Old news, too good to throw away.

New PML Ford TorqShift™ Deep Transmission Pan

Inglewood, CA – October 10, 2003 – PML now manufactures an extra capacity Ford TorqShift transmission pan. This transmission is used with the 6.0L Power Stroke Diesel.  PML designed this deep pan to help the TorqShift transmission better handle the high stresses of towing and hauling.

The PML Ford TorqShift deep transmission pan features a capacity of 4.5 quarts over stock for reduced oil temperatures.  The sand-cast aluminum construction and design provide strength and great looks. Raised fins also keep oil cool and add to the custom look.  The pan has a precision-machined 0.350 inch-thick gasket flange for a uniform clamping force on the gasket so the pan is much less prone to leak than a stock pan which is typically 0.035 inch-thick stamped steel.  The pan comes with a magnetic drain plug for easy oil changes and an un-drilled boss for temperature sensors. PML designed the Ford TorqShift deep transmission pan with thick wall construction to add strength to the whole transmission case.

The PML Ford TorqShift deep transmission pan is available in three finishes:  as-cast, black powder coated, polished.

About PML:  PML began in 1986 providing first article and dimensional inspection to the Southern California manufacturing industry.  Services expanded to include prototyping, tooling, reverse engineering, CAD modeling, and designing and manufacturing automotive products.  All PML products are designed and manufactured in the USA.  PML is a SEMA member and holds current ISO 9002 certification.

More PML Product News

USA: National trailer rental firm bans Ford Explorer tow vehicles - paper
09 Jan 2004
Source: just-auto.com editorial team
 
Ford’s popular Explorer sport utility vehicle, recalled in 2001 over its alleged tendency to roll over if a Firestone tyre blew out, has been dealt another blow. According to the Detroit News, U-Haul International is forbidding its outlets to rent trailers to US customers who plan to tow with the Explorer, saying it no longer can afford to defend product liability lawsuits linked to the best-selling model.

The ‘motor city’ newspaper said the unusual move by U-Haul comes after the Explorer appeared to have overcome lingering image problems associated with the Firestone tyre debacle. According to Ward’s Auto data, the Ford was America’s fourth most popular light truck model in 2003, selling 373,118 units.

The Detroit News said U-Haul — North America’s largest trailer rental company with more than 17,000 outlets — implemented the policy on December 22, saying the ban was not related to safety.

“U-Haul has chosen not to rent behind this tow vehicle based on our history of excessive costs in defending lawsuits involving Ford Explorer towing combinations,” the company told the Detroit News.

But U-Haul spokeswoman Joanne Fried declined to disclose how much the Phoenix-based company has spent defending lawsuits involving Explorers, the paper added.

“The decision is not based on one accident,” she reportedly said. “It’s based on several different lawsuits going on for several years.”

Ford Jon Harmon told the Detroit News U-Haul’s decision is “surprising and disappointing.”

“This is all about runaway litigation and trial lawyers forcing businesses to make unfortunate decisions for fear of lawsuits,” Harmon reportedly said.

The paper noted that U-Haul was embroiled in a lawsuit that Bridgestone/Firestone settled out of court in September, involving three college students who were injured in 1999 when their Firestone-equipped Explorer overturned while pulling a U-Haul trailer.

Fried and U-Haul would not release details about the accidents cited in its lawsuits, the Detroit News said.

A bulletin issued to U-Haul dealers last month, which was obtained by the paper, reportedly said the company’s move was “based on the negative perceptions of Ford Explorers... we are separating ourselves from the negative public perception and its potential consequences.”

The Detroit News noted that U-Haul has no ban on rentals to Mercury Mountaineer owners, although the vehicle is mechanically a carbon copy of the Explorer.

“We’ve had no issues with the Mercury Mountaineer,” Fried reportedly said.

The Detroit News said the slight is the latest in a series of setbacks that have dogged the Explorer, which is America’s top-selling SUV and the sixth-best selling vehicle in 2003.

The paper noted that, in August 2001, Firestone was forced to recall 14.4 million defective tyres - fitted mostly to Explorers – because the treads often separated, causing drivers to lose control of their SUVs and often roll over.

Federal regulators linked 271 deaths and more than 800 injuries to the defective tyres, the Detroit News said, adding that Ford recalled an additional 13 million Firestone tyres in May 2001.

Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone have spent millions of dollars to settle product liability cases over the tyres and SUV, the Detroit News report said.

The paper noted that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in February 2002 that there was not enough evidence to open a formal defect investigation of the Explorer.

Sid Gilreath, a Knoxville, Tennessee, lawyer involved in product liability litigation for more than three decades, told the Detroit News that, after the widely publicised Firestone tyre recall, the Explorer has become a favourite target of product liability lawyers and added that the number of lawsuits involving Explorers isn’t necessarily a reflection of its performance characteristics.
NEW FORD F-150, FORD FREESTAR, MERCURY MONTEREY EARN TOP SAFETY RATINGS FROM IIHS AND NHTSA
IIHS Front Crash "Best Picks"
  • 2004 F-150 is a "best pick" in IIHS frontal crash test; the first pickup truck to receive this honor

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 19, 2003 - The all-new 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck and the new Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans received "good" rankings and were named "best picks" in the most recent round of high-speed frontal offset crash testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the institute's highest possible rating.

The F-150 is the first, and only, pickup truck to receive a "best pick" in the high-speed frontal offset crash category.

In addition to the IIHS high-speed frontal offset crash test rankings, the 2004 Freestar and Mercury Monterey also achieved the highest government rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal crash safety by receiving five stars for both driver and right front passenger positions. The new F-150 will be tested next year.

"The new F-150 has proven itself in our most extensive impact testing ever for a truck," said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "The 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey add new technologies designed to further improve on Ford Motor Company's leadership for safe minivans."

IIHS' frontal offset crash test is one of the most demanding tests of a vehicle’s structure. During the test, a vehicle is crashed at 40 mph into a deformable barrier on the driver's side only, rather than the full-frontal impact. Therefore, a much smaller area of the vehicle's front-end structure must dissipate all of the impact energy.

According to IIHS, the "good" rating for the F-150, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey mean that in a real-world crash of similar severity, belted occupants would likely walk away escaping serious injury. A "best pick" recommendation by IIHS means the vehicle performed exceptionally well in all phases of the test and is at the top of the vehicle segment.

2004 FORD F-150

The new F-150 has been designed, engineered and manufactured to be a breakthrough product that resets the competitive benchmark within the full-size pickup truck segment. One of the product areas key to this effort is safety. The 2004 F-150 has been developed with a dedicated focus on safety, making it the safest F-150 ever, as is evidenced from the enhancements below:

  • Crash-optimized structure: If a collision is unavoidable, the new F-150 helps to protect its occupants with a structure designed to help absorb and dissipate crash energy and maintain the occupant compartment integrity.

     

    • Strong hydroformed front frame rails are built with computer-designed front horns, that fold accordion-style during an impact, to help manage and absorb crash forces.
    • A wave pattern was stamped into the front horns, tailoring the shape and wall thickness to create trigger points where the frame sections would begin to collapse to absorb the crash energy efficiently.
    • The front frame rails extend through cutouts in the fully boxed bumper beam to its front face, where they are welded in place, providing maximum crush space.
    • A rugged steel platform beneath the cabin and special reinforcements on the frame rails further improve the frame's stiffness.
    • The F-150's nine-times stiffer, fully boxed frame, in combination with the outstanding body structure, includes stiffer door openings, doorsills, and underbody structure. Combined, these help to help preserve occupant compartment integrity during the severe front offset crash test.
    •  
    • Restraint systems: Advanced restraints provide additional occupant protection, which now includes passenger occupant classification as part of more than a dozen elements that make up the Personal Safety SystemÔ .

     

    • Passenger Occupant Classification allows the passenger airbag to be turned-off when a small child is present or when the passenger seat is not occupied.
    • Frontal air bags offer deployment levels to tailor inflation force based on the severity of the crash, driver and passenger safety belt use, driver seat position and passenger classification.
    • Three-point belts at all outboard seating positions and a three-point belt in the center rear seating position of the SuperCab and SuperCrew models.
    • Belt pretensioners pull the lap and shoulder belts tighter during a crash.
    • Load-limiting retractors release shoulder belt material as appropriate to reduce peak energy forces and help ease occupants to a stop.
    • Adjustable head restraints at all outboard seating positions.
      •

     

  • Beltminder: A vehicle occupant's best line of defense in crashes remains the safety belt. Ford Motor Company's industry-leading technology reminds the driver and front-seat passenger to buckle up by sounding a gentle tone and displaying an icon on the instrument panel.

     

  • Child passenger safety: All new F-150 trucks have three sets of LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) fixtures and top tether anchors across the rear seat of SuperCab and SuperCrew models, and a top tether anchor on the front passenger seat. Regular Cab models have both LATCH lower anchors and a top tether anchor on the front passenger seat.

    In addition to its emphasis on safety, the new 2004 F-150 extends its segment leadership through major improvements in several areas including capability, driving dynamics and interior design, and offers the industry’s widest variety of configurations.

    • USA: Ford adds roll stability control to US-built SUVs 11 Dec 2003   Source: just-auto.com editorial team

    Ford is claiming a US industry first for its new Roll Stability Control (RSC) system now available as a “segment exclusive technology” for the 2004 Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator after making its debut on the 2003 Volvo XC90.

