Category: News

AAM HONORS RALPH ACCINNO AT ANNUAL MEETING

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Former Board Member Recognized for Invaluable Contributions

Thanking him for his years of service and support, Parts Pro parent company The AAM Group presented Ralph Accinno with a custom painting at a special dedication held during its recent Annual Membership Meeting. Accinno, retiring founder of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse in Rhode Island, provided many years of leadership on AAM’s Board of Directors and served as a tireless advocate for the group to affiliated vendors and other members.

AAM President Tim Odom commented, “We could not let Ralph leave AAM without a thank you. Among our members, Ralph was our most vocal supporter, and his endorsements always made a difference to AAM. He gave AAM meetings a unique character by way of his optimism, encouragement, infectious humor and even his occasional antics, which kept us on our toes. Fiercely loyal, Ralph set aside his own needs when the needs of the group or others were greater. I consider Ralph a personal friend, and I want to thank him personally for all he has done to mentor me in my role at AAM.”

L to R: John DeBalso (AAM Vice President of Purchasing and
L to R: John DeBalso (AAM Vice President of Purchasing and Vendor Relations), Ralph Accinno

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.

To Oil or Not to Oil: (That’s Not Really the Question)

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By John M. Arnaud

Over the years, the air-filter experts at K&N have proven (in their in-house filtration test lab, no less) that the secret to increasing airflow to your engine without sacrificing protection lies in their exclusive air filter oil. This oil, which permeates a filter’s cotton fibers, grabs dust and other microscopic contaminants and keeps them from entering your system. Non-oiled paper filters don’t even come close.

So the question isn’t whether you should be using an oiled filter (you should); instead, you should be asking “How much should I use?” and “How do I apply it?” The answers to those questions depend on which delivery system you use: squeeze bottle or aerosol applicator. Read on for the scoop from K&N:

Squeeze Bottle

Apply the air filter oil evenly along the crown of each pleat, then allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes before touching up any light areas on either side of the filter.

K&N Squeeze Oil
K&N Squeeze Oil

Aerosol Bottle

Spray the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat, holding the spray nozzle about 3” away from the filter. Allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes, then touch up any light areas on either side of the filter.

K&N Aerosol Oil
K&N Aerosol Oil

Most K&N air filters are oiled at the factory, so reoiling shouldn’t be necessary until it’s time to clean your filter, usually at 50,000 or 100,000 miles, depending on your application. K&N’s Recharger kits contain everything you need to freshen up your filter, including filter cleaner and your choice of oil dispenser.

Head on over to your local Parts Pro retailer to pick up a K&N Recharger kit, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.

Small Business Week Salutes Big Dreams

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by John M. Arnaud

 

National Small Business Week starts next week (May 4–8), and Parts Pro wants to make sure our local retailers get all the credit they deserve.

Since the early 60s, Small Business Week has recognized this nation’s independent businesses, which generate two out of every three new jobs in this country and help to power our economy from coast to coast. Beyond the numbers, however, small businesses represent a core American truth: the prosperity available to those willing to follow their passions through hard work and determination.

Though Small Business Week is a time to soak in the kudos, it’s also a terrific opportunity to engage your customers and promote your business throughout your local area. Here are some ways you can do just that:

  • Participate in any activities sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce.
  • Talk up Small Business Week and the importance of supporting local businesses with your customers via social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
  • Extend special discounts or promotions to your customers to thank them for their support.
  • Announce and host an open house in your store to celebrate the occasion. (Email is a great way to communicate a last-minute event!)
  • Partner with a local performance or automotive club to share your expertise on a particular subject or host a workshop. For example, you might demonstrate how to perform an installation or talk about exciting new products.

Parts Pro would like to congratulate all of our entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the courage, grit, and determination required to pursue their dreams and help us grow the industry we all love.

Performance junkies: Head in to your local automotive accessories retailer next week to share your support and appreciation. Or find one using our dealer locator.

Performance retailers: If you would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.

Hooker Headers’ Blackheart Exhaust Systems Hit the Street

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by John M. Arnaud

Attention 2015 Ford Mustang GT owners: it’s time to get your growl on!

Hooker Headers has announced its Blackheart catback and axleback exhaust systems for GTs equipped with the 5.0L Coyote V8. These exhaust systems, which are available both with and without mufflers, offer the aggressive sound and dyno gains you need to leave your mark on the street.

Hooker Headers Blackheart Exhaust
Hooker Headers Blackheart Exhaust

Fabricated from 18-gauge 304 stainless steel, these Blackheart exhaust systems are primed for strength and long life. A straight-through muffler design and 3” diameter exhaust free up your flow for unobstructed performance. Exclusive tube geometry allows maximum ground clearance, and a design that uses existing mounting points facilitates a headache-free installation.

Hookers’ Blackheart exhaust systems look as good as they sound, with 4” dual-wall, polished stainless steel tips laser-etched for that final layer of detail.

The Blackheart benefits from Hooker Headers’ limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, which guarantees the product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product on the original car on which it is installed.

Head on over to your local Parts Pro retailer to grab one for yourself, or find a local store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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 Completes Mallory Merger

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mallory-msd-merger

One good M deserves another.

Following the January 2015 acquisition of ACCEL Performance Group (maker of Mallory Ignition, Mr. Gasket, Hays, QuickTime, and others) by MSD Performance, the MSDP Group completed the planned merger of the Mallory and MSD lines to create the top ignition company in the automotive aftermarket.

