PERFORMANCE REPORT

Motor State Performance Reportis compiled and published

bi-monthly by the Motor State Distributing Advertising

Department Staff:

PAGE 1Info and Viewpoints

PAGE 2 Info and Viewpoints (Cont.)

New Vendor ShowcaseWhiteline

PAGE 3Allstar ShowcaseNew Allstar ProductsPAGE 4 New Product Showcase

PAGE 5 Charlie Jobber's Take On Things

More They Stay The SamePAGE 6 Industry NewsMahle improves Top Piston

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and sales Office PAGE 7 Tech Corner

Chasing Your Tail?PAGE 8 Tech Corner (Cont.)

Chasing Your Tail?

INSIDE INFORMATION

YOUR CONNECTION FOR INFORMATION AND NEW PRODUCTS

The subject of Internet security is on everyone’s mind thanks to all the breaches that happen to computers on a daily basis. Whether it’s a computer virus that destroys everything valuable on your computer or a hacker cracking security codes to access your personal and financial information, keeping your computer away from harm is a serious business. The owner of a busi-ness in the automotive performance industry, like all entrepreneurs, must keep their business computer safe and protected from any cyber threat.

There was a time when your business computer was a standalone machine. Updates and backups involved the use of floppy discs or CDs. Now those processes are performed much quicker thanks to the Internet. Along with the ease and speed of online computer updates, the Internet has also created a segment of our population that is destined to just maliciously cor-rupt any random personal computer as well as steal personal and financial information.

If a business has purchased or leased an Internet-based point of sale computer system from a competent business solution software specialist, there ‘s typically a monthly service or mainte-nance fee associated with the system. The monthly fee should include keeping your business information associated with the system safe and secure. Any other information that is stored on the computer, such as e-mail data, online passwords, personal files, etc., if left unprotected, is vulnerable to a cyber attack. There are steps a business or anyone for that matter can take to minimize a cyber attack. Cloud Storage

The Cloud gives your business the ability to store large amounts of data in a secure environ-ment. Cloud providers work diligently to ensure the security of your data so you can con-centrate on your business operations. The idea of putting the security of your business data in someone else’s hand is a daunting thought, but Cloud providers are the industry experts. Remember before you choose your security partner; take the time to review the many Cloud providers in today’s market. A good place to start is a list of top Cloud providers listed on: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2413556,00.aspEmail Security

The security of your email system is constantly under attack. If you receive an email from someone you don’t recognize, or if the title doesn’t seem to make sense, the best advice is not to open it. Just delete the email. These are usually telltale signs of someone sending you some type of virus or malware. Also add another layer of encryption to your email service. Most online financial institutions have implemented this process and you should do the same with your email. This may not stop all hackers, but it will prevent the majority of the electronic thieves from accessing your account.

Computer Security: A High Priority for All Businesses By Mike Reusche

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Security SoftwareThere always seems to be a new threat in the electronic world we live in. Even though there is not any product that can take care of

every security issue, there are some very good software products on the market that will prevent the majority of the issues from ever at-tacking your PC. Again, before you run out to the local electronic or computer outlet, research the products that are on the market and a good place to start is www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372364,00.asp.Update Your Computer

PC owners seem to receive all type of updates from Microsoft as well as other application vendors that are installed on your hard drive. These developers are not only updating the productivity of the application, but also in many instances improving its security. When you get a notice to “click” to update your application, take the time to understand the notice, and, if it coincides with the applications on your machine, determine whether or not you need to take the appropriate measures. Reformatting/Imaging

If the computer has experienced a virus attack or some other malicious security breach, reformatting the hard drive is a good solution. Reformatting will wipe your computer clean of most viruses, malware, and spyware from your system. Before you begin this process you must copy all your files as well as a complete image of your operating system and applications. There are several recommended imaging software products out on the market to make this process fairly straightforward. Once this is complete you can rebuild your machine by following the reformatting prompts. This will take a considerable amount of time, but it is a necessary procedure to keep your PC running its best. For reviews on imaging software products visit: www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2259168,00.asp.