    RSC will also be available on the 2005 Ford Explorer and Expedition and the Mercury Mountaineer.

    Ford claims that, unlike any other system on the market, RSC system offers added assistance to the driver in maintaining vehicle control during extreme manoeuvres if a rollover is likely. The system automatically takes additional counter measures to reduce the risk of rollover.

    A team led by Todd Brown of Ford Global Core Engineering, Brakes and Chassis Controls Department, developed RSC to reduce the occurrence of rollover accidents. The technology grew out of the team's experience designing the yaw control system (AdvanceTrac) introduced with the 2000 Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-type.

    Typical electronic stability control systems are designed to control yaw or skidding only. Ford has coupled its RSC and AdvanceTrac systems to provide even greater safety benefits for the customer. The technology is an active stability enhancement system that significantly builds upon existing yaw stability control systems and adds another dimension of advanced technologies and software to monitor and control a vehicle's roll motion during extreme manoeuvres.

    The RSC system continuously calculates if the vehicle may be approaching a situation where rollover is probable and takes action to help prevent rollover.

    In Ford's system, a gyroscopic sensor determines the vehicle's body roll angle and roll rate. Along with algorithms embedded in advanced software, this information is used with other vehicle sensors' inertial information including yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal accelerations to monitor the vehicle's roll stability condition approximately 150 times per second. If the vehicle approaches an unstable situation, the system is activated: engine power is reduced and/or the brakes are applied to one or more of the wheels as necessary to help regain vehicle stability.

    Ford has a significant number of issued and pending patents on the RSC technology and is making it available to other companies and carmakers via licenses.
    01 Dec 2003  Source: just-auto.com editorial team

    According to Automotive News Europe, Volkswagen's Franz-Josef Paefgen said VW isn't developing a hybrid because it doesn't feel its needs the technology, although he admits VW and other car makers may be forced to develop hybrids, if emissions standards that are taking hold in California are adopted elsewhere.

    Paefgen, the CEO of Bentley and the VW Group board member responsible for research and advanced development, was speaking during an interview on a trip to Japan.

    VW thinks the development of better combustion engines and cleaner burning fuels are the ways to meet tougher emissions rules.

    The European car industry has a voluntary commitment to reduce fleet CO2 emission from a current average of 165 grams per kilometre to 140g/km by 2008.

    "But I am afraid that the industry won't meet this target because most of our gains in this respect have been eaten up by heavier car constructions," Paefgen said. "But with the aid of specially designed fuels we will be able to reduce other emissions.

    VW's research focuses on optimising the internal combustion engine, with the help of synthetic fuels. "You can design your own fuel so that even existing diesels are 5 to 10% more fuel efficient while simultaneously reducing particulate emission by 50%," he said. "Eventually we will see a single engine type, combining diesel and petrol combustion principles, which will meet stringent emission and consumption goals."

    Synthetic fuels can be produced from natural gas, or from biological matter such as plants.

    "The supply of natural gas is nearly unlimited," Paefgen said. "And when produced from bio-mass, you have a near-sustainable energy source."

    Specially designed fuels improve the combustion process, and can reduce NOx emissions.

    aFe is proud to announce the newest member of our family of intake kits for Ford Vehicles:

    Image
    Stage 2 Intake for the 99-02 Ford Power Stroke

    This new intake kit replaces the entire stock air box and battery tray with a high quality steel housing. A roto-molded tube mounts on the housing, connecting the turbo to a 5 1/2" high flowing aFe washable and reusable filter. The kit maintains your current battery.

    This kit fits all 7.3L Power Stroke vehicles (including the early 1999) made through 2003, and is available with either Magnum FLOW media or high efficiency Pro-Guard7 media.

    Here are the details:

    Part Number: 54-10192 (Magnum FLOW media)
    Part Number: 75-10192 (Pro-Guard7 media)

    MSRP (54-10192): $576.92
    MSRP (75-10192): $653.85 

    Coming soon:  Stage 2 Intake System for '94-'02 Dodge Cummins.   
    FOR RELEASE: November 18, 2003

    General Motors Allison Clean Hybrid Technology Powers Additions To Houston Metro Transit

    HOUSTON - Houston Metro Transit will showcase its newest buses, powered by a clean hybrid technology from GM Allison Electric Drives, this week at the Clean Cities Heavy-Duty Vehicles workshop.

    With the help of a grant from the Clean Cities/Clean Vehicles program, Houston Metro has added four of the hybrid transit buses to its fleet. The vehicles are part of a GM Allison "preview program" to test the new technology, putting Houston in the vanguard of the movement to reduce smog with a new generation of environmentally friendly transit buses. The 40-foot hybrid diesel-electric coaches feature the GM Allison hybrid system.

    The GM hybrid system delivers up to 60 percent better fuel economy than conventional diesel powered urban transit buses. Buses equipped with the system produce much lower hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions than conventional buses, lowering particulate (tiny pieces of soot and dust), hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by up to 90 percent, and emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOX) by up to 50 percent.

    Buses outfitted with Allison Electric Drives also deliver 50 percent better acceleration than conventional diesel buses, because the coach uses the superior torque of electric motors to launch from a stop.

    "General Motors' hybrid strategy focuses on first applying hybrid technology to the highest fuel consuming vehicles, such as transit buses and full size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles," said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain. "For example, replacing the 13,000 buses operating in the nine largest transit markets in the United States with our hybrid technology would result in annual savings of more than 40 million gallons of fuel, equivalent to more than half a million small hybrid passenger vehicles."

    The GM Allison hybrid system is applicable to a broad range of commercial transit and trucking applications. These include standard and articulated transit buses, suburban coaches, military vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The system is compatible with contemporary vehicle architectures. Allison hybrid systems now power buses for transit agencies in Austin, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Portland, Orange County, Calif. and Seattle, which will soon take delivery of over 200 of the GM hybrid-propelled buses for the King County Transit fleet.

    General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM employs about 340,000 people around the world. More information concerning GM's advanced automotive technologies and environmental performance on GM can be found at www.gm.com. GM Allison Transmission leads the world in the design, manufacture and sales of medium- and heavy-duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems.

    Customers knock GM on noisy engines. Light trucks are now worthless, some buyers say,  Detroit News, November 14, 2003  More....

    LOOKING FOR PULLING POWER?
    Smeding’s Brute Torque 383 Stroker Crate Engine Produces Gobs Of Low-End Torque For Towing

    Rancho Cordova, CA (October 23, 2003)—Do you need some serious pulling power? Smeding Performance’s Brute Torque 383 Stroker crate engine provides gobs of bottom-end torque for towing and other heavy-duty uses. Plus, with high vacuum, it offers good fuel economy, too.

    There’s a reason Smeding named this motor the Brute Torque 383 Stroker. The stroked Chevrolet small-block engine produces serious torque right off idle, with at least 400 lb-ft from 2,000 through 4,300 rpm. Torque peaks at 430 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm, and horsepower peaks at 345 at 4,500 rpm.

    This Smeding crate engine is not a rebuild. The Brute Torque 383 Stroker starts out with a brand-new GM 350 4-bolt-main block. This block is modified to accept a new nodular iron crankshaft and steel connecting rods. The rotating assembly is spin balanced to within 1 gram to assure smooth operation and longer engine life.

    To create all that bottom-end torque, Smeding specially modifies the small but efficient Torker cylinder heads to precisely match the flow characteristics of a .443-inch-lift cam. The heads feature 1.94 and 1.50 stainless valves and roller-tip rockers.

    A hypereutectic, graphite-coated piston is used, along with moly rings, to assure a better combustion seal and virtually no piston scuffing. The stroker engine is assembled with a new double roller timing gear set, Melling oil pump, Fel-Pro gaskets and an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold.

    Smeding’s Brute Torque 383 Stroker crate engine is perfect for towing and 4-wheel-drive 3/4- and 1-ton trucks. It features 9.0:1 compression, so it can run all day on pump gas. And to reduce maintenance demands, Smeding uses a hydraulic camshaft. There’s no valve lash to set, so vehicle owners can treat this engine just like the one in a brand-new vehicle.
     
    Smeding sells the Brute Torque 383 Stroker for $3,695. A smog-legal version is available for $3,775. The stroked small-block Chevy engine comes with a standard one-year limited warranty—and for an additional $250, you can extend the warranty to three years.
     
    Smeding Performance specializes in building reliable, low-maintenance crate engines for truck, car and marine applications. These engines are not rebuilds: All Smeding crate engines feature brand-new engine blocks and brand-new premium components. For more information, contact Smeding Performance, Dept. ___, 3340 Sunrise Blvd. #E, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742, 916-638-0899, www.smedingperformance.com .
     

    aFe is first to market again with the new replacement filter for the new 2004 Ford F-150 

      New Magnum FLOW replacement filter

    aFe is now shipping part number 30-10106, the replacement filter for the new Ford 2004 F-150 pickup truck. This filter fits the 5.4L engine and features 100% polyurethane construction, medical grade cotton gauze, and aFe's unique pleat design for maximum air flow. In Stock NOW!

    click here for aFe's web site

    Delphi announces a reduced price of $1995 for their Quadrasteer option on GM trucks for 2004 models.

    Rostra ROSS Obstacle Sensing System Helps

    RV Owners Reduce Accidents

    Laurinburg, NC  – Rostra Precision Controls Inc. offers an enhanced version of its Rostra Obstacle Sensing System (ROSS), specifically designed for RVs and trailers. 

