Dry Sump Oiling Systems
Dry sump oil systems are used on all kinds of racing applications from NASCAR, circle track, road course and Formula One racing to ProStock drag racing. Dry sump oil systems are even found in some current production applications such as the LS9, LS7 and LS3 engines in late model Corvette ZR1, ZO6 and Grand Sport
Breakin-In Is Hard To Do
Before we begin discussing assembly lubes and break-in oils, I would like to emphasize that no one factor is responsible for racing success (or failure). It’s like an algebraic equation with a lot of variables, all of which must be addressed. The same is true of engine assembly and break-in. You must utilize only those
Crack Detection and Correction
First off, let’s get one thing perfectly clear – there’s no such thing as “flawless.” Like those shocking tabloid photos of that Hollywood actress who gets blindsided beside a bistro, even the most conscientious engine builder sometimes has to deal with surprising surface imperfections. And just as she has paparazzi to expose the damage and
Performance Piston Rings
When you’re building a performance engine, what kind of piston rings should you use? Rings run the gamut from cast iron to ductile iron to steel, with various dimensions, edge profiles and wear coatings. There are a lot of choices available and a lot of questions to answer. Some piston sets come with rings while
International Remanufacturing Forum Scheduled for Shanghai
APRA has joined with Automechanika Shanghai as the co-organizers of this International Remanufacturing Foum that will be held just prior to Automechanika Shanghai on December 11-14, 2012. Gager stated, “APRA is pleased with the strong support of our Forum and the Remanufacturing Pavilion within the exposition by the Automechanika Shanghai Team. This is a win-win
How To Prepare Your Shop For The Next Opportunity
There are also times when your equipment breaks down — with no warning— and business is at a standstill until it can be replaced or fixed.Having cash available is essential to keeping your business movingforward during both types of situations. However, it can be difficult keeping extra cash on hand to put towardthese situations. Many
BMW Oil Filter Head Leak
An O-ring with improved material quality (Viton) has been developedby BMW. The new repair kit (consisting of 1 Viton O-ring, 1 cover and 1snap ring) must be installed whenever an oil leak is detected comingfrom the control valve cover of the oil filter housing (seeillustration). This repair kit will eliminate the need to replace thecomplete
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
Monomoy Gets Financing for Holley Acquisition
LBC Credit Partners, a provider of financing solutions to middle market companies, has agented a$37.5 million senior secured term loan to support the purchase of High Performance Industries Inc. (dba Holley) by an affiliate of private equity group Monomoy Capital Partners LP. The acquisition was first announced in June. Holley manufactures products such as carburetors,
Crane Cams Receives 2012 Florida Companies to Watch Award
Florida Companies to Watch is an awards program that celebrates privately held second-stage companies headquartered in the state. To be eligible, applicants must employ between 6 and 99 full-time equivalent employees and have between $750,000 and $50 million in annual revenue or working capital in place. Award winners are selected for demonstrating the intent and
Keeping Valve Jobs Profitable
Okay, so head work accounts for a large percentage of your business. But is it as profitable as it should be or could be? Do you have a good handle on cylinder head related costs (parts, labor and cleaning)? Are the employees who are doing the head work competent and productive? Is your valve guide
Would You Really Help A Friend In Trouble? Here’s Your Chance
A guest editorial by Joe Mittelman, vice president of The Aftermarket Foundation The function of The Aftermarket Foundationis to locate and assist people from the aftermarket who, because of catastrophic injury or terrible illness, have fallen on hard times and financially have no other place to turn. The Aftermarket Foundation was started 50 years ago
Extending Valve Life
Most manufacturers of valvesoperate tech phone lines, and all have received that caller who opens the conversation by saying, "Your valve ruined my engine; when are you going to pay to fix it?"As much as the rebuilder or vehicle owner might like to lay blame it on the manufacturer for providing a bad product, it
Camshaft & Valvetrain Technology Overview
Camshaft and valvetrain technology is a topic we’ve written much about over the years. A rotating eccentric lobe on a camshaft still opens the valves. In the case of an overhead valve engine, the cam lobe pushes a follower or bucket tappet to open the valve. With a pushrod engine, the cam lobe pushes a
Nominations Now Open for Heavy Duty Remanufacturer of the Year
This award will be presented to a remanufacturer who has demonstrated leadership and vision in the industry. A committee will make the selection from among those nominated. Nominations may be directed to the attention of Bill Gager, President of the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) in Chantilly, Virginia. The winner of the Heavy Duty Remanufacturer
JE Pistons Relocates Manufacturing To Ohio
JE Pistons has announced that it is relocating its advanced manufacturing center to Mentor, Ohio.? "After successfully meeting our goal of launching Midwest piston production in the second quarter of 2012, our team continued to evaluatethe major needs of our customers," said Bob Hange, president of Performance Motorsports Inc. (PMi), the parent company of JE
Cummins Recognized by Chrysler as 2012 Sustainability Supplier of the Year
Chrysler Group recently recognized Cummins Inc. as the 2012 Sustainability Supplier of the Year during the company’s 2012 Annual Strategy Meeting and Supplier Awards Ceremony on June 6 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Nominations were based on the following criteria: • Significance to environmental, social and economic sustainability • Impact of the
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: June 2012
Reducing Vibrations And Chatter Vibrations when machining with extended length setups can not only cause chatter and premature tool failure, but also reduce spindle bearing life and lead to poor surface finish, dimensional control issues and premature tool wear. Shops are often forced to reduce cutting parameters to avoid chatter, decreasing productivity. Chatter occurs when
How to Properly Dress Crankshaft Grinding Wheels
The grinding wheel must be dressedeach time it is placed on the machine, even though it may not have beenremoved from the wheel center. Mountthe wheel dresser on the grinder table. Bring the rotating grindingwheel up close to the diamond and start the coolant flow. Never dresswithout coolant. Frictional heat buildup can cause the diamond
Engine Bearings and Crankshafts: Best Friends Forever (BFFs)
Bearings appear to be such simple engine components. On the surface, they’re just half-circles of metal whose only purpose is to reduce friction between and support moving parts. The engine bearing has to establish and maintain a film of oil between moving and stationary parts to prevent wear to expensive engine components. They look like