These are just a few steps to ensure the security of your business data. Remember, like any other aspect of your operation; take the time to research solutions to your security issues. If the task seems too daunting for your capability, seek an experienced computer technician.

Computer Security: A High Priority for All Businesses (Cont.)

NEW VENDOR SHOWCASE

Latch Link III Harness System

Clubman 6-Point Harness System

ProFi II 6-Point Harness System

Full Line Of Related Hardware Is Also Available

Whiteline boasts a worldwide reputation as a leading manufacturer of enhancement and performance components that deliver significant gain in vehicle balance, steer-ing precision, grip levels and outright driving performance. All components feature Whiteline synthetic elastomer bushings.

WHIBHR50ZWHIW93166WHIBFF55Z WHIBFFT1

WHIW93193WHIW53338

The Schroth Racing product line offers quality safety equipment for street and competition use. The product offerings are tested and proven to meet ever-changing industry requirements. For fifty years, the number one priority at Schroth Racing is driver safety. That priority continues to support the improve-ment of standards and products within the company as well as all markets requiring safety related components.

PERFORMANCE REPORTINFO AND VIEWPOINTS (Cont.)

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NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Holley Ultra HP Black Fuel Line ALL26165Designed for Holley dual feed Ultra HP 4150 series carburetors, features braided

-8 line with a -8AN inlet and -4AN fitting with cap for a fuel pressure gauge.

Black Aluminum Carb Fittings

Simplify plumbing of the fuel system and building custom fuel lines. Sold each. Sealing washer included.

Notched Tube Mount Shock Brackets ALL60112 & ALL60113

Brackets are notched for 1-1/2" - 1-3/4" round tubing to create a gusset style mount that welds on three sides. Notched design positions the bracket perpendicu-lar to the tubing at a 90 degree angle and includes 1/2” shock mounting hardware.

Round Tube Mount Shock Bracket ALL60115 Bracket welds onto round tubing and mounts parallel with tubing. Bracket is typically mounted above or below tubing and includes 1/2” shock mounting hardware. Three mounting positions are on 1” centers.

Universal Ford 9" Axle Housing Seal ALL72099Place seal inside the axle tube near the center section to keep rear end lube in the center section area of most

floating axle style rear end housings. Universal seal works with most 3" O.D. axle tubes regardless of wall thick-ness. Internal seal diameter of .975" works with most 28- and 31-spline axles.

Oil Bottle TraysTrays mount to shop or trailer wall and measure 4-1/2" deep with a 2-3/4" tall front edge

making them perfectly sized for holding most quart oil containers. Trays are fabricated from 1/8" thick aluminum and feature a white power coated finish.

ALL60113ALL60112

ALL12260

ALL44057Tire Pressure Gauges, Glow In The DarkTire pressure gauge has a 2-1/4" diameter, glow in the dark face. Swivel chuck rotates 360 degrees on a

14" long rubber hose for easy placement on valve stems with leak free operation. A rubber cover sur-rounds the gauge for added protection against drops and has a ribbed molded pattern for increased grip. Gauge also features a built-in pressure release valve for removing air in small amounts for precise pressure adjustments. Tire gauge holder ALL12260 sold separately.

Part No. DescriptionALL44056 0-15 PSIALL44057 0-30 PSIALL44058 0-60 PSI

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PERFORMANCE REPORTNEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

T10 9 LED 3 Chip BulbThis oversized designed bulb offers three chip brightness and is rated

for 100,000 hours with a 270° viewing angle. Size: 1.55" x .45" x 45". Lifetime warranty. Two colors available. Sold in pairs.

Trektop™ ProHard top convenience with soft top versatility. The features include

a rear glass hatch with easy one hand operation, premium 30 ounce triple layer backed acrylic twill fabric, weighs up to 50 pounds less than a hard top, and has removable side panels and rear glass. The top includes all hardware, door surrounds, rear arch module, side windows, safety glass hatch with built-in defroster connection.

2015 Mustang GT Aircharger® Air Intake KNE63-2590

Eliminate restrictive factory air induction components with the Aircharger® air intake system. The rotomolded HDPE intake tube is coupled to an open K & N reusable air filter for added airflow and performance. Not legal for sale or use in California.