    The system offers drivers improved safety by helping to eliminate blind spots within 12 feet of the rear of the vehicle. This helps protect pedestrians and reduce damage to the vehicle from backing into objects that are not in clear view. The ROSS system also performs well in rain, snow, sleet and darkness – conditions where alternate systems often fail.  ROSS also can be used by RV owners who tow a car, boat or utility trailer.

    ROSS senses the closest obstacle, regardless of its size, said Thomas Weiss, Rostra’s vice president, automotive electronics group.  “Blind spots exist on every vehicle and obstacles can and do appear suddenly,” Weiss said. “The ROSS helps protect your investment and also offers additional peace of mind if you’re towing something behind the RV, which might be difficult to see from the cab.”

    The ROSS system uses microwave technology to warn drivers when obstacles are in their path. It alerts the driver through a series of audible beeps that increase in intensity as the object draws closer.

    Weiss added that since the ROSS works in all weather conditions, it can be used in tandem with a video system, which can be affected by weather.

    Available nationally through dealers and automotive equipment distributors, the system has a three year, 36,000 mile warranty. Professional installation is recommended.

                Rostra Precision Controls, headquartered in Laurinburg, North Carolina, is the leading supplier of vehicle speed control systems, transmission components and vehicle comfort seating systems to the global automotive aftermarket industry. The company also is a leading manufacturer of electronic controls, systems and components for the original equipment automotive industry. It holds ISO 9001 and QS 9000 certifications.

                For more information, call Rostra Precision Controls’ customer service at 1-800-782-3379. For technical support from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, call 910-277-1828 or visit Rostra’s Web site at www.rostra.com.

    USA: Problems affect new Ford pickup truck diesel engine - report

    15 Aug 2003 Source: just-auto.com editorial team

    Ten months after launching a new diesel engine for heavy-duty pickup trucks, Ford faces a chorus of quality complaints from owners who are among the company's most loyal customers, Reuters reported.

    The six-litre Power Stroke diesel V8, built by a unit of Navistar for Ford, commands nearly half the US market for diesel pickups but a range of problems and repeat trips to dealerships for repairs has left some owners upset, threatening Ford's efforts to rebuild a reputation for quality vehicles, the news agency added.

    Soon after the new engines went on sale last November in heavy-duty Ford pickups and the Excursion sport utility vehicle, owners started reporting problems - among the costliest is diesel fuel seeping into the engine's oil supply in amounts large enough to ruin the engine, Reuters said.


     

    Other complaints included engines that ran rough or stalled, lack of power at low speeds and harsh gear shifts, and the complaints caused Ford to announce a recall of the Power Stroke in April to re-programme the engine's computer controls and replace a fuel injection sensor, the report said.

    Even after the recall, several owners continued to suffer problems, Reuters said, adding that, after promising fixes in April, Ford now contends the problems should be solved soon, and that only a small fraction of Power Stroke owners have suffered any trouble.

    Ford has even taken the step of buying back an undisclosed number of trucks – a rare move that vehicle makers usually don't take unless forced by state law - to sooth angry customers, Reuters said.

    "We're sorry that it happened," Roman Krygier, Ford's group vice president for manufacturing and quality, told Reuters. "We think those problems are behind us."

    Reuters noted that pickup trucks are the only part of the United States market where diesel engines have been popular. In the past couple of years, General Motors and Chrysler have beefed up their diesel pickups to better compete against Ford while Nissan is considering a diesel version of its Titan truck due out in December, the news agency added.

    Reuters said Ford expected to maintain, if not build, on its market share when the six-litre Power Stroke was launched – the engine produces 320 horsepower and 560 pounds-feet of torque, giving some pickup models enough power to tow nearly seven tons, while meeting tougher federal emissions rules ahead of schedule.

    This year, Ford expects to sell about 260,000 Power Stroke-equipped pickups, which start at $US27,000 and can reach nearly $50,000 when loaded with options, Reuters noted. Ford division head Steve Lyons reportedly said in July that Ford's incentives on its diesel trucks are well below competitors' "because our diesel engine is as well received in the marketplace as it is. We dominate this business, and it is because the product is extremely strong," he reportedly said.

    According to JD Power & Associates research, heavy-duty truck customers place a higher priority on reliability than any other type of vehicle buyer, Reuters said.

    Two Power Stroke owners who asked not to be named because they were still negotiating buyback deals with Ford, told Reuters their trucks had a string of problems that couldn't be fixed. One owner in the western United States had his truck in the repair shop for more than six weeks.

    According to Reuters, Ford has issued three updates for the software in the engine's computers since February. It has two more updates planned in a few weeks to address rough idling and how the engines adjust to air conditioning loads.

    Ford spokesman Glenn Ray told Reuters the company believes the updates will cure most of the "drivability" complaints from owners, and that the earlier recalls solved larger problems such as diesel fuel mixing with oil.

    But he also reportedly said some had complained about engines that were later found to be running up to Ford's standards, and said some owners may simply be unfamiliar with how diesels run.

    Several customers who got buybacks appear to be replacing their old models with new 2004 versions, Reuters noted.
     
    GM is Exploring Wheel Hub Motors
    Device could boost the performance of hybrids, company says General Motors Corp. demonstrated a low-tech, high performance technology Monday that the automaker believes could improve vehicle acceleration, traction and maneuverability, and enhance the performance of hybrid electric vehicles. Electric wheel hub motors have been used before on golf carts and lawn mowers, but a top GM engineer says the motors could provide enhanced performance on passenger vehicles. "You get the economy of a four-cylinder engine with the performance of a six," said Jim Nagashima, manager of the advance development group at GM's Advance Technology Center in Torrance, Calif. The motors, mounted right on the wheel, supply almost instant torque, providing extremely fast acceleration, Nagashima said. "Icy, snowy conditions can be sensed immediately and all the torque could be put onto one wheel," Nagashima said in an interview. The motors also would provide better traction and more controlled braking, he said. (Source: The Detroit News)
     
    FORD VOLUNTARILY RECALLS CERTAIN EXPLORERS/MOUNTAINEERS FOR UPGRADES
    DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 8, 2003 – Ford Motor Company has initiated a voluntary safety recall involving 1998-2001 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, and 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Sport Trac sport utility vehicles, to correct potential product issues. Customers with affected vehicles will be able to have their vehicles upgraded, free of charge, at their Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. To determine if their vehicle is affected by this action, customers can call Ford’s toll-free line at 1-866-436-7332.

    The first action involves 499,988 1999 through 2001 model year Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport and Mercury Mountaineer models, and 2001 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles equipped with 4.0 liter V-6 engines and the optional speed control system. The company has received some customer reports alleging the speed control may not disengage when the vehicle is under power. This condition can be caused, over time, by the speed control cable wearing out prematurely on some of these vehicles. The cables will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced free of charge by the dealer. Not all vehicles will require replacement of the speed control cable.

    The second action, which may also include vehicles with the affected speed control cable, involves approximately 1.6 million 1998 through 2001 model year Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models, and 2001-2002 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models with high-back seats. There have been customer reports of the driver's side seat upper recliner to seat back frame attachment bolt fracturing on certain vehicles. Some customers have reported "looseness" and "noise" in the mechanism. There is the potential of the bolt fracturing completely, forcing the seat to fully recline unexpectedly, and the driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel and/or foot pedals.

    No accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to either of these product issues.

    Customers with the affected vehicles will be notified by mail in early September. Most customers – those with the affected seat bolts, but not the affected speed control cable – will require only one repair. Customers whose vehicles have both the affected seat back bolt and the affected speed control cable can have both repairs made in one visit to their dealer.

    These product upgrades will be performed free of charge only at Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealers. If customers wish, they can call Ford’s toll free line at 1-866-436-7332 to determine if their vehicle is affected by this product upgrade.

    Replace Recliner Seat Back Bolts: 1998-2001 Explorer/Mountaineer; 2001-02 Sport/Sport Trac

     

    Increased technology, innovation in trucks
    The renewed focus on cars doesn't mean GM will ease off the accelerator in the highly competitive truck market. For 2004, GM is driving hard to bolster its leading lineup of trucks with increased levels of technology and innovation, as well as several new model offerings.

    In full-size trucks, six new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models will be launched:

    • Silverado and Sierra 1500 Crew Cabs combine the features of a 1500 Series model with GM's roomiest cab and feature a new 5-foot, 8-inch pickup bed that permits easy handling, parking and garageability.
       
    • Silverado and Sierra hybrid FlexPower models, going into production for fleet and commercial customers in October 2003, feature a standard Vortec 5300 V-8 engine and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission coupled with the segment's first hybrid propulsion technology, providing 10 percent to 15 percent better fuel economy, 120-volt electrical power with ground-fault detection and a unique accessory powering capability.
       
    • Silverado and Sierra K3500 (4WD) single-rear-wheel models are designed for customers who need big-time capabilities but in a more driver-friendly, easier-to-maneuver configuration.

    Four new mid-size truck nameplates along with one new model debut in 2004. Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon will set new standards for power, comfort and utility in the mid-size pickup segment. Colorado and Canyon offer choices to fit a wide variety of customer needs: Crew, Extended and Regular Cab models; manual and automatic transmissions; 2WD and 4WD; and ample power from two completely new engines, the Vortec 2800 inline four-cylinder and the Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder engines. Rainier offers a level of performance, ride comfort and style that sets it apart from other mid-size sport utility vehicles. SSR is part roadster, part pickup - and a completely innovative expression of Chevy's proud heritage. GMC Envoy XUV sets a new benchmark in sport utility capability with a host of industry-first features.

