The Inner Workings of Variable Valve Timing
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) is a way to advance/retard valve timing, and change duration, overlap and even lift in some applications while the engine is running. VVT is computer-controlled and typically uses oil pressure to change the position of a phaser mechanism on the end of the camshaft to advance or retard cam timing. VVT
Washington Introduces Bill to Exempt Collectible Vehicles From Emissions Test Requirement
Legislation H.B. 2359 to exempt collectible vehicles of any age from emissions testing was introduced in the Washington State House of Representatives recently. The bill will be considered by the House Environment Committee. Here are the details: H.B. 2359 defines collectible vehicles as a vehicle of unique or rare design, of limited production, and an object
Tax Change Checklist for Engine Shops
It’s that time of the year again — time to pass out those W2 forms to your employees. And with the start of a new year, it’s always a sure bet that there will be changes to the tax law, and 2014 is no exception. From health savings accounts to retirement contributions and standard deductions,
Hydrocarbon Heartburn? — Effects of Sulfur Reduction in Motor Oils
Let’s face it, things change. Not only have the prices of gasoline, diesel and motor oils changed in the last decade or so, the chemical makeup of these products have all changed, too. The reduction of sulfur in diesel fuel, gasoline and motor oil has had measurable effects on fuel injectors and other vital engine
Time in a Bottle — Reasons Behind Changing Engine Oils
When I was just a young pup in the 1960s working on lubes for Shell Research and Development, passenger car motor oils (PCMO) were much simpler and easier to understand. There were only three performance levels: motor light (ML), motor moderate (MM), and motor severe (MS). Auto manufacturers and lube oil marketers worked closely with
MSD Performance Group Acquired by Hot Rod Brands
MSD Revved Up for the Future with new Owner Z Capital. MSD Performance Group, one of the world leaders in vehicle aftermarket performance parts, announced today that the company has been acquired by Hot Rod Brands, LLC an affiliate of Z Capital Partners, LLC. MSDP sells products under the MSD, Racepak, Powerteq, Edge and Superchips
IDUSA Launches New Premium Guard Extended Life Oil Filter
The new Premium Guard line is designed to deliver engine protection up to 10,000 miles when used with synthetic oil. International Distributors USA Inc. (IDUSA), a global supply network of automotive replacement parts, has announced its new line of Premium Guard Extended Life Oil Filters to meet the growing need for filters that are able
The 2013 Performance Engine Builder of the Year Contest Reaches ‘Sweet Sixteen’
The staff of Engine Builder magazine has announced the Top 16 Semi-Finalists in the 2nd Annual Performance Engine Builder of the Year program, sponsored by Driven Racing Oil. The award is presented to the performance shop that best exhibits the qualities of creativity and innovation, training and education, merchandising and promotion, professional standards and conduct,
The Hybrid Shop To Showcase Hybrid Battery Pack Conditioning at SEMA Show
The Hybrid Shop is building an international dealer network to provide environmentally friendly, cost-saving solution that virtually eliminates need for battery replacement in hybrid-electric vehicles. The Hybrid Shop (THS), a growing international network of dealers committed to providing expert care for hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), announced that it will exhibit its new method of battery pack
Some Motor Oil Gets Failing ‘Grade’
API purchased and tested more than 1,800 motor oils dispensed from bulk tanks over the last five years and nearly 20 percent of the bulk oil samples tested failed to meet API standards. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has evaluated results from its annual motor oil testing program and determined that almost 1 in 5 samples of
Waste Oil Heaters Can Drastically Cut Costly Shop Heating Bills
When we looked at the numbers, it only made sense to invest in these heaters as a way to cut down on our heating costs, which can be sizeable here in the Chicago area. The first time I was introduced to a waste oil heater was more than 20 years ago while I was working
Chrysler 62TE Low Clutch Drum with Teflon Coating for Improved Performance
Company: Capital Core http://cctransmissionparts.com The new 62TE low clutch drum from Capital Core features a Teflon coating where the sealing rings fit, minimizing sealing ring wear in the aluminum that can result in leakage. A Chrysler 62TE low clutch drum with Teflon coating that offers improved performance over the O.E. component is now available from Capital Core, Inc.,
Quieting Down Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L And 3.8L Engines
These engines have a mixed reputation for being high-mileage, dependable powerplants as well as noisy motors that can fail at relatively low mileage. First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and
Engine Oil Choices Are Changing
The universal engine oil is expected to die in 2016. Diesel, gasoline and natural gas engine oils are going to be changing by 2016. With the current regulatory emphasis on improving fuel economy, which also reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, engine oil scientists will soon be reformulating all three oils to improve fuel economy. When the
Shell Lubricants Showcases its Lubricants Technology and Business Values at Houston Grand Prix
Track Provides Ultimate Test Ground to Benefit Engine Builders, Race Enthusiasts, Consumers and Automakers Continuing a rich motorsports history, Shell Lubricants has proven again that its storied relationship with IndyCar translates learning from the track to real-world benefits on the road and beyond. Serving as the ultimate proving ground, education taken from the racetrack adds value to
PRI Show to Hold All-new Race Industry Week Events
Known as “The Annual Epicenter of New Racing Technology,” this year’s PRI Trade Show takes place December 12-14 at the recently renovated Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Showcasing more than 1100 exhibiting companies while drawing 40,000-plus motorsports professionals from around the globe, the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show will be better than ever when it returns to
APRA and ReMaTec Team Up for New Automotive and Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Show
The new show will be positioned as an annual kick off for the automotive aftermarket tradeshows in Las Vegas each Fall. The first edition will be held in Las Vegas NV, November 1-3, 2014 The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), the global association for remanufacturers all over the world and Amsterdam RAI, owners and organizers of ReMaTec, the world’s
William “Bill” Gager to Retire from APRA with 35 Years of Service
Under Gager’s leadership, the staff of APRA has organized major events for its membership including the annual International BIG R Show and Exposition, regional technical clinics, educational seminars, forums and plant tours, as well as implemented popular business management and savings programs. CHANTILLY, VA – William “Bill” Gager announced today that he will retire from his
Dayco Adds Harmonic Balancers to its Line of Aftermarket Products
New product line comes with the acquisition of Precision Parts of Australia. TULSA, Okla. – Dayco Products is continuing its expansion activities into the harmonic balancer manufacturing market with the acquisition of Precision Parts Pty. Ltd. The company will now operate under the name Dayco Precision Holdings Pty. Ltd. This is the second acquisition for Dayco announced this
New lightweight, aluminum oil pumps for 429-460 big-block Fords from Jon Kaase Racing Engines
These aluminum pumps are redesigned to eradicate fractures at mounting base and to improve idle and high rpm oil pressure Company: Jon Kaase Racing Engines, Inc. JonKaaseracingengines.com One of the main problems that beset tuners of big-block Ford engines is oil pump failure. The casting develops a fracture at the section change around its mountings, which
