Dick Triggerman Headers (DTH), a newly formed company based in Savannah, Georgia, is preparing for the 2006 introduction of its line of stainless-steel, high performance headers for late-model Honda Civics and normally aspirated Mitsubishi Eclipses.

DTH is the only African-American owned manufacturer of aftermarket automobile engine parts in the United States.

According to company founder and CEO, Dick Triggerman, the aftermarket auto parts business is a multi-billion dollar per year business domestically. “We could not afford to not be in this industry,” he says. “We really did not see ourselves as ethnic pioneers, we were just trying to build a business around our unbridled passion for fast cars, and our love of fine engineering.’

The company is now projected to gross several million in 2006 through domestic auto parts retail chains. Dick says obtaining the funding for this venture was kind of interesting. Dick says sarcastically, “Being the first African-American owned business in the industry has really been wonderful; we were turned down by another whole group of banks.”

He adds that “bankers’ eyes crossed when I made the rounds looking for funding. Bankers seemed to understand what we wanted to do, they just couldn’t see us doing it. I sold everything that I had (save for my trusty NSX, and XJ6) to get us started. Next we were able to form a partnership with an unnamed company based in Mainland China, and here we are.”

The engineering origins of Dick Triggerman Headers can be traced back to Dick’s early modifications of Alfa Romeo engines, in Southern California during the late 80s. Dick developed a 2.0L Alfa engine that would rev to 7500 rpm, and eat 5 liter Mustangs from a standing start.

The total cost to the consumer was under $500.00. “It dawned on me then, that if greed were set aside, the consumer could get superb aftermarket parts at more than reasonable prices,” he says. “A company that can do this will keep them (the customer) always coming back.” [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: aftermarket auto parts | performance headers | african american

FEV Engine Technology is developing a number of fuel-saving technologies that balance fuel economy improvement, increase performance and drivability, and produce excellent noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.

Emerging concepts that lead to improved fuel economy include gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines, advanced valve deactivation and variable-valve timing, says Gary Rogers, president and chief executive officer of FEV.

Rogers commented on FEV’s opportunities at the 11th annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines awards luncheon, where the winning technologies were introduced. FEV is a gold sponsor of the event.

Variable-valve lift systems, camless electro-mechanical valve trains, and various hybrid configurations also offer options for automakers, he notes.

Other FEV initiatives include reducing friction and lubrication power losses in engines; optimizing cooling system controls; developing new vehicle-calibration equipment, and creating new transmissions.

“Although this award is called ‘Ward’s Top 10 Engines,’ it really reflects something quite different and perhaps, more important,” Rogers says. “While all of the engines receiving awards this year are technically superior engines, the evaluation process is one that is heavily weighted toward judging the quality of the powertrain integration and calibration.

“Market-specific attributes such as drivability, vehicle acceleration, passing power, the ‘corporate sound’ and the perceived enjoyment of the driving experience, tend to be unique to the local market in which the vehicle is sold, as opposed to pure performance attributes such as power or torque.

“This year’s award winners are the manufacturers that ‘hit a home run’ with vehicle homologations that are targeted for the North American market – and that’s much more challenging than simply hitting power and torque targets,” according to Rogers.

Many of the engines that competed in the contest feature advanced fuel-saving devices. For example, GDI engines have become the state-of-the-art production technology that can both improve fuel economy and vehicle performance.

“Last year, we saw a GDI engine – the Audi 3.2-liter FSI – recognized in the Ward’s best engine list,” Rogers notes. “Since then, more manufacturers have introduced GDI engines with great success.”

Some markets have special requirements, he says. “Due to the historically higher fuel prices in Europe and Japan, some of these technologies have been developed for those markets. Consumer demand is now shifting the priorities in North America and those technologies are coming here in the next few years.”

Diesel engines shouldn’t be overlooked either as they have gained wide acceptance in Europe. Recent sales successes of diesel-powered passenger vehicles in the United States indicate that greater acceptance is anticipated.

“The diesel engine’s strong low-end torque makes it ideal for the vehicle sizes and driving conditions in North America,” Rogers says.

Environmental objections to diesel engines will be greatly reduced with the pending introduction of particulate filters, low-sulfur fuel, and nitrous oxide (NOx) aftertreatment systems, Rogers notes. The greatest challenge is that advanced diesel engines cost more than advanced gasoline engines. They are much less expensive, however, than hybrid electric systems.

tagTRAX: gary rogers | fev | rogers | fuel economy improvement | vehicle calibration

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The Ford Motor Company is yet again behind one of the superb vehicles – the Ford Crown Victoria. This vehicle is a full-size car that had its history of production dating back to the 1950s, and relived again in the 1970s. It had quite a mediocre sale in the general public’s market, however, it gained much popularity among the ranks of those in uniform.

This is a full-sized sedan, and is more often known as “Crown Vic”. It is more known to be a top-of-the-line sedan among the Ford’s creations. Its predecessor was the Ford LTD. And just like the Ford LTD, the Ford Crown Victoria is also usually used as a taxi cab, fleet vehicle, and police car.