    In medium-duty trucks, four new models debut in GM's ever-expanding commercial portfolio. Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick C-Series Crew Cabs offer something for every budget and bill of lading with a broad selection of wheelbases, a range of powerful gasoline or diesel engines and a variety of automatic and manual transmissions. Meanwhile, new Chevrolet and GMC T-Series tilt cabs combine both brains and brawn in a true medium-duty commercial truck.

    'Relevant' technology
    Innovative technology that is relevant to the customer is an essential part of the formula for developing truly appealing products.

    GM continues to expand the availability of vehicle stability enhancement systems that help drivers maintain stability and control of their vehicles and improve ride and handling. GM offers the system across its many models with the names StabiliTrak, Precision Control and Active Traction. Vehicle stability enhancement systems are now available on more than one million GM SUVs. GM will begin installing the StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system in GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express 15-passenger vans as an interim change during the 2004 production year.

    A major part of GM's 2004 technology story is an impressive array of powertrains that offer both improved performance and fuel economy.

    Fuel economy will benefit from the hybrid propulsion technology in the Silverado and Sierra FlexPower models as well as from new Displacement on Demand technology. Debuting in calendar 2004 on the 2005 GMC Envoy XL and XUV and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, Displacement on Demand automatically activates or deactivates half or more of an engine's cylinders, delivering to the driver only the exact amount of power required at any given time, and thus improving fuel economy in the process.

    As electronics and electronically controlled systems assume an increasingly vital role in cars and trucks, GM is developing the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of new and future electronic controls, plus the in-house expertise so that these technologies can be cost-effectively rolled out to the largest number of segments and customers.

    In addition to GM's many powertrain-related technologies (Displacement on Demand, variable valve timing, Oil Life System), other advanced electronics systems include: smart sensors that tailor deployment of a multi-stage front air bag; intelligent chassis-control systems; XM Satellite Radio; and OnStar, which uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) and wireless communication to provide valuable safety, security and information services. With the introduction of Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) this year, OnStar advisors will be able to relay accident information from vehicle sensors to 911 dispatchers helping them to quickly determine emergency services needed.

    Chevrolet: GM's largest-volume division is on the offensive with all-new, heart-of-the-market offerings such as the Malibu and Malibu Maxx, Colorado and the 2005 Equinox. On the car side, Chevrolet also expands its appeal to entry-level buyers with the new Aveo, and targets enthusiasts with supercharged versions of the Impala and Monte Carlo. Truck highlights include the Silverado 1500 Series Crew Cab and FlexPower hybrid propulsion and single-rear-wheel 3500 Series pickups. Chevy also is continuing to roll out the one-of-a-kind SSR roadster pickup, first introduced as a 2003 model. Corvette celebrates the beginning of its second 50 years with commemorative editions that share a LeMans Blue color scheme of the race-winning C5-R Corvettes.

    GMC: The new Canyon mid-size pickup and the inventive new Envoy XUV are prime examples of the versatility of GMC's lineup of Professional Grade trucks. New 1500 Series Crew Cab, FlexPower hybrid propulsion truck and single-rear-wheel 3500 series pickups highlight the Sierra changes for 2004.

    HUMMER: The world's premier off-road vehicle brand continues to offer H1 and H2, the latter being the top-selling large luxury SUV in the U.S. Product enhancements on both models include an available Delphi integrated navigation radio with full map navigation and a CD-ROM/audio player. The H1's 6.5L turbo-diesel V-8 engine has been retuned to deliver more horsepower and torque along with improved emissions. Coming soon: an H2 sport utility truck (SUT) that will be available at HUMMER dealers during the second quarter of 2004 as a 2005 model.

     
    GM pickups, SUVs checked for cracked wheels Reuters / June 16, 2003
     

    DETROIT -- U.S. safety regulators have opened a defect investigation into 384,608 of General Motors' full-sized pickups and SUVs from the 1999-2003 model years, the safety agency said Monday.

    The "preliminary evaluation" by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, covers the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup, and the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon SUVs, the NHTSA said. The agency has received two complaints of cracked steel wheels.

    The evaluation covers the pickups and SUVs equipped with six bolt 16-inch-by-6.5-inch full-face steel wheels. Most of the pickups and SUVs were sold with aluminum wheels.

    GM spokesman Jim Schell said the complaints charged that the cracked wheels caused a slow leak in the tires.

    "There's no risk of motor vehicle safety," Schell said, adding that the automaker was cooperating with the investigation.

    NHTSA will look into the complaints further before deciding whether to upgrade the investigation into a more serious "engineering analysis" or to drop the inquiry.
    New PML Ford C6 Deep Transmission Pan
    Inglewood, CA – June 12, 2003 – PML now manufactures an extra capacity Ford C6 transmission pan. PML designed this pan in response to the needs of those restoring classic Ford vehicles such as 1960’s and 1970’s Mustang cars and those with older Ford trucks, pick-ups, vans and motor homes.
    The PML Ford C6 transmission pan provides the strength and great looks of custom sand-cast aluminum. The pan has a capacity of 2.5 quarts over stock for reduced oil temperatures. Raised fins also keep oil cool and add a custom look. The pan features a precision-machined 0.375 inch-thick gasket flange for a uniform clamping force on the gasket so the pan is much less prone to leak than a stock pan which is typically 0.035 inch-thick stamped steel. The pan comes with a magnetic drain plug for easy oil changes and an un-drilled boss for temperature sensors. PML designed the Ford C6 transmission pan with thick wall construction to add strength to the whole transmission case. The PML Ford C6 transmission pan is available in three finishes: as-cast, black powder coated, polished.

    About PML: PML began in 1986 providing first article and dimensional inspection to the Southern California manufacturing industry. Services expanded to include prototyping, tooling, reverse engineering, CAD modeling, and designing and manufacturing automotive products. All PML products are designed and manufactured in the USA. PML is a SEMA member and holds current ISO 9002 certification.  Click for more...

    Magnum FORCE Intake for the Toyota Tundra/Sequoia

    This intake kit features a roto-molded plastic tube for maximum air flow and a lifetime warranteed aFe filter element. The kit bolts on with no modifications required, and significantly increases air flow. Part number is 54-10102 and the kit fits the 2000-2003 Tundra models and 2001-2003 Sequoia models..

    F-150 Lightning/Harley Davidson Intake Kit

    The new Magnum FORCE Intake kit for the F-150 Lightning/Harley Davidson features a stainless steel cold air isolation housing that matches the custom look of the truck. It includes an aFe lifetime warranteed air filter element, and installs easily. Click for more..

    Honeywell honors Featherlite Trailers for Excellence on U.S. Dept. of Energy Project

    June 2003 (Newstream) -- Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T) has awarded Featherlite, Inc. (Nasdaq:FTHR) the 2002 Supplier Excellence Award for superior performance and product manufacturing. Honeywell FM&T contracted with Featherlite to build three 53-foot logistic support trailers to be used by the Department of Energy.

    "All supplier excellence award nominations are evaluated based on delivery performance, quality performance, technical support, order administration, cost control and responsiveness," Veva Lucero, senior buyer for Honeywell FM&T, said.

    Honeywell FM&T is a prime contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy. FM&T manufactures advanced electronic, manufacturing and engineered material components for national defense systems.

    Lucero praised Featherlite for its design, fabrication and delivery of the three trailers in addition to the excellent communication Featherlite Specialty Sales provided throughout the process.

    "We are awarding [Featherlite] the 2002 Supplier Excellence Award with great pride in having done business with a company that takes pride in their work," Lucero said.

    Celebrating its 30th year in the trailer industry this year, Featherlite has designed and manufactured custom trailers for emergency response, law enforcement and fire department units, as well as other governmental agencies across the United States. Featherlite has built mobile hazardous materials response vehicles, disease control centers, command and communication centers, training and office trailers and mobile fire stations for local and state agencies, as well as mobile recruiting trailers for the United States Air Force.

    In addition to custom trailers, Featherlite's luxury coach division, the nation's largest Prevost bus shell converter, designs and manufactures coaches for business, governmental, executive and individual needs. Featherlite Luxury Coaches' new Specialty Vehicles division manufactures command center units for fire, law enforcement and disaster first responders.

    For more information on Featherlite custom specialty trailers, call a Featherlite Specialty Sales Manager at 800-800-1230. For information on coach platform units, call Featherlite Specialty Vehicles, 888-826-8273. Go to the Featherlite website at www.fthr.com for additional information.

    About Featherlite

    Founded in 1973, Featherlite (NASDAQ:FTHR) has grown into a strategically diversified company doing sales in excess of $210 million annually in the U.S. and Canada. The company, employing more than 1,200 people in facilities covering more than 450,000 square feet, has unparalleled capabilities to engineer and manufacture custom specialty trailers, coaches and mobile marketing units to the most exacting demands. Featherlite has highly diversified product lines offering hundreds of standard model and custom-designed specialty trailers.

    Revolutionary High Filtration Pro-GUARD 7 Technology  Now you have a choice of a heavy duty air filter for those wonderful dirt roads and anywhere the wind blows. Coming June 1st.

