Month: February 2017

Driven Racing Oil Tech Bulletin: CK-4 Diesel Oil Wear Warning

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Editor’s Note: Our friends over at Driven Racing Oil produced this technical bulletin alerting consumers to the possibility of increased wear issues related to the new CK-4 diesel oil formulation. To find Driven Racing Oil products at your nearest Parts Pro™ affiliate, see our Store Locator.

Driven Racing Oil CK-4 Diesel Oil Update

Diesel engine oil makers recently changed from the decade-old CJ-4 formulation to the new CK-4 formulation. While intended to be an upgrade, the new CK-4 formulation has been met with resistance and even an outright “do not use” warning from Ford Motor Company.

Just before the new CK-4 specification went into effect in December 2016, Ford Motor Company issued a service bulletin stating that Ford 6.7L diesel engines should not use the new oil, citing identified wear issues. In fact, Ford also issued a new oil specification closely aligned with the previous CJ-4 formulation and called for its use in Ford 6.7L diesel engines. So what’s going on here?

Previous API diesel oil specifications, like CJ-4, had to pass the ASTM Sequence IIIG valve train wear and oxidation test, which measures flat tappet cam and lifter wear as well as other parameters. This is not true of the new CK-4 specification.

Diesel engine oils have historically contained higher levels of the anti-wear additive ZDDP. With more oil marketers wishing to supply “universal” oils that meet both API SN requirements for gasoline engines and API CK-4 requirements for diesel engines, the levels of ZDDP have dropped in some CK-4 oils. Without the Sequence IIIG flat tappet cam wear test, it appears that some of these lower-ZDDP diesel oils are causing increased wear in diesel engines. This should serve as a word of caution for all users of diesel engine oil—regardless of whether you own a 6.7L Ford.

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

AEM CD-7 Digital Racing Dash Display

AEM: CD-7/CD-7L Digital Racing Dash Displays

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CAN Dash 7” (CD-7) and CAN Dash 7” Logging (CD-7L) color digital displays from AEM are now available! Their ultra-bright, high-contrast displays are readable in sunlight thanks to an integrated glare diffuser and shade hood. Designed to accept channels from CAN bus connections (analog input not supported), these units feature two CAN bus channels in order to receive and collect data from AEMnet-enabled devices such as the Infinity ECU, Series 2 EMS or EMS-4, and 3rd party devices such as PDMs, CAN sensor modules, and programmable engine management systems.

Seven ultra-bright LEDs span the top of the display housing for RPM and shift-light indication; these are programmable to ascend in specific increments based on RPM range, then flash when it is time to shift. Two large physical buttons allow easy page browsing and memory resetting even with driving gloves on. These button functions are also duplicated on the rear connector, giving users the option to mount remote buttons on the steering wheel. AEM also included two additional programmable LEDs above the toggle buttons on the sides of the housing.

Four units available: 30-5500 (CD-7, non-logging display), 30-5501 (CD-7L, logging display), 30-5502 (CD-7 with VDM), and 30-5503 (CD-7L with VDM).

Note: Third-party systems will require download of third-party DBC CAN bus protocol files for proper operation if they are not included in AEM setup software.

Features

  • 7” full-color screen (800 x 480 resolution).
  • Sunlight friendly: 1,000cd/m2 brightness and anti-glare filter.
  • IP66 water resistance.
  • Accepts channels from two separate user-programmable CAN bus connections.
  • Works with AEMnet-enabled devices and third-party devices side by side.
  • Available with or without 200Mb internal logging (up to 100Hz/channel).
  • 7 programmable pages.
  • Dedicated user-defined Alarm page.
  • On-Change page identifies map switching for boost, traction, lap times, etc.
  • Preset page templates or create your own.
  • Free DashDesign graphics editor software.
  • 7 LED RPM/shift-light indicators (programmable and dimmable).
  • 2 programmable LEDs above toggle buttons.
  • Available with VDM to add GPS.
  • Odometer function.
  • 200+ fully programmable warning icons (user expandable).
  • Headlight-In connection dims dash and LEDs at night.
  • 2 extra switch inputs display user-triggered events (blinkers, high beams, etc.).
  • Convert CAN bus channel values to user-defined text.