As of March 31, the Mallory product line will no longer be produced; all Mallory products will be manufactured exclusively under the MSD brand. MSD will, however, continue to produce and service Mallory distributor replacement parts such as points, rotors, caps, and more than one hundred other items. In addition, MSD will continue repairing Mallory products and honoring all original Mallory warranties. Retailers, installers, and customers should direct Mallory warranty inquiries to MSD’s toll-free number: (800) 246-0270.

Mallory and MSD together bring more than a century of ignition innovation and expertise. The MSDP Group remains committed to leveraging the two brands’ combined resources to keep igniting their loyal customers.

Your Parts Pro retailer will be happy to help you find your favorite ignition part. Find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.

CarTech’s How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle

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For many classic muscle car owners, ramping up the power was never the problem. Poor handling and comfort, however . . . well, that’s just something you had to live with.

Not anymore.

Muscle Car Handling
Muscle Car Handling

Scheduled to land in May 2015, How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle shows you how to pair power and ride quality in a way that will transform your ride into a true driving demon. Suspension expert Mark Savitske tackled the task of revising CarTech’s original book, drawing on more than 30 years’ experience with hot rods and race cars.

Savitske puts the essentials of front and rear suspension geometry in plain language so that you can get the most from your particular system. You’ll receive expert instruction on ride height, shock dampening, and spring rates; learn how to balance sway bars and tubular suspension arms in a way that maximizes adjustability and performance; and become an expert on choosing and installing the most responsive suspension package possible.

If you’d like to unlock the handling and performance potential of your muscle car, look no further than How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle.

The folks over at CarTech do a fantastic job of producing thorough, readable, and knowledgeable how-to guides that span the spectrum of aesthetic and performance automotive modification. Head on over to your local Parts Pro retailer in May to pick up How to Make Your Muscle Car Handle, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are an automotive aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

Size:                 8.5” x 11”
Type:               Softcover
Pages:             144
Photos:           325 color photos and charts

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.

AIRAID: Add Some Horses to Your Pony

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Attention 2015 Ford Mustang 5.0L owners: If you’re looking to add some oomph to your ride, consider the simple, bolt-on performance upgrade you’ll get from AIRAID’s Modular Intake Tube (450-932).

Airaid Ford Mustang 5.0
Airaid Ford Mustang 5.0

Factory setups don’t always give you what you need to get the most out of your engine. Accordion-shaped walls, undersized tubes, and sound-cancelling baffles can all diminish airflow. The AIRAID MIT provides a straighter intake channel while improving the position of your Mustang’s mass-air sensor.

Working with your car’s factory throttle body and intake box, the AIRAID 450-932 features cross-linked, high-strength polyethylene material; stainless steel hose clamps; and a silicone coupler and hump hose. The American-made Modular Intake Tube was designed to accommodate all your factory sensors and fittings. And if all that weren’t enough, AIRAID’s no-hassle warranty makes the final decision easy.

Head on over to your local Parts Pro retailer to grab an AIRAID Modular Intake Tube for your 2015 Mustang 5.0. Or find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.

Get Some Free with MSD

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Do you attend Detroit Autorama, Hot Rod Power Tour, or your local car show? Spring is just around the corner, and MSD Ignition is ready to help you fuel or spark your ride in time for the show season!

Through March 15, 2015, you can get a free 6A Ignition Coil or Blaster 2 Coil at no charge with an eligible purchase:

6A Ignition Control, FREE with Purchase Of:

  • Atomic TBI Master Kit (#2900)
  • Atomic TBI Basic Kit (#2910)
MSD 6A Ignition Control
MSD 6A Ignition Control

Blaster 2 Coil, FREE with Purchase Of:

  • MSD 6A Ignition Control (#6201)
  • MSD 6AL Ignition Control (#6425)
MSD Blaster 2 Coil
MSD Blaster 2 Coil

Cash in your Free with MSD promotion by shopping at your local Parts Pro retailer, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.

Holley Dominator Fuel Pump

Pump Your Ride: New HP and Dominator Fuel Pumps from Holley

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Holley recently announced additions to its HP and Dominator Fuel Pump lines, both designed with improved hot–fuel handling capabilities to diminish the effects of heated fuel now common with many modern pump gas blends.

Holley HP Fuel Pump
Holley HP Fuel Pump

Compatible with pump or race gas, Holley’s new HP and Dominator Fuel Pumps are engineered to work with your carbureted or fuel-injected street vehicle or race car. They feature OEM gerotor technology to achieve quiet, lightweight results as well as dependable operation at more than 100,000 miles.

Both Holley pumps can be wired for full-time duty for maximum value, and are 18.5-volt compatible at pressures up to 80 PSI.

Grab your own Holley HP or Dominator Fuel Pump at your local Parts Pro retailer, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.

Go Pro with Holley’s New Four-Barrel 1,000 CFM Throttle Body

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Using the same air entry area design as those used in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ cars, the new 1,000 CFM throttle body from Holley is designed for high-horsepower, severe-use applications.

Holley CFM Black
Holley CFM Black

Fitting any standard square bore 4150 flange, these throttle bodies boast a number of exciting features:

  • Exclusive CFD computer-modeled design
  • Integrated throttle position, idle air control, and air temperature sensors
  • GM 700R4 and Ford transmission kickdown provisions
  • High-flow idle air control passage
  • PTFE-coated throttle shafts for high flow and a smooth pedal feel

Holley has included everything you need to supercharge your ride, including integrated vacuum ports (one timed spark, two 3/8” full, and two 3/16” full). The die-cast aluminum throttle bodies come in two handsome finishes—tumble polished or Hard Core Gray™—so you won’t have to sacrifice looks for performance.

Holley CFM Chrome
Holley CFM Chrome

Head on over to your local Parts Pro retailer to grab one for yourself, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Parts Pro network, please join us today!

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.