    Do you drive your truck on dirty, dust roads?  Are you changing your paper air filter every couple of weeks? Do you want more horsepower but been told that high-flow performance filters void your warranty?  Now advanced FLOW engineering (aFe) of Corona, California has the answer.  afe introduces a revolutionary patent-pending 7 ply (5 cotton gauze and 2 non-woven synthetic) Pro-GUARD 7 technology that makes for high filtration, long service life air filters and intake kits.  This new Pro-GUARD 7 technology allows enables our filters to meets that 99.5% cumulative efficiency that is the minimum manufacturer warranty requirements for air filters and yet delivers better airflow than the OE paper filter.  Designed for “work” trucks operating under severe duty or in extreme environments, our filters with this new Pro-GUARD 7 technology provide:

    ·        Excellent filtration,

    ·        Maximum dust holding capacity

    ·        Longer service cycles

    ·        More air flow over stock paper

    ·        Reduced exhaust gas temperatures

    ·        More horsepower

    ·        Washable/reusable

    100% polyurethane construction, tall open pleat design, and cotton/synthetic filter media ensures durability and seal integrity in the worst of conditions.  No longer do you have to worry about your paper filter getting sucked into your turbo when the filter gets wet.   For more information, contact advanced FLOW Engineering, Dept. MrT, 191 Granite Street, Corona, CA 92879; (909) 279-4050, fax (909) 498-8705, www.afefilters.com. or click here....
    NEXT GENERATION FORD HARLEY-DAVIDSON™ TRUCK DESIGN UNVEILED
    The 2004 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series pickup truck.

     



     

    Click to download design rendering of 2004 Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series Pickup Truck (PDF file)

    MILWAUKEE, May 19, 2003 – Ford Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Motor Company today unveiled a design rendering of the 2004 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-Series pickup truck. Product details were not disclosed, but the companies confirmed that the newest version of the limited-edition truck will be based on Ford's Super Duty pickup. The new truck will make its world premiere during Ford's 100th anniversary celebration in Dearborn, MI, June 12-16. Both Ford and Harley-Davidson are celebrating their 100th anniversaries this year. The new design was unveiled at Harley-Davidson Company Headquarters.

    USRider, national trailering assistance program, offers free "Large Animal Rescue Video." This video cover a broad spectrum of emergency situations including containment, up-righting trailers, lifting and dragging horses, water rescue, and night rescue operations. Funding for the video comes from USRider Leg-Up Annual Giving Fund. To  find out how to get your group's video, call: 1-800-844-1409

    USA: Cummins ships millionth Dodge Ram turbo diesel
    12 May 2003 Source: just-auto.com editorial team
    Cummins has celebrated the shipment of its one millionth diesel engine for the Dodge Ram pickup, highlighting 15 years of partnership with the Chrysler Group. The Chrysler Group began offering the Cummins engine in the 1989 model year and the turbo diesel engine's popularity has been growing ever since.

    Since 1998, the diesel heavy-duty pickup market has outpaced petrol-powered pickups, growing over 25%, according to R.L. Polk registrations.

    Since 1989, the Cummins diesel engine has increased 91% in horsepower and 39% in torque. Today, the Cummins powered Dodge Ram 3500 has the highest gross combined weight rating (total of truck, contents and trailer weight) of 23,000 pounds. This performance has helped inspire passionate customers who have formed fan clubs like the Turbo Diesel Register, a quarterly magazine with over 15,000 subscribers.


     

    Highlighting the durability of the Cummins Turbo Diesel, Tom Olding, owner of a million-mile 1995 Cummins-powered Dodge Ram, showed off his engine and truck. Olding, who delivers Airstream trailers throughout the US, recently surpassed 1,000,000 miles on his truck with the original engine and many other components.

    The milestone millionth Cummins Turbo Diesel will be installed in a special Dodge Ram 3500 as the prize in a 2003 Dodge Rodeo sweepstakes. The truck and the engine will be specially badged to mark it as the 1,000,000th engine. The truck will also be on display throughout the country at major rodeos throughout the year. In December 2003, a winner will drive away with this potential collector's item at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

    GM Statement In Response To Remarks By NHTSA Administrator Regarding The Safety of Sport Utility Vehicles

    The following statement can be attributed to Jay Cooney, Director of Safety Communications, General Motors Corporation:

    “According to the NHTSA’s own factual data, SUVs are among the safest vehicles on the road and have contributed to the dramatic decline in the nation’s fatality rate over the last decade.

    “According to real world government crash data, compiled by the NHTSA, SUVs are two to three times more protective of their occupants in frontal, rear and side-impact crashes that make up 97.5% (ninety-seven- point-five-percent) of all crashes. The major reason for fatalities in rollovers, which represent only 2.5% of all crashes, is due to a lack of seat belt use. According to NHTSA, 72% of those killed in fatal rollover crashes were not using safety belts. Again, according to the NHTSA of the 9,882 people killed in rollovers in the year 2000, 75% or 7,412 people perished not because of the vehicle, but because they were unbelted and ejected from the vehicle. This is exactly why GM has been diligently working with Dr. Runge and the NHTSA on increasing seat belt usage in this country.

    “Since Americans began buying SUVs in record numbers in the 1980s, sales of these versatile vehicles skyrocketed more than 600%. During this sales boom, the nation’s fatality rate (fatality rate based on vehicle miles of travel) on America’s roads dropped by more than 50% to an all time low.

    “To assert otherwise, is not only contrary to the facts gathered by his own agency over the last decade, but unfair to the thousands of men and women who have spent their professional lives making vehicles safer, and to America’s automakers who spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year on improving safety in their vehicles.”

    U.S. Highway Deaths Hit Highest Level Since 1990
    Alcohol abuse and a widespread failure to use seat belts helped push the U.S. highway accident death toll to its highest level in more than a decade last year, federal safety regulators said Wednesday. Nearly a quarter of the 42,850 fatalities on America's roadways, or 10,626, occurred in rollover crashes involving SUVs and pickups, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report… The total number of highway deaths rose just 1.7 percent from 42,116 in 2001, according to NHTSA, which said the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled remained essentially unchanged. But it was the highest total since 44,599 people died in highway crashes in 1990. "The grim statistics underscore the need for better state laws that address the causes of the problem and stricter enforcement," the agency said. It said alcohol-related fatalities, which have been rising steadily since 1999, increased again in 2002 and accounted for 42 percent of accident deaths. Fifty-nine percent of those killed in crashes last year were not wearing seat belts, it added. (Source: Reuters) www.autonews.com

    Ford emailed me today, 4/17  the company is offering no-charge Customer Satisfaction Programs to owners of certain 2003 MY F-Superduty (250-550) and Excursion models with 6.0L diesel engines. Click for more

    Ford told me today, 3/20 that the new download calibration R14 is ready for the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel. The cold weather pattern is said to be closer to the real world. Also the latest ICP has a new seal eliminating cold weather problems with the main computer.

    Performance Air Filter for 2003 Ford Power Stroke 6.0 L is big news.  aFe is introducing a washable/reusable performance filter for the factory "throw away" stock Ford filter. Another missing link solved. 4/7/2003

    Do you want more “pick up and go” from your ‘03 Ford Power Stroke?  How does a very noticeable 69 ft. lbs. of torque gain over stock sound?  You can get that simply by letting your Power Stroke breathe better with a Magnum FORCE air filter kit (PN#: 50-10391) from advanced FLOW engineering (aFe) of Corona, CA (877/512-8111; afefilters.com).  The kit includes a washable/reusable performance filter and a powder-coated sheet metal housing canister. 

    The stock filter on the ’03 6.0L Power Stroke is housed in a plastic canister that is molded over the filter element.  Both the housing and filter element are thrown away when the filter is changed.  It definitely looks expensive to replace.  The challenge that the engineers at aFe faced was designing a way to house the washable/reusable filter when the stock housing is thrown away with the stock filter. The result is a powder-coated sheet metal canister with all the tabs, latches and mounting brackets needed to install the aFe filter and canister back between the stock intake scoop and tubing. 

    4-ply medical-grade cotton gauze filter element with deep pleats and precision open-pleat geometry insures proper filtration without sacrificing airflow.  The 360° degree radial air filter improves airflow over stock for more horsepower, improved throttle response, lower EGT and better fuel mileage. The 100% urethane construction ensures a tight seal and long-term durability.  With the metal canister, the replacement air filter can be taken out, cleaned, re-oiled and put back into service time and time again.  This aFe filter kit will be the last filter you will need for your ’03 Power Stroke. For more information contact: advanced FLOW engineering, Dept. PSR, 191 Granite Street, Corona, CA 92879; 877/512-8111 (909) 279-4050, fax (909) 498-8705, www.afefilters.com.

    Maximize Cool Air for your Ram 5.7L Hemi

    More air is good…more cold air is better!  With the Magnum FORCE tm air intake system for the Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi (PN: 50-10382) by aFe is designed to give you plenty of both.  With a rugged powder-coated heat shield, the high-flow high-performance air filter is isolated from the heat of the engine.  The colder denser air flowing through large diameter x-linked plastic intake tube translates into more horsepower, more torque and better throttle response.  Plastic intake tubing transfers less heat as the air travels to the engine.  Hands down, this kit gives you the most horsepower for the money.   For more information, contact advanced FLOW Engineering, Dept. CDR2, 191 Granite Street, Corona, CA 92879; (909) 279-4050, fax (909) 498-8705, www.afefilters.com.

