Category: Industry

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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.

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

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

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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.

SA Design (CT566S): Cartech’s “Hot Rod Gallery II: More Great Photos and Stories from Hot Rodding’s Golden Years”

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

In the follow-up to his bestselling Hot Rod Gallery: A Nostalgic Look at Hot Rodding’s Golden Years: 1930–1960, author and historian Pat Ganahl dug deeper into his massive archive for even cooler and more never-before-seen photos—in both color and black and white—of cool cars and their builders, forgotten car clubs, and others from the period.

Hot Rod Gallery II: More Great Photos and Stories from Hot Rodding’s Golden Years reveals material hidden away for decades in Ganahl’s extensive stash. Readers will enjoy more dry lake shots, post-war rods, lead sleds, and show circuit cars—plus a chapter on marvelous mills.

Ganahl also offers commentary and his lifetime of expertise as you take in the splendor of this collection of fantastic images from the CarTech imprint at SA Design.

Features

  • Pages: 192
  • Size:5” x 11”
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Illustrations: 95 color / 256 black and white

CarTech Hot Rod Gallery II Book

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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.

MSD Performance (6427): 6CT Circle Track Ignition Control

David Ayers Leave a comment
Use This Post Clip for Email

Coming soon from MSD Performance is the 6CT: the most advanced ignition control ever to hit a circle track. The 6427 is packed with features, including a large digital LED display that makes it easier than ever to see the rev limiter setting (adjustable via laser-etched rotary dials).

Speaking of, the microprocessor-controlled rev limiting is so smooth, your chassis will virtually be undisturbed when charging into turns. The rotary dials let you select for 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines and achieve 0⁰, 10⁰, or 20⁰ timing retard for quick starts. Plus, the LED display can be used as a live tach or to display your car’s battery voltage. MSD also designed the unit to record the highest RPM your engine turned during the race. The 6CT offers all this and more in a fully potted, tamper-proof housing that uses a single connector to keep wiring tidy.

Features

  • Works with 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder engines.
  • Large, easy-to-read LED display.
  • Check rev limit, highest RPM, cylinder select, battery voltage, start retard, and tach mode.
  • Start retard is adjustable in 0⁰, 10⁰, and 20⁰
  • Full delivery of spark energy down to 6V battery supply.
  • Efficient, low-current draw extends battery life.
  • Fully potted housing stands up to demanding race conditions.
  • Single plug-in connector for clean wiring.
  • Tamper-proof screws prevent unit modification.
  • Reverse polarity and overheat protection.

MSD Performance 6C Ignition Control for Circle Track

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Parts Pro affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Parts Pro Facebook page!

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.