HANS Device Sport II With Post Anchors HANDK11233.321SFI

Manufactured from super structural carbon fiber and is 340 grams lighter than the Sport series. Includes post anchor tethers.

Competition Series Oil Filters Thanks to CFD fluid analysis, R2C Competition Series oil filters offer 15 micron

mult-pass efficiency allowing for maximum oil flow and creating high levels of engine protection with less horsepower loss. The 600 PSI filter body and end plate construction, is combined along with advanced media technology to create an oil filter for severe race conditions.

2001-10 Duromax Diesel Lift Pump Kit AFS11801

This complete diesel lift pump kit has the flow to fuel the most aggressive street diesel engines. The flow-thru design solves shaft seal failure as well as the 1/4 issues and pressure issues. Specific to the Duromax applications, a "fail safe" valve allows the vehicle to run in the event of a failure or a no-run condition. The brushless motor design increases performance and longevity. Additional features include a Caterpillar 1R-0750 2-micron filter, precise pressure control via convoluted diaphragm regulator, a gauge port for accurate pressure monitoring, and a built-in check valve that keeps the system primed.

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PERFORMANCE REPORTCHARLIE JOBBER'S TAKE ON THINGS

MPR

Perhaps history is repeating itself, but the “big three” are at it again. Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge appear to be in the midst of a horse-power war like it’s the 1960’s all over again. Recently, Dodge unveiled the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat, a limited production per-formance car that includes a super-charged 6.2L Hemi with a whopping 707 horsepower and 650 ft./lbs. of torque. Astounding to say the least, particularly in an ultra competitive auto market where all vehicles are literally harnessed with strict federal safety, emissions and fuel standards.

According to Dodge, the Hellcat is capable of 0-60 MPH in 3.6 seconds and 10.80 elapsed times in the standing 1/4 mile with just the addition of racing slicks, particularly impressive when you can comfortably ride to the track with the A/C, cruise control and a wide variety of “creature comforts” fully activated. If you’re any kind a fan of You Tube, you may be familiar with the Hellcat and it’s drag strip match races versus the Tesla P85D. Not for the faint of heart, the limited addition Challenger stickers for just under $60,000, which doesn’t seem out of line when you consider the fact that the Hellcat could give a new Z06 Corvette a run for it’s money at the local drag strip.

Similar to the release of the GTO by Pontiac in 1964, Ford literally put the life back into a sagging high performance auto market with the release of the 2005 Mustang. The fully redesigned, fifth generation Mustang embodied visions of both the past and pres-ent, taking design cues from the classic 1969 model. Not only ap-pealing to the eye, it was very road worthy and affordable to boot. Available with a 300 horsepower, 4.6L V-8 and priced at just under $30,000, the Mustang quickly took the market by storm with sales surpassing 160,000 units. Ford had truly done their homework.

With the high performance automotive market experiencing a resurgence and Ford leading the way, Dodge and Chevrolet soon joined the fray. Dodge released the third generation Challenger in 2008, available with a 425 horsepower 6.1L Hemi V8 and retail-ing for just under $40,000. This latest Challenger, however, was a complete 180° from it’s predecessor, a four-cylinder powered Mitsubishi Galant clad with Dodge badging. The new model also included retro styling reminiscent of the first generation 1970 model.

Chevrolet followed in 2010 by bringing back the Camaro. The model was previously discontinued in 2002 due to sagging sales, plant over capacity and ironically, stiff competition from the Mustang. The long awaited fifth gen-eration model was offered with a 6.2L, 426 horsepower V-8 for power. The 2010 version, which took styling hints from the classic 1969 Camaro, carried a sticker price

of just over $30,000. Since the literal re-birth of muscle cars in 2005, horsepower has

continued to climb with no end in sight. Not only from Dodge with the Hellcat, but offerings from Chevrolet and Ford as well. The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro is available with the ZL1, a 580 horse-power supercharged 6.2L engine, while the 2015 Ford Mustang Shelby GT features a supercharged 5.0L, 627 horsepower V-8 powerplant. Each of these new, 500+ horsepower late model muscle cars feature a common denominator, the addition of a supercharger.