      4/1/2003

    Dirt Out, Performance In for 2003 Dodge Cummins

    Do you want more pick up and go from your diesel Dodge?  Let it breath better with a Magnum FORCE air intake kit (PN#: 54-10411) from advanced FLOW engineering (aFe) of Corona, CA.   aFe intake kit utilizes 4-ply medical grade cotton gauze, washable and reusable Magnum SPORT VS universal filters with velocity stack.  With a powder-coated sheet metal heat barrier, the intake air is isolated from the engine heat for colder denser air.  With the 360° degree radial air filter, this kit increases airflow for more horsepower, more torque and improved throttle response.   Increased airflow also results in lower EGT.  For more information, contact: For more information, contact advanced FLOW Engineering, Dept. CDC, 191 Granite Street, Corona, CA 92879; 877/512-8111 (909) 279-4050, fax (909) 498-8705, www.afefilters.com.

    4/1/2003

    2003 Hummer H2 Magnum Force Air Intake System

    Advanced Flow Engineering (aFe), Corona, CA, a manufacturer of high flow, high performance air filters and intake systems, introduces the Magnum Force air intake kit (PN#: 54-10401) for the 2003 Hummer H2.   Engineered for maximum airflow, aFe intake kit utilizes 4-ply medical grade cotton gauze, washable and reusable Magnum Sport VS universal filters with velocity stack.  With a powder-coated sheet metal heat barrier, the intake air is isolated from the engine heat for colder denser air.  With the 360° degree radial air filter, this kit increases airflow nearly 150% over stock for greater horsepower and improved throttle response.   For more information, contact: advanced FLOW Engineering, Dept. TH2, 191 Granite Street, Corona, CA 92879 or 877/512-8111, www.afefilters.com 

    General Motors will recall 5,734 Chevrolet Avalanche pickups, as well as Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL SUVs, to install a fuel tank shield. GM said in some frontal crashes, a piece of the frame could fracture, creating a sharp edge that could puncture a fuel tank.

    USA: Import brands capture market share in Texas - report

    The US vehicle industry is surprised by how fast Asian and European car makers are capturing market share in the state of Texas, according to a report by Automotive News Europe.

    Texas is the second-biggest US new-vehicle market after California and long considered a fortress for the major US automakers: General Motors, Ford and the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler. More...

    Nationwide Trailering Assistance

     It’s every horse owner’s greatest fear: having an accident or breaking down on the road while pulling a trailer loaded with horses. Traditional, roadside assistance programs have been virtually incapable of helping drivers who are transporting horses. To aid those who travel with horses, USRider now offers the Equestrian Motor Plan. This unique plan provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to members traveling with horses.  

     Launched in January 2002 and headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, USRider is administered by the Motor Club of America Enterprises, Inc., which was chartered in the 1920s and now has approximately three million members nationwide. In addition to the typical flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lock-out services, the Equestrian Motor Plan offers services designed with horse owners in mind. With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider will arrange towing services for a loaded trailer. It will also arrange stabling for horses, if necessary, while a vehicle is being repaired. The plan also includes insurance components such as personal excess equine liability and accidental death & disablement while traveling.

     “We took a unique approach to motor plans, we are horse people that created a motor plan – not a motor plan that created something for horse people,” says Mark Cole, managing member for USRider.

    “The Equestrian Motor Plan was born out of frustration; it’s something that didn’t exist but was definitely needed. Nine out of 10 people who travel with horses are convinced they have enough coverage with their existing motor plan, but when they have a breakdown they find out they don’t. Most motor plans will not cover you even if your vehicle is attached to a trailer – regardless of horses – and most do not cover vehicles with dual wheels.”

    According to Cole, USRider currently has several hundred members and is growing rapidly as the word gets out. In general, the most common call for assistance is vehicle mechanical problems and flat tires. Cole says “The main benefit for our members is now they have someone to call. They have a live situation they need to deal with – they call us and we take it from there.” For trailer maintenance and equine travel safety tips, including a vet- approved first aid kit, visit the USRider web site at www.usrider.org.

     USRider’s concept is similar to conventional motor plans. To become a member, a customer pays an activation fee and an annual fee to receive roadside assistance anywhere in the continental United States and Canada. “The typical motor plan is a booking agent for a towing company and there’s no real attempt to make a repair,” says Cole. “We realize that it’s better to make a repair when possible.”

    In the event of an accident or breakdown, USRider contacts area towing or repair personnel will try to fix the problem on the scene. If that is not possible, the vehicle and trailer, or van, may be towed to a garage or to a local stable, should the owner wish to unload the horses. If the trailer or van cannot be moved, USRider will find alternative transportation to move the horses to a safe location. USRider also provides a veterinary referral service if a horse requires medical attention.

    The program also features an Emergency Trip Interruption Veterinary program, where members are reimbursed up to $1,000 for costs accrued in the first 72 hours after a reportable accident, including emergency veterinary treatment, stabling, lodging, auto rental and meals.

     Response time to breakdowns and accidents depends on the region and proximity of available services. Cole said, “From a motor plan standpoint, we strive to have a service provider every 20 miles nationwide. The industry standard is one hour for response and we consistently beat that with many responses in as little as 20 or 30 minutes.”

    Due to the wide variety of uses and values, USRider does not supply mortality insurance for the horse but does provide $500,000 Personal Excess Equine Liability Insurance Coverage, which protects the member from their horse’s actions while traveling including loading and unloading. Membership also includes up to $20,000 Accidental Death and Disablement coverage while traveling including loading and unloading.

    In addition, the program features numerous exclusive discounts from nationally recognized equestrian retailers through the Winner’s Circle Advantage benefits program. USRider Membership helps those who help horses. Each year USRider donates a portion of their profits through the “Leg-Up Fund” to qualified, worthy organizations that provide emergency equine response.

     As an added bonus, USRider’s roadside assistance benefits are in full force even when members are not traveling with their horses. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org  online or call (800) 844-1409.

    Diesel engines to cost more, International says

    By Richard Truett Automotive News / February 25, 2003

    Diesel engines are going to get more complex, more expensive and maybe slightly less efficient in 2007 when stricter emission laws take effect, International Truck and Engine Corp. says.

    In 2007, diesel engines have to run almost as clean as gasoline engines. To do that, they will need ultralow sulfur fuel with 15 parts per million of sulfur. The content of sulfur in today’s fuel is about 300 parts per million. More...
     

     
    Commentary: The Holy War on SUVs (Jerry Flint, Forbes)

    It's Salem all over again. This time the alleged witches are sport
    utility vehicles, said to be the work of the Devil. More particularly, the government's chief safety official says SUVs are too dangerous. The Wall Street Journal says in an article: "Auto Makers Start To Back Away From Big SUVs." The greenies say the big cars heat up the earth, the know-nothings blame them for… terrorism, and the yahoos figure that Jesus wouldn't drive one. Where does all this misinformation and wrongheaded opinion come from? Let's take the accusations hurled at these cars one at a time:
    * Safety: SUVs are generally safer than other vehicles… Buckled up, you're safer in an SUV than in a lightweight car that doesn't roll as easily…
    * Earth warming: Yes, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is considered a cause of earth warming. It also is key to life on the planet. Every person exhales CO2, and every photosynthesizing plant inhales it…
    * Terrorism: I suppose if no one used oil then some Arab states would be beggars and some terrorists couldn't afford the tuition at flight school. But more Arab oil goes to others--to Europe and Asia--than to us…
    * And what would Jesus drive? I've been to Israel, Judaea, Samaria, Sinai and the shores of Galilee. It's a rocky land and 2,000 years ago there were paths or trails, not concrete highways. Might Christ have needed a big SUV to get into those hills? (Source: Forbes) www.forbes.com

    Lawsuit claims automakers block Canada-to-U.S. sales

    Reuters / February 20, 2003

     

    DETROIT -- A group of U.S. consumers has filed lawsuits against several automakers, charging that they conspire to prevent Americans from buying new cars and trucks in Canada, where vehicle prices are as much as 30 percent less.

    The lawsuits allege that many top American, German and Japanese automakers conspire to prevent U.S. consumers from buying new vehicles across the border in Canada by refusing to honor warranties or punishing dealers who sell new cars and trucks in Canada to Americans.

    Automakers generally charge less for new vehicles in Canada to make them more affordable to Canadians, who have higher taxes, lower after-tax incomes and higher costs for imports due to the weak Canadian dollar.

    "Carmakers have rigged the deck to make U.S. consumers pay thousands of dollars more per vehicle than Canadians for virtually the same cars," said Joseph Tabacco Jr., a partner in the Boston law firm of Berman DeValerio, which filed the lawsuits on behalf of consumers.

    Named as defendants in the lawsuit were General Motors, Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler AG, Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., BMW AG and the Canadian and American automobile dealers associations.

    GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and the dealer associations did not return telephone calls from Reuters seeking comment.

    Tabacco said the auto industry was strongly in favor of the North American Free Trade Agreement, "but when free trade threatened to cut into their U.S. profits, they worked to get around it -- and broke the law to keep prices high."

    Estimates of the number of new cars and trucks available for sale in Canada that end up in the United States each year range from 5,000 to 100,000, said Dennis DesRosiers, president of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

    "We estimate it's at the low end of that range," DesRosiers said. "It's created this price gap between Canada and the United States ... of about $5,000 per vehicle. That has created an arbitrage situation between the two countries."

