Engine Technology Conference
How cool would it be to sit in on a conference involving some of the most respected names in motorsports like Corvette supercar builder John Lingenfelter, turbocharger authority Ken Duttweiller and Harley-Davidson expert Greg Rodriguez? The open forum that will take place this year on November 12-14 will bring engineers, engine builders, manufacturers, speed equipment dealers, and racers an opportunity to exchange information. Topics include electronic fuel injection and valvetrains, turbocharger technology, engine sealing, high-performance crankshafts, combustion analysis, and dyno test comparisons. If you would like to attend and need more info you can call SuperFlow Advanced Engine technology Conference at 800/471-7701 or visit www.aetconline.com.
Campfire Talk
According to moneymakers at GM, the multi-billion dollar automotive aftermarket has what they want-business. New dealership customer-retention strategies include recapturing service business by selling custom accessories.
GM will build a 'cute/ute' to compete with the fusion of other competitors. Pioneer small utes Chevy Tracker and the Suzuki Vitara have continuously been outsold by the even smaller mini-mobiles. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 sold close to 182,000 in U.S sales during the first part of 2001.
Recalls in just-auto.com news. 216,000 '97-'01 Dodge Dakota, Ram, and Durango models have a potential problem with the driver-side airbag. Contact your local Dodge dealer if you own one of these vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been studying the braking systems in fullsize '97-2000 GM pickups according to the Detroit Free Press. Vacuum brake boosters reportedly failed in 202 incidents, which caused the driver to lose the ability to stop. NHTSA is determining whether the incidents are cause for a forced recall of the pickup's brakes.
American Axle, builders of axles that happily sit under most GM products, will be building new digs in Detroit. The facility will open approximately 500 jobs in 2003.
You Know You're a Gearhead (or Off-Roader) When...
Once again our letters file was stuffed with hilarious reader witticism and satire. Here's what you all had to say:
*...You choose car seats based on the quality of their five-point harness. Cheryl Wilson by e-mail
*...when you start sleepwalking in the middle of the night, you head out to the garage, grab a torque wrench, and tighten every bolt on your truck.A.Parnazinni
by e-mail
*...you think Brakleen and a lighter makes a pretty cool insect killer.
*...If you've ever driven by the police station with open headers (and gassed it a little), just to say you've done it.
*...you can tell the brand of a tire by the way it sounds.
*...you're always looking for different ways home from work, just in case there is an old 4x4 going to waste in someone's pasture.
Dustin Nolte
by e-mail
*...the local NAPA gives you wholesale prices due to the quantity of parts you purchase.
*...you testdrive a truck to see if the gear ratio of the new six speeds would work better than the NV4500 you just installed.
Greg Hiens
by e-mail
Shoot My Truck Please
Not like that. We mean take photos of your rig. Everyone dreams about it, so here's exactly how to get photos of your truck in 4-Wheel & Off-Road. There are two trails you can take. If you want to try to score a full-blown feature, send photos of your pride and joy and a convincing letter to Shoot My Truck Please, 4-Wheel & Off-Road, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. We'll need to see photos showing off the exterior, interior, underhood, and any other interesting parts of your 4x4.
If Readers' Rides is more you, please fill out the Readers' Rides form and mail it in along with a clear photo of your vehicle attention Readers' Rides.