Regardless of make, the Mustang, Challenger and Camaro all share retro styling, modern day creature comforts, affordability and, of course, abundant horsepower. It’s no coincidence that each model shares retro designs of classic 1969 and 1970 model years. The manufacturers are fully aware that the buying public is reminiscent of a bygone era and the 1969 Mustang, 1969 Camaro and 1970 Challenger are true high performance icons from our automotive past that they are more than willing to mimic.

This resurgence and rising popularity of these high horsepower, late model muscle cars is certainly good news for the future of the high performance automotive industry. Although most people don’t typically take their brand new car and start ripping off the exhaust, it’s relatively common that they may purchase a perfor-mance tuner or cold air kit soon afterwards. As the cars become a bit older, however, they often become subject to performance improvements such as exhaust, suspension or braking.

Let’s just hope that history doesn’t truly repeat itself over this latest horsepower war. Increasing federal emissions and safety standards combined with skyrocketing insurance costs put an end to the last one in the early 1970’s. After all, nobody wants to see a Mitsubishi Galant running around disguised as a Dodge Chal-lenger again!

The More Things Change...The More They Stay The Same By Jim Kaekel Jr.

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PERFORMANCE REPORTINDUSTRY NEWS

Mahle now offers improved top piston rings using a new thermal spray coating for modern high-output direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engines (GTDI). The coating, also referred to as MSC312, improves upon the scuff-and-wear capabilities of Mahle’s well-known MSC385 coating because of its chromium nitride composition. The market for high-output turbocharged engines is expected to achieve a market share of 30 percent or more by 2020, according to the company.

One of the most recent business acquisitions in the performance industry has Holley Performance Products adding the MSD Group to its portfolio. The MSD Group includes industry brands such as MSD, Mr. Gasket, Accel, Superchips, Edge, Racepak, Mallory, Hays, QuickTime and Lakewood.

Sentinel Capital Partners has recently acquired Driven Performance Brands (DPB). Based in Santa Rosa, California, DPB markets leading automotive performance brands including Flowmaster, B & M Racing and Performance, Hurst Shifters, Hurst Driveline Conversions, and Dinan Engineering. Sentinel also has specific experience investing in other automotive aftermarket companies such as Cottman Transmission and Vintage Parts.

Lund International, a portfolio company of Highlander Partners L.P., has acquired the Surprise, Arizona based Bridgeway Enterprises Inc., which de-signs and distributes tonneau covers for light trucks under the name “TonnoPro.”

NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. has acquired Wells Manufacturing L.P. and the Wells Vehicle Electronics business from UCI Holdings Limited. Wells is a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced vehicle electronics components for original equipment and aftermarket applications.

Impact Racing has consolidated factory and sales offices into three buildings located on a four-acre site located between Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Raceway Park. The consolidation is designed to streamline aspects of the Indianapolis based business operation.

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PERFORMANCE REPORTTECH CORNER WITH JIM KAEKEL JR.

Continued On Page 8

Racing can be a challenging sport for drivers and crew alike. Much like everyday life, it can be trying and humbling at times, yet the excitement and occasional victory can help smooth the road. One of the most frustrating situa-tions for racers is when the car has taken on a “gremlin” where it just doesn’t quite perform like it has in the past, and trying to diagnose it can make you feel like you’re liter-ally chasing your own tail.

Situations such as these are where accurate, consistent record keeping can be of great help. If a drag racer, for example, has kept a log book of elapsed times com-plete with weather station data, he’ll know immediately after he makes his first run of the weekend whether the car is performing as it should under the current condi-tions. Log and set-up books are an invaluable source of information and reference, particularly if a problem arises.

It’s usually best to approach these situations with a “trouble-shooting” mentality, the same method that a professional auto mechanic would take when diagnosing a driveability problem with a passenger car. If the car’s performance is in question, it’s best to first check the basics, verifying that the ignition timing and fuel system jetting are correct, and that the air intake or exhaust isn’t blocked or restricted, rather than to just start changing parts.