    Many of those vehicles that end up in the United States are brought from Canada by export companies, rather than consumers who cross the border and shop in Canada.

    The lawsuit said that vehicles sold in both countries were essentially the same, except for a metric speedometer and odometer in Canada and imperial gauges in the United States.

    DesRosiers said there also were some differences in the safety and emissions standards between Canada and the United States that resulted in some small differences, but he said a vehicle sold in Canada was about as safe as one sold in the United States.

    GM REVEALS FUEL-EFFICIENT MILITARY TRUCK TO ARMY
    Diesel Hybrid Truck Features a Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit for Stationary Applications

    WARREN, Mich. - General Motors Corp. and the U.S. Army revealed a diesel hybrid military pickup truck equipped with a fuel cell auxiliary power unit (APU) that could become the model for the Army's new fleet of 30,000 light tactical vehicles by the end of the decade.

    The diesel hybrid improves Army fuel consumption by 20 percent over conventional diesels, reduces emissions and provides troops with clean, reliable electrical power. These are crucial elements in helping to transform the Army into a lighter, more mobile military unit. And with fuel transportation costs reaching up to $400 a gallon depending on training or battlefield operations, the taxpayer savings could run well into the millions of dollars.

    The fuel cell APU would replace the loud engine- and battery-based stationary generators the Army now uses for field power, thus enhancing the Army's "silent watch" capability, or the ability to operate undetected by the enemy. Fuel cells are much quieter than engine generators and do not give off as much heat, making them less likely to be picked up by enemy heat sensors. The fuel cell unit also familiarizes the military with the next generation of commercially developed fuel cell technology, so that military vehicles could be powered by fuel cells within the next 10 years.

    GM unveiled the heavy-duty, militarized version of the commercial Chevrolet Silverado crew cab in a ceremony with Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and planning, and U.S. Army Major General N. Ross Thompson III, commanding officer of the Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.

    "Our prototype truck incorporates advanced diesel hybrid powertrain technology and introduces the military to the flexibility and security of fuel cell electric power," Burns said. "This defense project is a great opportunity to put large numbers of diesel hybrids and stationary fuel cell units in operation in the interest of national security.

    "We also anticipate that it will accelerate cost-effective and durable civilian applications of hybrid-electric vehicles and fuel cells. As an early customer, the military will help drive down costs, increase our learnings, and spur the eventual development of a hydrogen-based economy."

    For the rest of the story join the club that works for you, "Insider Club"

    JSC Engineering introduces "Droptail" at SEMA in Vegas. Wins award for best new truck product.
     
    This new product, remotely controls your truck tailgate to decreases drag, improve aerodynamics, fuel mileage, and performance. In auto mode it will adjust the opening for air flow and close your tailgate when you stop and you can lock it. Now wouldn't that be something to remotely open your tailgate as you back up to the gooseneck/fifth wheel trailer. You don't need an aftermarket air flow tailgate or those attractive belted strap tailgates. With the Droptail, you can close a real tailgate or turn it into a spoiler and save fuel. Droptail uses your factory tailgate and  maintains factory load capacity. Website or call 1-877-707-TAIL
     
    FORD'S ALL-NEW POWER STROKE DIESEL NAMED '10 BEST' ENGINE

    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 10, 2002 – Ford’s all-new 6.0-liter Power Stroke® Diesel was named one of 2003’s “10 Best” engines by Ward’s AutoWorld, a premier automotive industry magazine.

    The new 6.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel engine, designed and manufactured by International Truck and Engine Corp., is available on Ford F-250 through Ford F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, as well as the Ford Excursion. Mated with a new TorqShift® 5-speed automatic transmission, the new 32-valve diesel engine produces best-in-class horsepower of 325 at 3,300 rpm and 560 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm.

    “Ward’s 10 Best is the top award in the industry recognizing engines,” said Dave Szczupak, vice president, Powertrain Operations, Ford Motor Company. “To be the only diesel chosen by Ward’s, in a year with such tough competition, makes this award even more special.”

    Dick Fotsch, president of International Engine Group, an operating company of Navistar International Corporation, added: “The new Power Stroke is a major step forward in diesel technology for our truck customers. We are extremely proud that International and Ford have won this prestigious award.” The award, given annually by Ward’s, is decided by a panel of jurors from the magazine who select the engines they consider to be the “10 Best” engines in the industry – based on test-drive evaluations.

    “The new Power Stroke is a remarkable convergence of state-of-the-art turbo-diesel technology,” said Bill Visnic, senior technical editor, Ward’s AutoWorld, and editor of Ward’s Engine Update. “The fact that an engine designed for the medium-duty pickup segment can be a Ward’s 10 Best Engine winner – alongside some of the world’s most sophisticated and refined passenger-vehicle engines – speaks volumes about the intense engineering that’s gone into the all-new Power Stroke.

    “We congratulate Ford and its partner International Engine Corp. for developing the all-new Power Stroke,” Visnic added. “It is a world-class engine that improves upon its best-selling predecessor in almost every way.”

    Visnic added that Ward’s testers found it significant that the new 6.0-liter Power Stroke provides class-leading horsepower and torque figures despite a 1.3-liter displacement reduction compared to the previous-generation Power Stroke. He said the six editor-judges were particularly impressed that the new Power Stroke’s outstanding performance is achieved while simultaneously improving fuel economy and reducing NOx emissions.

    Ford sells more Power Stroke Diesel engines than Dodge and GM combined. Two of out every three F-Series Super Duty trucks sold are equipped with a Power Stroke Diesel engine. Since August, Ford has received more than 50,000 orders for vehicles equipped with the new engine.

    The new diesel engine is more powerful and cleaner than the well-respected 7.3-liter Power Stroke Diesel it replaces, achieving approximately 8 percent better fuel economy while satisfying more stringent emissions standards. The new engine reduces emission of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by approximately 20 percent, while providing customers reduced noise and vibration.

    The new Power Stroke is matched with the new TorqShift 5-speed automatic transmission that sets a new benchmark in responsiveness and confidence. TorqShift features a newly designed 5-speed gearbox and electronic control system to provide smoother shifts and higher low-gear ratios to help a loaded truck get off the mark smoothly. The transmission also features a “tow-haul” mode that automatically minimizes shifts and maximizes available torque to help increase a driver’s feeling of control.

    The new Power Stroke Diesel is built at International Truck and Engine Corporation’s Indianapolis Engine Plant. The new TorqShift 5-speed automatic is produced at Ford’s Sharonville Transmission Plant, near Cincinnati. The F-Series Super Duty truck lineup is manufactured at Ford’s 4.6-million square foot Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, the largest truck plant in the world.

    Ward’s Auto World, based in Southfield, Mich., is a monthly magazine published by PRIMEDIA Business Magazines & Media, Inc. Details of the Ward’s 10 Best Engines will be featured in the January issues of Ward’s AutoWorld and Ward’s Engine & Vehicle Technology Update and at www.wardsauto.com.

    Melt Away Ice and Snow With Rostra Safety Blade™

    LAURINBURG, NC – Icy buildup on wiper blades can cause accident and injury during winter.  Patchy vision combined with hazardous road conditions make driving a dangerous task for even the most experienced motorists.  This winter protect yourself, and your family, with the Safety Blade™ from Rostra Precision Controls, Inc.

    Activated automatically by the onset of freezing conditions, the Safety Blade keeps windshields clean and clear by warming the wiper blade, preventing snow and ice from accumulating on the blade. 

    Icy wiper blades can create blind spots on windshields by failing to remove the precipitation that quickly freezes on the cold glass. At night, these icy patches act as a magnifying glass and intensify the headlight glare of oncoming vehicles - severely limiting your vision and ability to concentrate on slippery roadways.

    “The Safety Blade is an investment in the well-being of yourself and those you care for,” said Thomas Weiss, Rostra’s vice president, automotive electronics group. “It gives you that extra peace of mind that everyone will make it home sound and secure.  And around the holidays, it makes for a thoughtful and practical gift idea.”

    The Safety Blade is available for all common domestic cars, trucks and SUVs.  It can also be fitted to heavy-duty trucks, as well as construction and agricultural vehicles. 

    Rostra’s heated wiper blade comes complete with all required hardware and easy to follow instructions.  Included in the package is a durable, silicone-wiping blade that lasts up to three times longer than normal blades.  Installation is quick and easy.

    The Safety Blade retails for $49.95 per blade assembly and can be purchased by a Rostra distributor or by calling Rostra’s customer service center at 800.782.3379.

    Rostra Precision Controls, headquartered in Laurinburg, North Carolina, isthe leading supplier of vehicle speed control systems, transmission components and vehicle comfort seating systems to the global automotive aftermarket industry.  The company is also the manufacturer of the Rostra Obstacle Sensing System™ (ROSS) and the Comfort Heat™ seat heater.  Rostra products are proudly made in the USA in an ISO9001/QS9000 certified facility.

    For more information

    Draw-Tite announces at SEMA a new "Fold Down Gooseneck Hitch."

    Fold down design is similar to what we saw Valley introduce decades ago. That earlier model had a characteristic of wearing on the wedge side and allow movement of the ball. This new folding ball from Draw-Tite has a thicker wedge holding the ball upright and is greaseable. It comes with a 2 5/16 ball and is rated for 25,000#'s Gross Vehicle Towing Weight and 6250# tongue weight. The only problem I see with this heavy duty hitch is the amount of extra holes you have to put in your truck bed.