AEM CD-7 Digital Racing Dash Display

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Mr. Gasket: Easy-Flow Air Cleaners

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Coming at the end of March from Mr. Gasket are updated Easy-Flow Air Cleaners, which have been given a fresh look with powder-coated finishes and optional high-performance, preoiled, washable filter elements. These elements enable more airflow than standard paper elements and are color-keyed to match the chosen exterior finish. Each Easy-Flow Air Cleaner kit includes the filter assembly/element, mounting stud, knurled nut, PCV/smog adapter, and required hardware.

Available in Flat Black, Orange, Blue, Silver Vein, or Traditional Chrome.

Features

  • New powder-coated finishes available alongside classic chrome.
  • Optional preoiled, HP washable filter elements (or paper).
  • 00” dropped base for extra hood clearance.
  • 5-1/8” neck fits most carburetors and HP throttle bodies.
  • Knurled billet aluminum air filter nut (or chrome plated).

Mr. Gasket Easy Flow Air Cleaners

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Mishimoto Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Upper Support Bar

Mishimoto: Upper Support Bar for ’08-’10 Ford 6.4L Power Stroke

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When you bought your Ford Super Duty, you made an investment in toughness. You sought it for its rugged, all-American resilience, and you need to ensure that it keeps on truckin’. Maybe you spend your week hauling lumber from site to site, or perhaps you lug trailers of heavy-duty equipment down the interstate or up the trail. On the weekend, you might depend on that 6.4L Power Stroke to get your boat to the lake and take your family on vacation. All of this hard work takes a toll on your Ford: the bumps, the frame-twisting torque, and the potholes. And as the frame moves, so do vital components under the hood, including the cooling system.

Mishimoto is engineering solutions to help you push the limits of your truck. Take the company’s new direct-fit Upper Radiator Support Crossmember Bar for 6.4L Power Stroke–equipped Super Duty trucks (PN: MMUS-F2D-08). Engineered in Delaware, this patent-pending core support bar is constructed of heavy-duty steel and firmly secures to your truck with hefty, cast-steel anchor points—minimizing front-end flex and improving the truck’s rigidity to reduce stress on cooling components.

Designed with the DIYer in mind, the support crossmember installs in under 30 minutes and allows for extra clearance to accommodate Mishimoto and other large cold-side intercooler pipes without any cutting. Finished in a durable black powdercoat, this product was rigorously tested for performance and is backed by the Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty.

Features

  • Improves rigidity and minimizes front-end flex.
  • Reduces stress on cooling components, road forces, and shock to your truck’s front end.
  • DIY-friendly: installs in under 30 minutes.
  • Heavy-duty steel, with cast-steel anchor points for improved strength.
  • Durable powder-coated finish.
  • No cutting required.
  • Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty.

Mishimoto Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Upper Support Bar

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Driven Racing Oil Tech Bulletin: Stamped Steel Rocker Arm Break-In and Maintenance

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Editor’s Note: Our friends over at Driven Racing Oil produced this technical bulletin of recommended steps and products that can prevent failure and extend the life of engines using stamped steel rocker arms. To find Driven Racing Oil products at your nearest Parts Pro™ affiliate, see our Store Locator.

Many classes of racing require the use of stamped steel rocker arms, and many budget crate engines use them as well. Because stamped steel rocker arms do not feature a roller bearing pivot, they generate more friction. As a result, improper break-in and operation can dramatically shorten the life of stamped steel rocker arms.

To increase longevity, Driven Racing Oil recommends pre-lubing the inside cup of the rocker arm with Engine Assembly Grease (PN 00732). After installing the rocker arms and setting the valve lash, pour break-in oil (PN 03706) over the rocker arm assembly (16 oz per side on V8 or V6 engines). Upon start-up, bring the engine speed up to 2,800 RPM and hold steady for 10 minutes. Afterward, shut down the engine and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes. Restart the engine and bring the engine speed back to 2,800 RPM for 10 more minutes. The rocker arms are now properly broken in. To maintain proper protection, the use of synthetic motor oil is recommended (PN 03206). Conventional motor oils, even high-zinc racing oils, DO NOT provide the required friction reduction needed to properly protect stamped steel rocker arms. Endurance testing shows that synthetic motor oil reduces oil temperature, wear, and friction.

