Heavy-Duty Diesel: Big Opportunity, Big Challenges
One of the most sought-after status symbols in America is a pickup truck with a Cummins, Duramax or Powerstroke engine. The expectation continues that diesel automotive engines will soon find their way in larger numbers to our shores. A rebounding economy should help get trucks moving again and recapture some lost maintenance dollars. First, what
Diesel Performance: Camshafts, Lifters and Valvetrain
Diesel performance is nothing new. What is new is the level of interest in diesels for all kinds of racing; everything from traditional truck and tractor pulling to drag racing, even sports car and endurance racing. Diesel engines are a different type of animal when compared to gasoline engines. While both use the same four-stroke
2010 Machine Shop Market Profile Part 1
Of course, Hollywood is always making predictions about the future thatdon’t come true. Where are the colonies on the Moon??Cures for allmajor diseases? And what about those flying cars we’ve been promised? This being real life, bold predictions can be fun to anticipate, butit’s the little changes that often have the biggest impact on our
Timing Chains, Sprockets and Gears
Look back at the events in your life an examine how timing has played a part in the outcome. When you showed up at party and met the girl who would eventually become your wife? When you stayed late at work and missed the 18-car pile up on the interstate? Even without realizing it, your
OHC Cylinder Head Rebuilding and Equipment
Originally featured mainly in European racing machinery from Fiat, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo in the early part of last century, by the 1960s companies like Fiat and Jaguar had introduced OHC production engines. It was advanced technology for the time, but today OHC is the norm for even the least expensive production engine. OHC cylinder
Dynos and Test Stands: Profit Center or Business Black Hole?
Dynamometers allow an engine builder to test, tune and tweak his engines before giving customers the opportunity to do something foolish with them. In a recent poll on Engine Builder’s website, we asked our readers how important a dyno is to their business. According to our (admittedly unscientific) results, 44 percent of Engine Builder readers
Valves: When to Reclaim, When to Replace
Performance engine builders can’t afford to take chances with questionable valves because they have to withstand high rpms and temperatures. Likewise, rebuilders who overhaul high dollar heavy-duty diesel and industrial engines want to minimize their comeback risks by making sure the valves they use are either new or have been carefully inspected and reconditioned to
2010 PRI Trade Show Offers Variety of Business Profit Opportunities
“It has the latest racing components from 1,100 racing industry suppliers on display in 3,200 booths in Orlando,” said PRI producer Steve Lewis. “In short, the PRI Trade Show is massive. All of the great brand names in race engine components are there, plus over 100 manufacturers of precision machining equipment with their shop machinery
New Markets Can Ensure Survival For Your Shop
Although some automotive machine shop owners believe that – with enginelife measured in six figures – the good days are over, the shops thatcontinuously seek out new markets that parallel their talents andabilities will continue to survive. Those shops willing to invest thetime and effort to find those markets will find that the opportunitiestoday are
Speakers And Topics Released For 21st Annual AETC
Some of the biggest names in the industry will be speaking at the 21st Annual AETC™. Already scheduled are Greg West of Fel-Pro Gaskets, Matt Hartford of Total Seal Piston Rings, Steven Golya of JE Pistons, Bill Schlieper of Pro Power Racing, Doug Yates of Roush Yates Racing, Andy Randolph of ECR Engines, Ron Shaver
The Lifter/Cam Relationship
They are lifters, and they are critical to proper engine operation. “On the outside they look the same, but the inside is where the big difference is,” says Scott Reynolds of Scorpion Performance. “The mechanical or solid lifter is just what it sounds like: solid with no internal movement. These lifters are designed to be
Exhibit Booths for the 2010 International BIG R Show Almost 50 Percent Sold Out
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) is reporting thatbooth sales for the upcoming 2010 International BIG R Show, to be heldat the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel Oct. 30 – Nov.1, have been very strong sofar. The 2010 International BIG R Show will be held in Las Vegas justprior to the AAPEX and SEMA Shows. This
2010 Machine Shop Market Profile Part 1
Of course, Hollywood is always making predictions about the future that don’t come true. Where are the colonies on the Moon??Cures for all major diseases? And what about those flying cars we’ve been promised? This being real life, bold predictions can be fun to anticipate, but it’s the little changes that often have the biggest
The Evolution of Diesel Piston Designs
Traditionally, diesel engines are known for their long life, fuel economy and efficiency in getting large loads from place to place. Diesel engines are equal to gasoline engines in horsepower per cubic inch, and they have double the torque of gasoline engines and can achieve up to 40 percent better fuel economy, making them ideal
Cleaning Up In The Shop
In fact, it can be very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis of what’s wrong with an engine until it’s clean. You may be able to recognize some failed parts, you can often see large cracks or obvious damage, but you’re really only assuming you know what caused a failure if you can’t see for
New Camshaft Microfinishing and DLC Application Services for U.S. Market
Bekaert Diamond-Like Coatings recently installed a high energy centrifugal barrel micro-polishing machine for camshaft polishing. The machine will enable Bekaert to give camshafts the ideal pre-coating treatment, to ensure optimal smoothness of the surface before applying the black DLC coatings. Additionally, Bekaert will also service customers who are not looking to apply DLC coatings, but
Race vs. Street Oil and Lubricants: The Great Zinc Debate Continues
In racing applications, it’s not usually so serene. Engines live on the edge. Engine builders and racers are always fighting and scratching for more power, more torque, just that little something extra, even 100 rpm off the corner more than the next guy – but it comes with a price. About the only protection these
A Closer Look at BBC Bracket Racing Cylinder Heads
However, it proved to be just the opposite – sportsman racers loved it and it allowed local drag racing to thrive and grow. Back in its infancy, I covered weekly bracket racing in Southern California at the now defunct Irwindale and Orange County International Raceways. The action was hot and heavy with full fields of
APRA to Host MEGA Clinic
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) will be bringing four divisions together during the upcoming “MEGA Clinic” on June 3-5, 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel in Springfield, MS. The program will contain seminars for remanufacturers and suppliers involved in HD Transmissions, Volume Transmissions, HD Brakes and Electrical. Along with cutting edge seminars, the group will
High Tech Cleaning Options
Yet while machining tolerances and performance expectations have changed dramatically over the past few decades, when it comes to getting parts clean, many of those high-tech shops struggle with the same technology they used 30 years ago. The simple fact is, times have changed for parts cleaning, and so have the methods. Engine builders have