Rebuilding the Chevy 3.4L/3.5L Engine
(Download the illustrated pdf here) We’re going to take a look at two of these engines, including both versions of the latest 3.4L that was used in the Chevy Equinox (and Pontiac Torrent) and the original 3.5L that was installed in several ’04-’07 Chevy cars and crossovers. And, we’ll give you an overview of what
Running To Stand Still: Natural Gas and Diesel Power Generation Markets
Turns out, many engine builders are experts at building for applications that don’t move as well. And there’s a wide-open market for power system units that either run an electrical generator or power another system such as an irrigation pump through a power take off (PTO) shaft. While there are a number of large, established
Hastings Manufacturing Co. Promotes Bob Kollar to COO
In his new position, Kollar will beresponsible for the day-to-day operations of Hastings Manufacturing Co. and Hastings East Manufacturing Co. Ltd., including all quality,sales, operations, engineering, human resources and finance activities.In addition, Kollar will continue on the board of directors forHastings East Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Changzhou, China. Kollar was formerly Hastings’ vice president
Cloyes Testifies in Favor of Free Trade Agreements before House Small Business Panel
OnApril 6, Trevor Myers, president and CEO of Cloyes Gear and ProductsInc., testified before the House Small Business Committee on behalf ofhis company, as well as the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association(MEMA), in support of pending U.S. Free Trade Agreements with SouthKorea, Columbia and Panama. His testimony was
Rebuilding the Chevy 3.4L/3.5L Engine
(Download the illustrated pdf here) We’re going to take a look at two of these engines, including both versions of the latest 3.4L that was used in the Chevy Equinox (and Pontiac Torrent) and the original 3.5L that was installed in several ’04-’07 Chevy cars and crossovers. And, we’ll give you an overview of what
Evolving Crankshaft Designs and Applications
In the early days, a crank didn’t have to be very sophisticated or strong because most engines were an inline design, and the loads and speeds were relatively low. Fast forward to today. The evolution in engine technology, power and performance has led to a whole new generation of performance crankshafts that are a mechanical
Federal-Mogul Reports Strong Fourth Quarter 2010 and Full-Year Results
Federal-Mogul Corp. has reported higher sales, gross margin, net income and EBITDA for the fourth quarter and full-year 2010. The company’s sales in the fourth quarter increased $180 million to $1.6 billion with growth in all business segments and all markets, led by a 20 percent OE and 12 percent U.S. aftermarket sales increase versus
Understanding Today
Metallurgy is one of the oldest sciences in the world – it’s a history that can be traced back to the beginnings of civilization. It’s hard to believe that in the thousands of years since the discovery of gold and silver there have only been 84 new metals discovered. In fact, when the automobile was
Karting Engine Market and Technology
Experts say that the situation isn’t getting any easier for flathead lovers because many parts and pieces, such as flywheels and sump covers, are not manufactured anymore. There are, however, some replacement parts on the market that are manufactured in China such as sheet metal and valves. Burris now makes most of the pistons for
Federal-Mogul Announces Enhanced Organization for North American Aftermarket
The company has appointed Bob Egan to the position of vice president, customer relations for the global aftermarket. Egan will report to Jay Burkhart, senior vice president, global aftermarket, in his new position. The change is effective immediately. “Bob will assume responsibility for the development of our strategic partnerships with our key customers worldwide,” said
SME Announces 2011 Election Results For Int’l Directors and Member Council
All will be installed on November 13, 2010, at the SME Fall Board of Directors Meeting in Dearborn, Mich. Their terms officially begin on January 1, 2011. 2011-12 International Directors Warren R. DeVries, PhD, FSME, is dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Previously, DeVries was
Selecting Valve Seats for Gas and Diesel Engines
Hard working diesel engines, performance engines, and engines that run on dry fuels such as propane or natural gas produce a lot of heat in the combustion chamber and often require valve seats that are harder and more heat-resistant. Stellite, chromium, cobalt, tungsten and nickel alloy valve seats are commonly used for such high heat
GM to Add 483 Jobs at Spring Hill Engine Plant
GeneralMotors Co. has said it will spend $483 million and add 483 jobs to itspowertrain complex in Spring Hill, TN, for building current- andnext-generation Ecotec four-cylinder engines. According to GM, the additional work will bring the amount of its newU.S. investment to almost $2.9 billion, along with the 7,417 jobs thatGM has created or retained
Saying Goodbye to Jeep TJ: Cylinder Block Casting Information
I have a La-Z-Boy recliner that I probably should have retired ten years ago. Yet even today, it’s one of the most comfortable chairs that I have ever sat in. Because I hate the thought of giving it up, my next move will be to put it in the garage, where I always have TV,
Federal-Mogul Reports Strong Fourth Quarter 2009 Net Income and Record Cash Flow
Federal-MogulCorp. has reported strong fourth quarter 2009 profitability, withhigher gross margin, improved net income of $43 million, or 43 centsper diluted share, and $251 million record cash flow with increasedsales versus fourth quarter 2008. The company said it improvedfinancial performance in each consecutive quarter of 2009 asrestructuring and cost-reduction initiatives enhanced Federal-Mogul’soperating leverage. Stronger demand
Valve Seat Selection and Machining
When rebuilding a cylinder head for a stock automotive application, a performance engine, or a heavy-duty diesel, what kind of replacement seats should you use if the original valve seats need to be replaced? Should you install new seats that are the same as the original seats, or should you use a different type of
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
Executive Interview with Vic Edelbrock Jr., President and CEO of the Edelbrock Corp.
From aftermarketNews.com There have been plenty of media reports detailing the struggle in the auto industry today due to the tough economic climate. We haven’t heard much, however, about how this situation is impacting niche suppliers and the performance sector. What are you seeing out there right now?
Valve Seats & Machining Guide
Engine cooling doesn’t only happen at at the radiator. The valves (particularly the exhaust valves) take a lot of heat from the combustion chamber and the valve seats have the responsibility of helping to cool them off. The seats draw heat away from the valves and conduct it into the cylinder head, providing most of
Hastings Promotes Two to Director Posts
Hastings Manufacturing Co. has promoted two executives to new positionsat the nearly 100-year-old American manufacturer of piston rings. Thomas DeBlasis has been promoted to the position of director ofnational sales. DeBlasis will have responsibility for piston ring salesthroughout the United States and Canada. DeBlasis has more than 30 years in the automotive aftermarket with thelast