Driven Racing Oil Stamped Steel Rocker Arms

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Our Blog Gives You News You Can Really Use

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If you’re reading this post, you’ve obviously discovered our Parts Pro™ blog. You might know that it’s packed with a steady stream of new-product information, videos, photos, consumer rebates, and special manufacturer news to keep you current with our industry. But did you also know that every entry includes a tool called Power Mail™ that lets you share our content with your customers and get them excited about the products you sell?

We know that running a business is more than a full-time job, and that you don’t always have the time to do the marketing that’s so vital to the health of your shop. That’s where Power Mail™ comes in. With it, you can quickly turn any blog entry into an email or social media post—no research, coding, or writing required. Here’s how it works:

At the top of every blog are two links: Clip for Power Mail™ and Share for Social Media. The first lets you paste text and images (or the HTML code) from the blog directly into your email client—allowing you to send out a professionally prepared email in minutes! Share for Social Media makes a short link you can paste into your business’s Facebook or Twitter feed for an instant post.

Power Mail for Parts Pro

Power Mail™ lets you connect with your customers more easily and regularly, keeping you top of mind while requiring very little in the way of time, staffing, or technical expertise. It’s just another way Parts Pro™ is committed to your success.

Benefits

  • Stay current with the latest products, rebates, and vendor news.
  • Instantly create emails and social media posts based on any blog entry.
  • Easily do the marketing you need to drive traffic and grow sales.
  • Free to use!

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Edelbrock: NHRA-Legal Cylinder Heads

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Edelbrock cylinder heads are chock full of features not included in competing products, such as threaded inserts in rocker stud and exhaust bolt holes and manganese-bronze valve guides with ductile iron seats. And now they’ve been accepted for Stock and Super Stock use, noted by the NHRA oval logo engraved on both sides of the cylinder head (qualification varies by part number).

Made in the USA, Edelbrock cylinder heads offer improved performance throughout the RPM range for tremendous throttle response and top-end horsepower. Find one at your local Parts Pro™ expert using our Store Locator.

Edelbrock NHRA-Approved Cylinder Heads

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Redhorse Performance (5416-1): Hose-End Assembly Tool

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Assemble your next hose end in a matter of minutes with the help of the all-new Hose-End Assembly Tool from Redhorse Performance. Don’t let its unusual design fool you: Redhorse has used this device as its internal secret weapon for many years, inventing it to help its employees reliably and quickly assemble scratch-free lines. Now you can use what the experts created for themselves!

The patent-pending 5416-1 Assembly Tool comes with an adjustable die and works with all Redhorse Performance hose ends (-04 through -16). Detailed assembly instructions available online.

Features

  • Assemble scratch-free lines with less time and effort.
  • Based on an internal design created and used by Redhorse Performance.
  • Compatible with all RHP hose ends (-04 to -16).

Redhorse Performance Assembly Tool

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Weiand: Finned Cast-Aluminum Oil Pan Kits

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Coming available next week are new Finned Cast-Aluminum Oil Pan kits from Weiand, which save you time, frustration, and money in your quest to swap out your oil pan.

With their distinctive finned profile, these pans add an attractive nostalgic look to your vehicle; plus, they’re available in two finishes: Polished or Black Powdercoat. Kits are application specific and include a pan gasket, oil pump pickup, and mounting bolts. Weiand makes these pans from cast aluminum for trusted strength and durability.

Features

  • Application-specific oil pans.
  • Nostalgic finned design.
  • Strong and durable cast aluminum.
  • Includes pan, gasket, pickup, and bolts.
  • Two finishes: Polished and Black Powdercoat

Weiand Finned Cast Aluminum Oil Pan Kit

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.