Scoping Out the Sport Compact Market
At first it was known as the Import Tuner Market which later morphed into what is currently known as Sport Compact. However, the market could be changing again and may soon be called something else. Last year, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) changed the name of its Sport Compact Council to Street Performance Council
Minneapolis, MN Selected As Site of Fall 2010 PERA Convention
Minneapolis has been selected as the site of the 2010 Production Engine Remanufacturers Association Annual Convention. The convention, to be held Sept. 15-18, will include technical seminars, business and marketing presentations and at least two tours of local remanufacturing facilities. The Association’s annual Golf Outing will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 15 with an opening
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
Cleaning: Different Methods for Different Needs
Back in the late 1800s, the director of the U.S. Patent Office was said to remark “Everything that can be invented has been invented.” Charles Duell, U.S. Patent Commissioner in 1899 reportedly told the President of the United States that there was no more innovation and, therefore, no more need for the patent office. Except
Get Your Bearings
Have you ever heard the phrase “old wives’ tales”? My father used itall the time whenever something didn’t seem to make sense to him forthe moment. For instance, most everyone knows these: “Don’t cross youreyes or they’ll stay that way” and “feed a cold, starve a fever.” Like I said, they’re “old wives’ tales.” They
Valve and Guide Material, Selection Update
Today’s engines are being designed with more valves per cylinder with smaller valves to reduce valve train weight and increase intake volume. Cylinder heads typically require valve guide and seat work to restore compression and oil control if you are rebuilding the heads. For the valve to seat properly and to gain the most power
Building to Race, Racing to Win
Building championship-caliber engines isn’t a new concept to Jeff Williams. Since he started building his first stroker 302 Ford at age 14, the West Texas native/Southern California transplant has been looking for ways to go faster than his competition. These days, that’s often a very challenging assignment. But more on THAT in a minute. “I’ve
Choosing Aftermarket BBC Cylinder Heads for Street/Strip Applications
In 1958, Chevrolet released the first big block for use in its trucks and heavier passenger cars. It was called the “W” engine and it came in three engine displacements until 1965: 348 cid, 409 cid and 427 cid. After Chevy introduced its “mystery engine” to NASCAR in 1962 with a combustion chamber and canted
Rebuilding the CAT 3208 Diesel
Since information from Caterpillar is always held very tight within the family it was very hard to get an accurate history of how the relationship all came about, so if I’m a bit off in my timeline, forgive me. I assure you, it won’t affect the content of this article. The bottom line is, Ford
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
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part Two
Our story so far: • GM declares bankruptcy. • Chrysler emerges FROM bankruptcy. • Congress passes the Consumer Assist & Save Act of 2009 (Also known as H.R. 2346. Also known as “Cash for Clunkers”). • GM emerges from bankruptcy. • Ford pledges millions to help auto parts supplier Visteon emerge from ITS bankruptcy. Just
EngINtel: Recycled Coolant
There isn’t one of us who has not been affected or knows someone who has been affected by the economic crisis, downturn, recession or whatever catch phrase is being used this week in an effort to try and keep us from focusing on one reality that we all are aware of – the cupboards are
EFI Introduction 101
EFI has become the tool that has unlocked the next level of engine performance. Nowhere is it more evident than in drag racing, where EFI has taken over where the rules permit. Take Joe Dunn’s Pat Musi-powered ’68 Camaro that just rocked the competition with a 6.38 @ 218 mph pass. Its 755 cid big-block
Paul ‘Scooter’ Brothers Elected SEMA Chairman-Elect
Paul ‘Scooter’ Brothers of COMP Performance Group will serve as chairman-elect of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) beginning Aug. 1. Members of the 46-year old association voted Brothers to fill the position that was held for the past two years by Rick Rollins of Rollins Performance Marketing/Consulting. Rollins begins his role as of chairman on
Savannah, GA to Host 64th Annual PERA Conference
Since 1733, Savannah, GA, has been welcoming visitors with genuine Southern hospitality. This fall, the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association will join Bagger Vance, Max Cady and Forrest Gump as visitors to this beautiful city for the 64th Annual PERA Fall Conference, September 24-26. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Savannah on the
PROFormance Technologies Sells Mexican Remanufacturing Interest
PROFormance Technologies, LLC has announced that Administradora deAutopartes Remanufacturadas, S.A. de C.V., (Trade Name MexiMotor), hasacquired their interest in Automotive Remanufacturers de Mexico, S. deR.L. de C.V., an established automotive parts remanufacturer located inAguascalientes, Mexico. The acquired interest that PROFormance held waspreviously a business segment of Recon Automotive Remanufacturers andwas part of a sale of
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile – Part One
As the debate over bailouts, bankruptcies and generally bad policy concerning the automotive aftermarket continues in Washington, engine builders may well shrug their shoulders and say “welcome to our world.” Now that new car dealers and manufacturers are taking it on the chin because many consumers have apparently decided that “making do is better than
2009 Machine Shop Market Profile
Now that new car dealers and manufacturers are taking it on the chinbecause many consumers have apparently decided that “making do isbetter than buying new,” there is increased optimism in many segmentsof the service sector. For engine builders – who have been operating ina challenging environment for several years now – the opportunities tobe both
Executive Interview with Bill Skok, President of Elgin Industries
BillSkok is president of Elgin Industries, a leading global manufacturer oforiginal equipment and replacement engine and chassis products for theautomotive and commercial vehicle markets. Skok joined the company,founded in 1919 by his grandfather, Martin Skok Sr., as governmentsales administrator in 1985 and became vice president of OEM sales in1988. He was named president of the
Caterpillar, Navistar Announce Global Joint Venture for Commercial Trucks
As the next stepin the alliance announced in June 2008, Caterpillar Inc. and NavistarInternational have signed a definitive agreement to produceCaterpillar heavy-duty vocational trucks for sale in North America andform a 50/50 joint venture that will pursue global commercial truckopportunities outside of North America. "This joint venture leverages the complementary strengths of two greatcompanies to