Dynos and Test Stands: Profit Center or Business Black Hole?
Dynamometers allow an engine builder to test, tune and tweak his engines before giving customers the opportunity to do something foolish with them. In a recent poll on Engine Builder’s website, we asked our readers how important a dyno is to their business. According to our (admittedly unscientific) results, 44 percent of Engine Builder readers
University of the Aftermarket Introduces Special Savings in Support Of AAP and MAAP Candidates, New NCMA Certificate Program
For a limited time, aftermarket professionals can save 20 percent on any of the 12 Web-based University of the Aftermarket “On-Demand” short-format video courses available through www.universityoftheaftermarket.com. This special offer, available through June 30, is designed to help industry participants earn continuing education units toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket
New Camshaft Microfinishing and DLC Application Services for U.S. Market
Bekaert Diamond-Like Coatings recently installed a high energy centrifugal barrel micro-polishing machine for camshaft polishing. The machine will enable Bekaert to give camshafts the ideal pre-coating treatment, to ensure optimal smoothness of the surface before applying the black DLC coatings. Additionally, Bekaert will also service customers who are not looking to apply DLC coatings, but
Asian Engine Market: Not Lost in Translation
Of course, import interest is nothing new. It has been growing since the fuel crisis of the ’70s, but in 2009, Asian car companies surpassed domestic manufacturers in the percentage of all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. for the first time ever. While it seems the majority of the performance aftermarket bleeds
Stroker Motor Opportunities: Love the One You’re With
Let’s face it: there are only so many 340 Chryslers, Boss 302s, 427 medium risers and 440 Six-pack engines out there. Luckily, many combinations of less-familiar engine components are readily available and can rescue you from the cookie cutter mentality. A quick inspection of a few of the many forged piston manufacturers’ catalogs reveals a
Rebuilding the Chrysler 3.3L / 3.8L Engine
Before we run through the changes, though, here’s a quick overview of the 3.3L and 3.8L engines: (download the illustrated pdf here) • They’re conventional 60 degree V6 motors with iron blocks and aluminum heads, including some castings that are shared by both engines and some that aren’t. • The differences between
Egge To Present Workshop at 2010 Hot Rod & Restoration Show Education and Training Day
Egge Machine Co. has been added to the list of companies presenting workshops during the 2010 Hotrod & Restoration Trade Show’s Education & Training Day, which takes place Thursday, March 11 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Egge was founded by Edward N. Egge in 1915 as a small repair shop. Known as the
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: December 2009
Keeping Your Parts Washer Clean I was having difficulty keeping my parts washer clean, and the fluid/solvent was not lasting long enough. By utilizing an old oil filter housing from a 390 Ford motor, I found a way to keep the parts washer clean and increase the longevity of the washer fluid. I keep my 390
Critical Cam Event Criteria
If you want to build a performance street motor built on a moderate budget, part of the deal is that it’s up to you to select the cam for the job. Without spending forever researching it, and nearly as long installing and timing it, what cam will be the best for the job? Here are
SEMA Board of Directors Approves Creation of an Industry Product Data Pool
The data pool will enable the sharing of information between trading partners, e-catalogs and those requiring the ability to perform computer look-ups to sell more parts. The first of its kind, the pool will be a comprehensive, one-stop service to SEMA’s membership and to all other suppliers and resellers in the North American aftermarket. “SEMA
Questioning a Trip to Las Vegas?
Starting on Tuesday, Nov. 3, many thousands of people working in theautomotive industry will join together in Las Vegas as participants inthe AAPEX, SEMA, NACE and CARS shows, (and Big R Show Nov. 1-2). Combined, these five shows are the largest celebration ofeverything automotive, from hard parts, accessories and paint, to toolsand equipment and anything
A Winning Pair
The Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA) and the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) will both be holding their annual expositions at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas prior to the AAPEX and SEMA Shows. Combining the two shows – APRA’s The BIG R Show and ATRA’s Powertrain Expo – into one all-encompassing exhibit
Tiffin Expands Forklift Engine Parts Line
TIFFIN PARTS LLC, a business unit of Pettibone LLC, which is an affiliate of The Heico Companies, has introduced 33 new items for 3 new engine kits supporting the engine rebuilder market. Mark D. Knight, President of TIFFIN PARTS, stated that the expanded product offering was in response to customer requests for supporting newer Nissan
Engine & Performance Warehouse Presents Annual Awards at Summer Conference
Engine& Performance Warehouse (EPWI) recently named its 2008 "Vendor ofthe Year" and "Representative of the Year" at an awards dinner duringits annual summer conference. The event was held Aug. 6, 2009 in Vail, Colo. Engine & Performance Warehouse named Joe Gibbs Racing as EPWI’s2008 Vendor of the Year. Lake Speed Jr. accepted the award for
Take The War Out Of Warranty Claims
While it may have been an uncomfortable topic for some, I feel I succeeded with the previous column. Of course there are always those who dispute the need for personal responsibility. Since we live in a world full of handouts and government programs, why be responsible for yourself? I have a good friend who describes
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
Profiting From Personal Performance
Ifyou’ve been following my articles over the last year, you may bestarting to get some new ideas for finding profits in selling highperformance engines, parts and accessories. We’ve discussed various sales techniques to battle internet and catalogparts sales, or “walk-in parts,” as I like to call them. I wrote aboutstrategies and gave them creative names
APRA Announces 21st European Symposium
At the International APRA European Symposium, remanufacturers have the opportunity to engage in vital dialogues on issues that affect their industry. By attending the seminars and the reception they can take advantage of some of the industry’s best networking opportunities to better understand the future of these markets. They will recognize opportunities to improve their
United Engine & Machine Company, Inc. Announces New Director of Sales
United Engine & Machine Company recently announced it has hiredDennis Fox as its Director of Sales and Marketing. Fox has 25 years ofexperience in the automotive aftermarket, most recently with Dura-BondBearing Company. UEM’s General Manager Nick Mercado says,"We are excited to have Dennisjoin the team with his background and 25 years experience and knowledgeof the
Crane Cams To Be Purchased By Scorpion Performance, Holds Job Fair
Scorpion Performance, Inc., a high performance valvetrain parts manufacturer, recently announced that it is in the process of buyingCrane Cams, which closed its doors in February and was scheduled for a liquidation sale in April. Crane Cams has been in business 56 years and is one of the best-known brands in the industry. Scorpion Performance