The very first of the Crown Victorias had its humble makings starting in the year 1955. It made its way down the streets as a two-door six-seater hardtop coupe. It differed from the regular Victoria model through its having a stainless steel band that ‘crowned’ the roofline, passing right over the car, as an extension of the B-pillar line.

People talking about a traditional American are more often than not talking about vehicles like the Ford Crown Victoria, or its twin the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car with a V8 engine under the long hood and a body separate from its steel frame. Furthermore, it has wide bench seats, soft suspension, a relatively large trunk, and poor fuel economy. The police have liked the Ford Crown Victoria because the engine makes it fairly quick, along with its rear-wheel drive that provides predictable handling, the interior can handle and take in the officer and all the police gear, plus the simple mechanicals are durable. Overall, the vehicle is not expensive.

This vehicle has been made available in three trim levels which comprises of the Standard, the LX, and the LX Sport. The Standard is plain, which is what most fleets like. The mid-line LX has alloy wheels, making it exude the look of more like a civilian machine. The LX Sport has slightly larger alloy wheels. Ordering it in dark red, gray, black, or silver birch means that it comes with a color-matched monochrome trim. The black LX Sport looks a lot like an unmarked police car.

As for the Ford Crown Victoria’s interior, it is currently one of the few remaining cars that are sold in the U.S. that still offer a bench front seat. The seats are soft, however for longer drives, it could get uncomfortable for passengers since it lacks support. The controls found inside this vehicle are fairly simple and straightforward.

Ford Crown Victoria owners can shop for discount car parts and accessories from carpartsmax.com auto parts catalog. In stock are thousands of Ford Crown Victoria parts for all enthusiasts. From engine and radiator parts to lights and hoods and wheels, customers can find everything to repair and maintain their Ford Crown Victoria.

Although the Ford Crown Victoria has squishy seats, a mushy handling, and modest V8 engines, these are overpowered by the vehicle’s huge trunk. Also, one plus for this is that because it is often mistaken for a cop car, the Ford Crown Victoria receives respect when on the road. And, this vehicle is certainly a full-size, rear-drive Americana. [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: ford crown victoria | ford motor company

Since 2002 paid subscribers have been enjoying the many in-depth car restoration articles published by Second Chance Garage. Now, the subscription-based Website is open to all visitors without a paid subscription.

Second Chance Garage’s staff of writers have collectively over 50 years experience in restoring classic cars, and have personally restored over 20 cars. They have done everything from complete engine rebuilds and painting to chrome plating and upholstery. Its Editor-In-Chief, Les Jackson, is a renowned automotive writer and mechanical engineer.

The Website features over 600 pages of in-depth, easy-to-read articles on all aspects of the car restoration hobby. Departments include Auto-Theory, which describes how things are supposed to work. If you don’t know how it works, you can’t fix it.

[PRWEB]

tagTRAX: classic cars | car restoration | chance garage | mechanical engineer | restoration articles

HappyBalls.com, online retailer of antenna ball toppers, and In-Concept, Inc., (www.AntennaBalls.com), developer and distributor of custom antenna toppers, today announced an agreement to join forces.

“This alliance is a perfect fit,” says Jeremy Turner, founder and owner of the Florida-based HappyBalls.com. “Our website carries over 500 hundred unique and collectible antenna toppers,” says Turner. “This partnership will create one of the largest antenna ball manufacturing and distribution companies in the United States.”

In-Concept, Inc., has been manufacturing and distributing novelty products and accessories since 1997 to a diverse distribution pipeline encompassing over 20,000 sports, entertainment and automotive retail outlets nationwide. It has produced over 40 million custom antenna toppers for high profile clients and is now focusing on its efforts on high quality Window Graphics at their online store GlassTatz.com. Jason Wall, founder and President of In-Concept, Inc. says, “Happy Balls’ commitment to their business, customer service, and the growth of the market, has made this decision a good one for all antenna ball fans worldwide. We could never have imagined a better alliance.”

“The next time you are driving down the road, look at people’s antennas,” says Turner, “You will be amazed at how many antenna balls are out there. Companies seeking effective advertising methods should consider the low cost of antenna toppers,” he says. “At its peak, Union 76 sold 4 million antenna toppers each year, and if you saw one of their antenna toppers, their advertising message worked – and it worked well. This is viral marketing at its best,” Turner says. “You can get your message across much more cost effectively with four million antenna balls than just one 30-second television commercial. Your customers and potential customers carry your advertisement with them wherever they go for the entire world to see — a constant reminder of your product or service,” says Turner.

Turner says the new combined company will initially focus on the key areas of custom marketing, wholesale, retail and distribution. In-Concept, Inc. will maintain a direct relationship with its large national retailers, while HappyBalls.com focuses on the end consumer, distributors, and smaller retail chains. [PRWEB]

[Ed: How do you attach them to antennas embedded in windshields?]

tagTRAX: antenna toppers | antenna balls | antenna ball | business customer service

THR, the first authorized Private Dealer of the complete Saleen line of Mustang parts and accessories, has announced special discounts on Saleen Mustang Superchargers during this last week of introductory pricing.