Checking valve lash on mechanical camshaft applications or hydraulic lifter pre-load should be one of the first things to check. If valve lash is found to be out of spec on a particular cylinder, it is best to determine why it loosened up rather than just resetting it, only to find out later that you have a cam lobe going flat.

Another important check would be inspecting the oil filter to verify that something isn’t awry in the engine. After removing and draining the filter, cut the filter open with a oil filter cutter, such as the Longacre LON77750, remove the element from the canister and thoroughly examine it. If the element is loaded with bearing material, you’ve obviously found the problem and it’s time to pull the engine.

A leakdown test can be performed to verify piston ring, head gasket and valve seal integrity. If this test is done periodically, using a tool such as Total Seal’s TOT14MMLDT, you’ll know what readings are considered normal and which aren’t. Leakage read-ings can vary, due to piston ring type, but cylinder-to-cylinder consistency is what’s important. For example, if all of your read-ings are 8-10% from cylinder to cylinder, it’s probably time to look elsewhere. While leaking the engine down, it would be a good

time to examine the spark plugs with an inspection light, such as the Powerhouse POW301080. A plug that is soaked with fuel, oil or

water should set off a red light that there may be a problem in that cylinder and further diagnosis is needed. More than a few racers have fallen victim to problems such as a cracked cylinder wall.

It should also be confirmed that sufficient fuel flow is available. Simply disconnect the fuel line at the carbure-tor or fuel injection unit (after the regulator) and place it so that it can flow into a fuel jug of sufficient size. If the car is fitted with an electric pump, simply turn the pump on for 30 seconds. It is important at this point to have a helper present to prevent any possibility of fuel spillage. The system should

deliver a minimum of one gallon in 30 seconds. Applications using a mechanical or belt drive pump will, of course, require spinning the engine over to determine that proper fuel flow is evident.

Another common problem that has caused more than a few racers to literally pull their hair out is a “spun” harmonic balancer. Most OEM-type balancers feature an outer ring that is bonded to the crank hub with a special rubber. If the rubber bond deterio-rates, the outer ring can spin on the crank hub, effectively putting an end to accurate ignition timing readings. For example, it may appear that you have 36° of ignition lead, when in reality it may be only 28°. The balancer’s integrity and true TDC (Top Dead Center) location can be quickly checked using a TDC Locator tool, such as the Proform PFM66792.

Race cars that are stored in non-climate controlled conditions are subject to moisture, condensation and corrosion, which can lead to excessive rust build-up inside the exhaust headers. This rust build-up not only hurts exhaust flow and performance, but can also be sucked into the engine during starting, harming the pistons, rings, cylinders and valves. After removing the headers, a cleaning tool can be fabricated from a trimmed down drain snake that is then covered with sand paper, and then used to effectively clean the inside of the tubes.

Electrical system issues such as insufficient voltage and “volt-age drop” have plagued racers as well. The electric fuel pump, for example, cannot perform correctly without the proper voltage. For example, if a volt meter reads 14 volts at the battery with the engine running, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the same amount of voltage is present at the fuel pump. A condition referred to as “voltage drop” can exist due to improper power wire sizing,

TOT14MMLDT

LON77750

POW301080 PFM66792

Do You Ever Feel Like You’re Chasing Your Own Tail? By Jim Kaekel Jr.

PERFORMANCE REPORT

CAT108.6

Toll FreePhoneFax

TECH CORNER WITH JIM KAEKEL JR. (Continued from page 7)

MPR

causing voltage to drop to below 12 volts. To correct the condi-tion, a relay may be installed to prevent the lead wiring from being overloaded.

Negative grounds are a critical component on any race car and it should be ensured that the components that they attach to such as the engine block, heads or frame are free of corrosion, grime or paint. Due to the advent of today’s powerful ignition systems, one

of the most common causes of electrical system problems is often tracked down to a bad ground.

There are literally a myriad of other mechanical or electrical issues that have caused many a racer sleepless nights, but taking a steadfast, troubleshooting approach can often help you find the solution, rather than panicking and literally becoming the cat that runs around in circles, chasing his own tail.

Do You Ever Feel Like You’re Chasing Your Own Tail? (Cont.)