Tech Feature: Crate Racing Engines
For many performance engine builders, the end of the year may be much busier than expected. While there is no racing going on in most parts of the country, there’s still plenty of preparation for next year. No doubt, some engine builders have been able to keep racing off their minds lately – even while watching "Dancing With The Stars," where two time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy – still others will end the racing season (or kick off the new one) in Orlando for the Advanced Engine Technology Conference (AETC) and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show.
Tech Tip: Thumping Along in an Acura MDX
Bill secured his son James, and his dog Skippy, into their 2001 Acura MDX for a weekend fishing trip. As they drew nearer to "Camp Chasing Squirrel" on an old fire road, Bill noticed a "thump" noise from his MDX. After returning with lots of great stories and lots of wet paw prints, he called me about the thumping.
Tech Tip: The Case of the Warbling Volvo
Each year, Robert and his family enjoy driving their 1998 Volvo C70 through the New England states to see the brilliant fall colors. This year was a little different than previous vacations though. After an unusually warm October day, the engine began to make a "warbling" noise any time the car was running. When Robert called the shop, we discovered that the timing belt had recently been replaced. One of my technicians recalled that the timing belt tensioner adjustment can be problematic if the procedure isn’t followed exactly.
CORSA Introduces High Performance Exhaust Systems for 2007 Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL
Providing the ability to carry large payloads has always kept the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon popular with drivers. But that extra space often means extra fuel consumption. To improve the SUVs’ miles-per-gallon rates, many of the 2007 models are outfitted with Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder deactivation-equipped engines, and only CORSA Performance high-performance exhaust systems, designed specifically for this line of General Motors vehicles, are capable of maintaining a "tuned" sound, regardless if the vehicle is in four- or eight-cylinder mode.
CORSA Performance Releases 2007 Hummer H2 High Performance Exhaust System
Combine its rugged handle-anything design with a powerful 6.0L Vortec V8 engine, and there’s little wonder the 2007 Hummer H2 maintains it status as one of the highest profile vehicles on the road today. Not much can add to this popular SUV’s well-established performance, unless you’re talking about an aftermarket exhaust system from CORSA Performance.
Tenneco Announces Major Coverage Expansion for Monroe Ride Control Line
Tenneco Inc. has announced an expansion of its Monroe ride control product line for 2008, introducing more than 150 new part numbers. Tenneco has added more than 700 ride control SKUs over the past five years, demonstrating the company’s commitment to industry-leading coverage of the North American passenger car population.
EngineQuest (EQ) Offers High Performance Cylinder Heads
EngineQuest EQ cylinder heads are ideal for budget conscious racers who want a high performance solution at a lower price. The company’s 23 degree performance heads with Flow-Cast Technology do not require any more machining, porting or polishing. EQ cylinder heads are ready to go out of the box and are as simple as installing the valvetrain and bolting it on.
Tech Tip: Curing Steering Wheel Vibration Felt During Braking
Customers may report that a vibration or "judder" is felt in the steering wheel during braking. The front brake discs may have worn unevenly, resulting in thickness variations on the disc. The remedy is to install two new front brake discs (Land Rover P/N SDB000201) in combination with new specification front brake pads (Land Rover P/N SFC500050).
Proliance Introduces More Cooling, More Power, More Speed and More Sales Opportunity in the Import Tuner Market
Proliance International, Inc. announces HBX Intercoolers for the sport compact market. If the compressor is the heart of your turbo, then the intercooler is the soul. And, if you’re serious about tuning your vehicle to reach its maximum potential, make the move from a standard bar and plate design intercooler to a HBX – only from Proliance.
Tech Tip: Life, Liberty and the Solution to Trouble Codes
Kathy enjoys hiking with her dogs. Recently, she traded in her old SUV for a 2005 Jeep Liberty that could comfortably carry the three of them. On a recent drive home from hiking in the mountains, Kathy noticed that the ABS lamp was on. She stopped by my shop a few days later, and after testing, we determined that the rear wheel speed sensor had failed.