Mufflers & Exhaust Systems Exchanging Stock for High-Performance
High-performance mufflers and exhaust systems are as much about looks and sound as they are about horsepower. Most customers who want these types of products want mufflers and exhaust systems that look and sound as good as they perform. It’s all about personalizing their vehicle and projecting an image. Customers who buy performance exhaust products
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Playing the Diagnostic Shell Game
More often than not, deciphering diagnostic trouble codes is like playing a high-tech version of the old circus sideshow “shell” game. In the trouble code shell game, we are led to believe that the pea (diagnostic solution) is hidden under one of the shells (DTCs) stored in the diagnostic memory. Unfortunately for the diagnostic technician,
BMW Performance Upgrades
When you talk about performance cars, a list of several manufacturers comes to mind. Before the explosion of Asian-made mini rockets, you needed to go European, and specifically German, to get the latest in performance machines. BMW has been the performance marque of choice for several decades. While BMW makes it difficult to improve on
Nissan Engine Diagnostics
You don’t have to be an import specialist to know that Nissan cars and trucks have a good reputation for reliability and longevity. Nissan, under the Datsun name, was one of the first Japanese automakers to break into the U.S. market. They did it right, by establishing a strong dealer network and offering a quality
Ford Timing Belts & Chains
Timing belt and chain replacement is one service that isn’t going away any time soon. Most Ford engines with overhead cam timing belts have a recommended replacement interval of 60,000 miles to 120,000 miles depending on the application (see the chart on page 54). So if a customer is driving a vehicle that is more
10 Tips on Tightening
The installation of gaskets is one of the most important aspects of rebuilding an engine. Gaskets provide a seal between mating surfaces so oil, coolant, vacuum and pressure don’t leak. As long as all the gaskets are installed properly, everything should be fine, and the engine shouldn’t leak. But, as every rebuilder or technician knows,
Getting “Tuned” Into Exhaust System Service Opportunities
Although stainless steel exhaust systems have reduced the number of exhaust system replacements, it’s important to remember that regular exhaust system inspections remain an integral part of import service. When inspecting an exhaust system, remember that the exhaust pipe and muffler must: Help “tune” the engine for peak performance; Reduce noise to legal levels;
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ls, appear to be the next generation of fuel injection for gasoline engines. The reasons for implementing this technology are legislative, and also include market requirements that drive the need to reduce fuel consumption, while at the same time, meet the increasingly stringent exhaust emissions regulations. According to engineers at Delphi Corp., gasoline direct injection
Chrysler Neon 2.0L
When Chrysler introduced their new Neon models back in 1995 under the Dodge and Plymouth nameplates, they said they were launching a new generation of “fun-to-drive” entry-level cars that would appeal to a wide range of people. Everything was new about the Neon: a brand new body, a brand new chassis and two new engines,
Muscling in on Restoration & Performance Work: Part 1
As automotive technology continues to become more complex with each new model year, you may be longing for the “good ol’ days” when engines had carburetors and distributors but no sensors, fuel injectors or computers. Most driveability problems were fairly simple to diagnose and only required a trained ear and a few basic tools. Alas,