Current retail pricing is $4999, and will go up to $5999 on January 1. THR is offering additional incentives for customers who purchase these Saleen Superchargers during the last week of December. For more details, contact THR direct at 877-50-STANG or visit www.texashotrods.com.

As a complete Saleen dealer, THR offers price match guarantees and customer assistance. “We always focus on making the customer happy. We install what we sell, so we have the expertise to guide our customers through the whole process from purchasing the right parts to installation assistance,” says THR President Brian Metzger.

Saleen Mustang, one of the top names in Custom Performance Modifications for Mustangs, has announced that it’s introductory pricing for the 2005 Series IV Supercharger will be over on January 1st, 2006. Saleen created a Supercharger system that produces over 400 hp and 420 lb torque. This system is custom made as a direct bolt on for the new 2005 Mustangs, one of the most popular releases in Ford Mustang history. [PRWEB Dec 27, 2005]

Tags: saleen mustang | mustang superchargers | mustang parts | thr | supercharger system

Predator Motor Sports answered all questions by GM at the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas Nevada, Predator Motor Sports had two very special Hummers with the Duramax, Allison combination, a 2002 H1 and 2005 H2. Is GM now reconsidering its entry into this Market?

These are long range Hummers that are very powerful; they are being used as a starting point for companies who build security cars. Do to their power and torque which is an unusual combination for a long range vehicle that can hold a great deal of weight or pull weight and still move quickly states Ryan Wilson the President of Predator.

Predator has been involved in this project for the past 18 months and funded and contributed hundreds of hours of time, RD and corporate resources to two separate groups and in the end the group from California one hands down and now has a joint venture with Predator in certain phases of the conversion. [PRWEB Dec 5, 2005]

See also: predator | ryan wilson | security cars | joint venture | hummers

Fuel prices, insurance rates and car maintenance expenses continue to rise. Gas prices alone are up as much as 65% or more from a year ago according to a survey of service stations by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The U.S. Energy Department reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. One study estimates that 50-80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to 2 billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.

Secondly, a clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine. More tips to save money on fuel are available at www.fueleconomy.gov.

According to Chad Westfall of Royal Purple®, “there are high performance motor oils that can make meaningful improvements to your car’s fuel economy and engine life. For instance, numerous independent studies have documented that Royal Purple motor oil improves fuel economy by as much as 5 percent….”

[PRWEB Nov 23, 2005]

Today, as fuel prices continue to escalate, more car buyers are contemplating on getting small passenger cars instead of bigger vehicles such as those top-selling trucks and SUVs from Ford.

Ford Parts Online believes your Ford vehicle—a truck, a sport utility or a car can be fuel efficient and can have better gas mileage by upgrading its original Ford parts and by improving your driving habits.

Here are some fuel saving tips from Ford Parts Online—things you can do with your Ford truck or Ford SUV so you won’t have to trade it for a smaller and less useful car:

1. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Driving fast doesn’t mean driving more efficiently. You should speed up smoothly and gradually to save fuel, especially when you are driving your Ford truck on an elevated area.

2. Reduce weight of your vehicle. You can do this by unloading some unnecessary cargoes. If you have to replace some of your body parts, say your Ford hood, Ford tailgate and Ford fenders, replace them with those made of carbon fiber material that is light yet very durable.
3. Your engine is a major contributing factor to your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and over-all performance. You can make it more fuel efficient by turbo charging the engine or replacing some of the worn out Ford engine parts. Turbo diesel engines under 1.4 L are the most fuel efficient engines in terms of power per unit displacement.
4. Moreover, make sure that the engine is well tuned.
5. Make sure your Ford wheels are properly aligned and your tires are well inflated.
6. If your Ford is equipped with a manual transmission, use the highest gear possible.
7. When driving at high speeds, make sure that your windows are closed to avoid aerodynamic drag. At low speeds, you can put off the AC system and open the windows instead to save fuel. Likewise, it is important to check that all AC system parts especially the Ford AC condenser is at perfect working condition.
8. Avoid idling, especially for more than 10 seconds.

[Full Press Release at PRWEB Nov 17, 2005]

General Patent Corporation International (GPCI), a leading contingency IP licensing and enforcement firm headquartered in Suffern, New York, announced today that it has settled on behalf of its client, Upstream Technologies LLC (Upstream), a patent infringement lawsuit against Truck Accessories Group, Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana (TAG). GPCI represents Upstream in the enforcement of its patent.

GPCI brought suit against TAG on behalf of Upstream in March of 2005, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The parties ultimately agreed to amicably settle the lawsuit.

US Patent No. 6,286,891, “Removable Front Camper Shell Window Assembly,” the patent-in-suit, covers camper shell window assemblies for pickup trucks, which are widely used in the camper industry.

“We are happy to have obtained this settlement for our client,” said Paul Lerner, GPCI’s Sr. Vice President and General Counsel, “and we hope that the rest of the industry will respect this intellectual property without the need for litigation.”

[PRWEB Nov 3, 2005]