Numbers Don’t Tell The Whole Story
We ask a lot of questions. Yes, I can admit it – we’re a nosy bunch here at Engine Builder. Sometimes, our requests may come across as discourteous, intrusive or even downright rude. Because sometimes we ask hard questions, things that even I would probably hesitate to answer. Let me first say this: I apologize
I Object! – Be Sure Your Sources Are Reliable
Like Perry Mason, I don’t trust hearsay information. When I am not sure of something, I consult a book, website or ask someone who is an expert about the information I seek. Having been in an automotive and racing career for 50 years, I have a huge collection of Chilton and Motor Manuals, from 1935
Reusing, Reclaiming, Remanufacturing – Whatever you call it, it’s how the industry recycles parts and components
No matter what kind of engine builder or remanufacturer you may be or what applications you build for, at some point in time you’re going to run into a situation where a used engine part or component will come in handy. You’ll reuse, reclaim or remanufacture it for your specific job. Whatever the reason may
A Job Well Done
If Timm Jurincie stopped accepting engine work today at his Avondale, AZ shop, Tuf-Enuf Auto & Marine Performance, he would still have enough work to last until September. Tuf-Enuf, which focuses on performance marine engines and street strip motors, is a sought-after engine shop in the Avondale and Phoenix area despite not advertising. “We don’t
Wet & Dry Sump Oiling Systems – Choosing the Right System for the Right Job
If you are building a customer’s “dream engine” what type of oiling system should you use? The answer to that question will depend on the application (street, drag, circle track, road race, off-road or marine), engine RPM and how much your customer is willing to invest in a lubrication system. Your choices may also be
Learning Curve – Understanding the Evolution of Cylinder Head Seat and Guide Machines
Like many of you, I’ve been watching the transition in head machines for the engine machinist industry with great interest. And you and I both are looking at how changes in equipment will impact your business. You see, I teach in an engine machinist program and when I took over the program in 1993 our
From a Dump Truck Dynasty Came a Speedboat King
Garfield Wood never intended to go into the boat building business. His goal in life was to personally set every speed record on water and be recognized as the world’s speedboat king. However, a need for speed on the water came about at an early age working with his father. Garfield Arthur Wood was born
Help this Industry – and Help Yourself, Too
As you have heard from this bully pulpit many times over the past 15 or so years, I want you to let us know how we’re doing. Engine Builder exists so our readers (engine builders, remanufacturers and machine shops) and advertisers have a business tool that promotes the success of both. Communication is both simpler
AFTERMARKET DIESEL INNOVATIONS – Evolutionary, Revolutionary or Illegal?
Diesel technology has come a long way, evolving from smelly, dirty, slow, workhorse engines to clean-burning, high-torque, high-horsepower engines that can give many gasoline engines a run for the money on a drag strip or race track. Diesels aren’t just for towing or pulling anymore, they’re finding a niche in all kinds of performance applications
At the Top of the RPM Range
Craig Haslem first got into the engine building industry while working at a NAPA store in Berea, OH. He worked as a counterman in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s until he was asked to work in the machine shop at the location. After just a week, the guy who brought him into the machine
Building A Ford 460 Stroker
Any automotive enthusiast would agree that the quest for more power is the true addiction. From simple bolt-ons to hardcore internals such as different bore and stroke combinations tend to fuel our burning desire. Every enthusiast seems to have a passion for a particular brand of manufacturer. Take for instance the Flathead Ford V8 engine.
UNDERSTANDING ROD RATIOS
Performance engine builders are always looking at changes they can make that will give their engine an edge over the competition. Rod ratio is one of those factors that may make a difference. Changing the length of the rods with respect to the stroke of the crankshaft offers some advantages in certain situations, and may
Take Our Business Back – Let’s Stop Talking About the Parts Sales Dilemma and Do Something
What has me so fired up recently is a report I read in another industry magazine written by a UPS executive, who was reporting on a study they did on consumer online purchases and the automotive industry. Of course, this is a good thing for a carrier, as the greater the online purchases, the more
When Does Your Customer Service End?
Anytime I have a discussion with an engine builder, I’ve found our conversation eventually turns to his customers. We discuss how he can get more, how he can satisfy the ones he has now and, in some cases, how to get rid of the ones he doesn’t want anymore. As you know only too well,
NTPA Tractor Pulling Powerplants – Big Size, Big Horses, Big Torque
Tractor pulling in America means a lot of things to different people. Many in the general public regard the sport as nothing more than stock trucks and tractors coming in off the farm and doing their thing at the county fair. That was then, this is now. The sport has grown from those humble roots
Timing Chains, Gear Sets and Belt Drives
The short answer to which type of cam drive is best depends on the application, what your customer wants and how much they can afford to spend. A stock link style timing chain is fine for everyday driving and normal use. “Silent tooth” link chains are quiet, long-lived and adequate for stock cams and valve
Blast Off – What’s New in Blast Media and Machines
In this industry, it’s often cheaper to remanufacture or rebuild an engine than it is to make a new one. However, doing so requires cleaning worn and dirty parts. In addition, customers these days are increasingly asking for cleaner parts and engines. How are you supposed to get tough grease, oil, rust, paint, carbon build-up,
Tracing The Pathway To The Presidency
Without speeches, fanfare or so much as a single balloon drop, one presidential candidate is quietly preparing to take the reins of leadership this fall. Unlike other much more public political battles being waged across this great nation this year, Scott Miller, incoming president of the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association (PERA) is winning WITH his
Flow Bench Testing is More Than CFM Numbers – What You Need to Know
On the surface, flow bench testing seems easy, but it’s not. Many in the industry have become solely fixated on cubic feet per minute (cfm) numbers, placing importance on a number that is easily manipulated and ignoring other data about a cylinder head’s performance. This thinking would make flow bench testing seem easy, but this
Head & Block RESURFACING EQUIPMENT
Regardless of what type of engine work you do in your shop (stock, performance, diesel, marine or anything that comes in the door), you need the ability to surface heads and blocks. Deck surfaces on high mileage heads and blocks are often corroded, pitted, scratched and/or out-of-flat – especially if the engine blew a head