Diesel Enthusiasm Often Tempered By Fear of the Unknown
Most automotive guys understand the principles of an internal combustion engine. Whether it is gasoline or diesel these are fuel, fire, and compression! Without one of these ingredients, the internal combustion engine will not function. So what is it about diesel engine rebuilding that makes automotive guys so nervous? This basically comes down to what
Crankshafts and Bearings for Street Performance and Racing
Most engine builders have strong opinions and brand preferences when it comes to choosing a crankshaft and bearing combination for a performance engine application. Their preferences (and prejudices) are usually based on years of experience, both good and bad. Many subscribe to the philosophy that “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!” Consequently, if they
Today’s Niche Market Engine Opportunities
As we reported in our 2009 Machine Shop Market Profile, the total number of engines built is down, however, savvy engine builders know that finding the right niche markets can make the difference between success and failure of their business. With OEMs making engines that last well into the 200,000-mile range it’s no wonder rebuilders
Performance Marine – Is It the Last Engine Frontier?
It is said to be one of the last great open frontiers. Many experts say that it’s just about the last place on Earth where there are no rules to confine speed or size. It’s a place that has lured men with adventure and danger for centuries and now may be calling you, the engine
Shifter Kart Engines: Opportunities from Spec to Open Classes
Like many forms of racing in this economy, shifter kart racing is in a state of change. With substantially more power, a six-speed sequential gearbox and 4-wheel brakes, they certainly delivered "bang for your buck" performance. Probably the biggest testament to the value of racing shifter karts is the career path of Scott Speed who
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
Ticking, Knocking Noise Complaints: Ford 4.6L / 5.4L 3V Engines
There have been complaints that some Ford vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 3-valve or 5.4L 3-valve engine may exhibit a ticking and/or knocking noise after reaching normal operating temperature. The noise may be described as “ticks,” “taps,” “knocks” or “thumps.” in some cases the noise may be a normal characteristic of these engines. In other
Oil Pump Technology
Oil pressure is something every engine builder worries about. Low oil pressure or a loss of pressure can cause expensive warranty problems and catastrophic engine failures, neither of which is good for your business. Though the “bigger is better” mentality persists, most engines only need about 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1,000 rpm
Crankshaft Balancing
The first step in understanding crankshaft balancing is to understand the purpose of the counterweights. The counterweights are designed to offset the weight of the rod and pistons. You have the weight of the crankshaft and the pistons and rods. At any point in the assembly’s rotation, the sum of all of the forces are
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
Selecting Cranks, Rods and Bearings For Your Next Build
Racing engines are made for one thing – speed. But speed is a wide target. It is in the sum of parts that are bolted together to make up the package that speed is delivered to your customer. Engine builders know that one of the biggest areas where races are won and lost is in
Sprint & Midget Racing Engine Market
While the World of Outlaws, the All-Stars and USAC are the most well-known of the sprint car racing organizations in this country, and USAC is probably the best known of the midget racing organizations, there have been many new groups surfacing in the past several years. According to Allan Brown, publisher of The National Sprint
Labor Costing Study: GM LS-Series Engine
The venerable Chevy smallblock engine has been one of the most popular and successful engines in the history of the world since it was created in 1955. So when GM decided it was time to update the Mouse motor, people were understandably worried. And when the resulting replacement was the LT1/LT4
Small Block Chevy and Ford Performance Cylinder Heads
Over the years, the SB Chevy V8 evolved and grew in displacement from 265 to 283 to 302 to 327 to 350 to finally 400 cubic inches. Aftermarket blocks and stroker cranks have allowed even more displacement, with some “small blocks” now having as many cubic inches as a big block Chevy (427 and 454
E-Commerce: Is A Web Presence Right For Your Business Model?
E-commerce is one of those things that sounds too good to be true. To start with, you can do business from virtually any geographic location that has daily UPS or FedEx service, which means you can live just about anywhere you want. The mantra of location, location, location for a retail store just doesn’t apply.
COMP Cams, NASCAR Commit To Decade-Long Performance Partnership
COMP Cams and NASCAR have inked an historic agreement to be continue as official Automotive Performance Partners for the next ten years. This status makes COMP Cams an exclusive NASCAR Performance partner, arming COMP with the brand and marketing assets for its high performance products. “We are truly excited to have been able to renew
Up-Selling in a Down Market
Do you ever wonder what’s next? First gas prices climb to more than $4.50 per gallon and everyone is dumping their gas-guzzlers. A couple of months later gas free-falls to $1.50 a gallon, but no one cares because people are being laid off in record numbers. Our major investment banks go bust, the credit system
Fueling the Future – Can You Fill Up with Alternative Fuels?
Currently gas prices have stabilized at around $1.83 a gallon, a price at which most Americans feel comfortable driving their SUVs, trucks, race cars, tow vehicles and other motorized toys. But when gas hits $4 and $5 a gallon, driving guzzlers becomes a challenge for many. It was only a few months ago that a
Connecting Rods: So Many Choices
Choosing a set of connecting rods for a performance engine is not as simple as it sounds. The rods you ultimately choose to use in an engine will depend on a number of factors, each of which can be critical to the life of the motor and the success of your customer. Your decision will
AAIA Partners With China Ministry of Commerce
Building on its Asian Initiative to meet the growing needs of members to learn more about doing business in China, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) today established a formal partnership with the China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE), a division of the China Ministry of Commerce. Representing AAIA at the official signing ceremony at