Vincent Mancini Sees the Future of PERA ; Right Here, Right Now
You might think that a popular rock band would have nothing to contribute to an engine remanufacturer. You might think the best way to make a profit is to slash expenses by all means necessary. Or, you might think things would be better if your customer would just see your side of the story for
Coretalk: September 2001
Ford Plans to Revamp Parts Distribution Network Ford Motor Co. is working to restructure and expand its United States parts distribution network to deliver service and repair parts to its dealers faster and more efficiently. Over the next three years, Ford plans to increase the number of parts distribution centers from 10 to 21, creating
Improved Productivity and Profit Are ‘Musts’
Do you set daily, weekly or monthly sales goals for your shop? Do you set profit targets so you
Back to Basics: Preventing Piston Problems
Burned pistons. Scuffed pistons. Cracked pistons. These are problems no customer wants to experience in an engine you’ve built. Warranty claims can kill your business, so here are some tips on how to prevent these and other common piston problems. First and foremost, if you’re custom building an engine that has already suffered some kind
GM 302: Our High Output OBD II Compliant Engine
In my last column (Automotive Rebuilder, May 2001, page 24), I described an OBD II emissions-compliant 302 we built for a Chevrolet project car. This engine, running at 6700 rpm, developed 370 horsepower at the rear wheels through exhaust without converters. This thoroughbred not only shared the same displacements as its predecessor, it also had
Know The Gray Areas, Or End Up In The Red
In past "Shop Financials" columns, I have talked about several things companies can do to automate their businesses that will improve their profitability. I have talked about ideas that, if incorporated into a business, will give crucial information for the decision-making process on financial issues. I mentioned statements like, "If you cannot measure it, you
Making A Good Profit Margin In The Engine Building Business
As results from our recent Machine Shop Market Profile show (see page 21), making a good profit margin in the engine building business demands that you not only have your parts and labor pricing in order, but also your operating expenses fully under control. However, there are also several proposed bills working their way through
First Issue Of Engine Builder
Welcome to the first issue of Engine Builder magazine. We hope you enjoy the new look as well as our emphasis on providing a closer view of all things engine related. In this issue we cover everything from emerging technology in valvetrain designs to the impact of the transformation of salvage yards on engine builders.
From Tame OE Block To High Performance Monster
The race engine is only as good as its weakest part. There are many ways to build a great high performance engine, but one key is essential: each and every part of that engine must work together to build the "best" power. In this case, "best" power means that the engine does exactly what the
Great Scott! Wichlacz Takes Over as AERA Chairman
Wichlacz Takes Over as AERA Chairman Scott Wichlacz’s story begins the way many rebuilders’ stories begin: a young boy tinkering with lawnmower and tractor engines, taking apart the component parts of mechanisms and putting them back together, always knowing that this would be his chosen career. One thing led to another, and Wichlacz moved on
Little Engines, Big Money
For the rebuilding facility familiar with typical automotive or heavy-duty engines, the small displacement, four-cycle, air-cooled engine may seem insignificant. After all, these one-cylinder motors, which may produce just 5 hp, are found in lawn mowers, rototillers and kiddy go karts, for cryin’ out loud! Although the small four-cycle engines from Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh,
Engine Builder Will Focus Exclusively On The Engine Builder
By the time you begin reading this page you will probably already realize that next month marks the formal introduction of a newly designed and rebadged magazine. Beginning with the June 2001 issue, Automotive Rebuilder magazine will become Engine Builder magazine. In 1964 Automotive Rebuilder began its coverage of the automotive rebuilding industry. From then
Engine Balancing Traditional and Niche Market Opportunities, John Witt
Like many segments of the auto market, automotive machine shops have seen technology changes, changes in marketing/distribution channels (crate motors, for example) and the consolidation of shops. Staying competitive and profitable can be a daily challenge. The selection of services you offer and the direction in which you grow your business has never been more
Ford 4.0L V6 Engine
The original 2.6L engine was replaced by the 2.8L, which was upgraded to the 2.9L and then finally bored and stroked to make it into the 4.0L that was used in the Rangers, Aerostars and Explorers starting in 1990. It was replaced by a SOHC engine from this same family at the end of model
Being Busy Does Not Always Mean You Are Running A Profitable Shop
Implementing proper financial accounting will make that happen What does it take to be successful? There should be a way to accomplish our goals and have fun while achieving them. Imagine this: what if you knew in advance a particular stock was going to double in price over the next year? Would you invest in
Hot Heads, Head Work On Harley Davidson Engines Can Yield Good Profits
Porting these heads and increasing airflow and valve sizes does the trick For decades, Harley Davidson (HD) owners have sought increased power and performance for their machines. We have found over the years that porting the cylinder head and increasing the valve sizes and airflow not only adds horsepower but also increases torque and driveability.
High Performance May Be Your Shop
As an automotive machine shop owner, you’re reading Automotive Rebuilder magazine because you want to stay abreast of all the happenings in your industry. Along with that, you’re also searching for ways to improve your bottom line by adding additional products or services to your operation. High performance machining could be the ticket. The explosive
Automotive Rebuilder Interview with Brad Hartmann, Hartmann Bros., Inc.
Brad Hartmann is president of Hartmann Bros. Inc., a heavy duty rebuilding operation located in Abilene, TX. He is the incoming chairman of AERA’s Vanguard committee, the group providing leadership opportunities to AERA members under the age of 40. Hartmann, 31, has been with the company since high school in the 1980s, beginning full-time employment
Torque-to-Angle/Yield Threaded Fasteners
All the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have fastener labs with lots of sophisticated equipment and well-educated people working on fastening issues. They even have their own professional association – The Bolting Technology Council – which holds meetings and seminars about fasteners. I’m not a fastener engineer, and I’m not going to make you into one.
Threaded Fasteners Torque-to-Yield and Torque-to-Angle
All the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have fastener labs with lots of sophisticated equipment and well-educated people working on fastening issues. They even have their own professional association – The Bolting Technology Council – which holds meetings and seminars about fasteners. I’m not a fastener engineer, and I’m not going to make you into one.