Executive Interview with Vic Edelbrock Jr., President and CEO of the Edelbrock Corp.
From aftermarketNews.com There have been plenty of media reports detailing the struggle in the auto industry today due to the tough economic climate. We haven’t heard much, however, about how this situation is impacting niche suppliers and the performance sector. What are you seeing out there right now?
Chasing the Restoration Engine Market
We’ve all heard the stories and urban legends about old classic cars being found in someone’s garage or estate. Typically, the story goes, the owner just passed away, and his widow had no idea what was in the barn. Sounds too good to be true but it happens. One such story that recently grabbed headlines
Elgin Industries Launches 90th Anniversary Celebration
In1919, the world’s best-selling automobile was the Ford Model T and theindependent aftermarket was still in its formative stages. Yet,Czechoslovakian immigrant Martin Skok saw opportunity in the vehicleparts industry. In May of that year, Skok founded the company thatwould become Elgin Industries, which, 90 years later, continues toprove that a family-owned manufacturing business can thrive
Proper Torque Wrench Use and Maintenance
A torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener. Whether tightening head bolts on an automobile engine, lugs for tire and rim installation or inspecting fastener tolerances on high-performance equipment, it is extremely important that proper care is used. Guidelines are typically provided noting acceptable torque
Aftermarket Icon, Ed Justice Sr., Dead at 87
Ed Justice, Sr., the last of three brothers who founded Justice Brothers, Inc. which would become a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of car care additives, lubricants and cleaners, has died. He was 87. Justice died August 30, 2008 of complications due to kidney failure in Arcadia, California, said son Ed Justice, Jr. With $2,500 profit
Fuel Situation Which Will Force Changes
By J.B. Edwards What will the automobile engine of tomorrow be like? Will it, five or ten years hence, be simply a refinement of today’s engine – a small improvement here, a slight modification there – or will it be an entirely different power unit? Today’s automobile engine, taking the field as a whole, seems
IndyCar Series Holds Automotive Manufacturer Round-table to Discuss New Specs, Encourage More Participation
With the Indianapolis MotorSpeedway on the cusp of celebrating two significant centennials, andthe unification of open-wheel racing in North America complete, theIndyCar Series has announced plans to define its next generation oftechnical competition rules with the ultimate goal of encouraging newmanufacturer participation within the series. An ‘IndyCar Automotive Manufacturers Round-table’ targeting seniorlevel automotive executives will
AAIA Asks Congress to Support to H.R. 5638
The Automotive AftermarketIndustry Association (AAIA) has called on Congress to support H.R.5638, legislation that would amend federal patent law to provide anexception from design patent infringement for alternative repair partsused for the purpose of restoring a vehicle to its original appearance.The bill was introduced by Representative Zoe Lofgren (Calif.-16). Car companies’ use of design patents
BMW
BMW’s Mini engine plant is located in Warwickshire, the British Midlands, which is part of BMW’s UK ‘manufacturing triangle’. The Warwickshire assembly line recently achieved a significant milestone, it built its one-millionth engine since production first started at the plant seven years ago. The continued growth of the Mini’s popularity has enabled BMW to add
USAC Names New President, Senior VP of Racing Operations
The Board of Directors of the United States Auto Club (USAC) has appointed Kevin Miller as CEO and president of USAC, and Jason Smith senior vice-president of racing operations. “USAC is excited to start a new era with Kevin and Jason on board,” said Johnny Capels, USAC Chairman. “Kevin brings a proven track record of
Ensuring The Job’s Done Right
"Don’t blame me. It’s not my fault." How many timeshave you either heard or spoken those sentences when undertakingwork as either a service facility or automotive shop owner. Inmy more than 20 years associated with automobile manufacturerservice training, the question of how to ensure a job is donecorrectly, and whose responsibility it is to see
Coretalk: PROFormance Acquires Automotive Remanufacturers de M
The acquired company was previously a business segment of Recon Automotive Remanufacturers and was part of a sale of Recon’s assets to PROFormance. The acquisition provides PROFormance expanded production capacity, a broadened product offering and entry into the Mexican and Central American markets for remanufactured automobile engines. “PROFormance continues to grow its remanufactured engine business.
Coretalk: Performance Marine Industry Expo To Launch In Las Vegas
The theme of the show is “Experience the Power, the Passion and the Performance.” Consumers will be able to see boats in action at Lake Mead, performance test new boats and test boats they purchased at the show. Performance Marine Industry Expo is the result of ConvExx, producer of the internationally acclaimed SEMA show, teaming
Growing Your Grassroots Engine Business
Webster’s Dictionary defines "grassroots" in several ways, including two that are particularly appropriate for this month’s article on racing engines. These two definitions are: 1) "Ordinary citizens, especially as contrasted with the leadership or elite." 2) "The origin or basis of something." The first definition could easily be interpreted as the local racers compared to
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
Machine Maintenance
We all know this is a tough business. Competition is more aggressive than ever and comes from all directions. Engines last longer than ever, it’s tougher to make a buck, you’ve got to work like a dog to make ends meet. So why in the world would anyone EVER want to be an engine builder?Well,
High Performance Rocker Arms, Valve Springs, Retainers and Locks
On a small block Chevy, altering the rocker arm geometry without changing the rocker arm lift ratio can add 15 to 20 horsepower at the rear wheels. The stock lift ratio for a small block (SB) Chevy V8 rocker arm is 1.5:1, and for a big block (BB) Chevy V8, the ratio is 1.7:1. Bolt-on
Timing Chain Selection: And a look at ‘new’ and ‘how to’
The simple timing chain: it has a distinct function, yet constantly changing designs, materials, procedures and refinements make for a part that seems to evolve by the month. With such changes going on, how do we know what chain and gears are the best to use on a particular engine? When the automobile was invented,
Performance Cylinder Sleeves
In the performance segment of the automotive aftermarket, young enthusiasts often think only the latest is great enough for their vehicle. Thanks to the prevalence of computerized engine management systems, some might believe that high-tech guarantees high horsepower. Yesterday’s technology? No way will it find success on the street or strip. However, engine builders know
Coretalk: Tony Stewart Motorsports To Headline SME Show
Stewart’s personal race team, which is a passion for the versatile NASCAR, IndyCar and USAC champion, will be featured on the show floor on January 24-25 at the Performance Theater. “The competition level is so tight right now – any extra bit of speed or performance you can squeeze out of your car can be