to what common-rail really means. Then after I explain the technology to them, the reply that I get is, “Why did they have to change everything and start using computers?” If you find yourself in a similar boat and have
Pneumatic Tool Innovations
Pneumatics is that section of technology that deals with the study and application of pressurized gass to affect mechancial motion. Or, said differently, pneumatic tools use compressed gas (usually air) to make them work. I would venture to guess that most, if not all, of you reading this use air tools frequently, or have used