    GM fights cross-border sales

    Approximately 25,000-30,000 so-called gray market vehicles are exported from Canada each year, mainly by brokers, because of the favorable exchange rate and the demand for hot products such as the Chevrolet Suburban, GM spokesman Tom Henderson said. More....

    Another Secret Rebate or nagging problem: Remember the lowering kit from Ford for your 1999 F250 that no one told about? GM's turn. Technical Service Bulletin 01-06-01-028 for 4x4 and 022 for 4x2.

    Over the last 6 months I have had reports of an engine knocking noise after 20,000 miles in the new GM series gas engines, 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L. GM admits to the piston slap noise they call cold start knock, but claims it causes no permanent damage. Earlier overhead cam engines had this knock when cold from lack of oil pressure. Older carburetor fed gas engines had knocking noises from several sources, but with computers in charge now, noise from other than a diesel has become a rarity. GM has replaced some engines only to experience the noise came back. If you have a late model 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L gas engine and have an engine noise or don't want to, I'd suggest you take it to your GM service department. They can check out the latest service bullet. Some folks after complaining to their GM service department and making a service report have been getting their engine warranties extended to 100,000 miles for free. Don't miss this secret rebate Band-Aid!

    PRO-TEC Box

    The Chevy-exclusive PRO-TEC pickup box and tailgate are built to take it. Made from an injection-molded composite material that will never rust, warp or fade, the PRO-TEC pickup box and tailgate are lighter, stronger and more durable than a steel pickup box. With PRO-TEC, Chevy Silverado takes another step toward long-lasting dependability. More...

    The Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Does Not Apply to Leased Vehicles.

    The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, recently ruled in three cases that the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act does not apply to automobile leases. The Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act only applies to claims by car buyers. The appellate courts dismissed plaintiffs' claims under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in all three cases because that Act does not apply to automobile leases.

    I'm often asked about with modifications to your truck and how it effects your trucks warranty. In a nutshell, there is a law that aftermarket dealers quote often, Magnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975, which spells out your rights with warranties. The basic things you had to worry about when modifying your truck was not to change the emissions settings and for a dealer to deny you warranty work, they had to prove your modifications caused the failure not just claim it did. But now a new victory for dealers that might affect the rest of us. For you folks modifying your trucks that are being leased, you want to be careful.

    The New York Supreme Court recently ruled in three cases all with Daimler Chrysler as defendant, that leased vehicles are not protected by the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The high court ruled the law only pertains to purchased vehicles. But if you purchased your truck, you do have the lawful rights to modify your truck if it doesn't change the emissions of the vehicle or if the accessory you added doesn't damage the factory components.

    Here are links to help you make decisions on adding aftermarket accessories to your Truck.

    http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.htm

    http://www.mlmlaw.com/library/guides/ftc/warranties/undermag.htm

    http://www.autotrucktoys.com/mag_moss.htm

    http://www.1st-in-synthetics.com/warranty.htm

    http://www.goldenram.com/Press/magmossact.asp

    http://www.freeadvice.com/gov_material/ftc-business-guide-to-fed-warranty-law-into-5-87.htm

    Dodge recalls 157,000 Ram pickups in U.S.
    Reuters / June 07, 2002

    DETROIT - The Chrysler arm of DaimlerChrysler AG said on Friday it was recalling 157,000 Dodge Ram pickups, including the first recall of its new 2002 Ram models, to fix two separate problems.

    The automaker said it would recall 46,000 2002 Ram pickups to fix a potentially weak weld on a rear axle bracket. It said the recall affects only four-wheel-drive models built before November 2001, and that no complaints had been received about the problem.

    The other recall involves 111,000 heavy duty Ram pickups with diesel engines built between 1997 and 1998. Chrysler said a fitting in the engine compartment could corrode from road salt used on Midwestern roads in the winter.
    FORD ANNOUNCES NEW TORQSHIFT 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRUCK TRANSMISSION

    DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2002 – Ford Motor Company will introduce a new 5-speed automatic truck transmission called TorqShift® in early 2003.

    The 5-speed TorqShift is a newly designed automatic transmission scheduled for production this fall at Ford's Sharonville (Ohio) Transmission Plant, near Cincinnati. The new automatic will be available on mid-2003 model year Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups and Ford Excursion SUV models equipped with Ford’s new 6.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel® engine.

    FORD ANNOUNCES NEW 6.0-LITER POWER STROKE DIESEL TRUCK ENGINE

    DEARBORN, Mich., May 28, 2002 – Ford Motor Company today announced it will introduce an all-new 6.0-liter V-8 diesel engine and a heavy-duty 5-speed automatic transmission beginning in early 2003 for its F-Series Super Duty pickup and Ford Excursion sport-utility vehicle. More...

    News Shorts

    Check out page 2, for a short intro into the new 2003 GM C4500 and C5500.

    I was glad to see the new Dodge 2002, 1500 get a "Good Rating" from the Institute for Highway Safety's frontal offset barrier tests. The old model last year received a "Poor Rating". Good Job Dodge!

    Glad to see a pickup bed on the Ford F450 in 2004 model. Folks need bigger trucks. The aftermarket beds you have to add to F450's and F550's are thousands of dollars, like $6,000. It would surprise you just how many F350 dually owners rated closer to a 13,000# tow capacity, that pull 16,000#'s to 20,000#'s. Bigger trailers need bigger trucks.

    There's exciting news ahead in pickup Truck'nology!

    My first breaking news story, is the future of valves and injectors. Space technology might pay off after all. Sturman Industries have created valve-actuation and fuel-injection systems to change diesels forever.

    You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read this story. Most of your computers will already have it installed. If not, it's free just go to this link and install.

    Here is the story reprinted with permission from Front Range TechBiz.

    Click to learn more about the Sturman Digital Valve or DHOS Injector or DHOS Valve Actuation Module or visit Sturman Industries web sites.

    The following article sums up what these new tech advances mean to you.


    Return to article page

    To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu.
    This story was printed from FindArticles.com, located at http://www.findarticles.com.

    Automotive Industries
    May, 2000

    NAVISTAR UNVEILS CAMLESS DIESEL; 1ST TO POWER 2003 FORDS.(Navistar International Corp.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
    Author/s: Lindsay Brooke

    The engine's new hydraulically actuated G2.8SV injectors will be sourced from a new U.S. joint venture with Siemens AG. The digital actuators, shown here atop the valves, were developed by Navistar in a joint venture with the Colorado-based Sturman Engine Systems.

    Navistar International Corp. recently took the wraps off one of the auto industry's most anticipated products: an engine whose valve-train is operated electronically, without a camshaft.

    In development since 1995, the so-called "camless" design will replace all of Navistar's light-duty on-highway diesels, including those powering Ford pickups, vans and SUVs. They'll enter production beginning in 2003 and ramp up in volume through 2007 -- the year the new federal Tier 2 emissions regulations begin for most light trucks.

    The camless engines, including a modular V-6/V-8 family for Ford and an inline six for International trucks, are Navistar's technical solution for meeting the ultra-strict emissions laws, which critics say will be a challenge for diesels.

    "We had to make a paradigm shift away from the mechanical world, to achieve the new emissions regs cost effectively," Patrick Charbonneau, Navistar vice-president of engine engineering, tells AI "We will be camless across all of our product lines by 2007."

    Rather than open and close its valves with conventional camshaft, pushrods or cam chain, lifters, rocker arms and valve springs, the camless engine employs an electro-hydraulic actuator mounted above the valves. It eliminates 140 parts, compared with a conventional diesel. On larger diesels it also eliminates the separate compression brake -- a $1,000 to $1,500 savings per engine.

    The digitally-controlled system is an out-growth of Navistar's electro-hydraulic, low-pressure common rail fuel injection, notes Charbonneau. It provides continuous, independent variable valve timing, lift and speed, which helps boost power, improve combustion and reduce engine-out emissions.

    Controlling an engine's valvetrain electronically "opens the door for other future systems aimed at boosting efficiency and power," explains Dan Ustian, president of Navistar's engine group, "including cylinder deactivation and variable compression ratios."

    The camless engines will feature advanced after treatment systems being developed by Degussa, Englehard and Johnson Matthey. They are designed to be operated on ultra-low-sulfur (less than 5 parts per million) diesel fuel, which Charbonneau and other engine experts expect will be available nationwide in a few years. Navistar claims that NOx emissions will be reduced by up to 70%, with significant gains in fuel economy. Particulate emissions are claimed to be reduced to 90% below the EPA's proposed 2010 diesel regulations.

    And the engines are quiet and virtually odorless, as witnessed by Al at Navistar's technical center near Chicago.

    The first of the camless engines in production will be a new 4.5L V-6. It is slated for the 2003 Ford F-Series trucks, E-Series vans, Expedition and Excursion. To be built in a new, $250-million plant in Huntsville, Ala., the V-6 "will have performance equal to a diesel V-8, with 20% better fuel economy, a 35% manufacturing cost advantage and 70% lower NOx emissions," promises Charbonneau. "It will enable us to enter the under 8,500-pound light-truck market, including SUVs, in high volume." A 3.5L version will appear in 2005.

    The new 6.0L camless V-8 shares 90% of the V-6's parts and replaces the 7.3L V-8 now used in many Ford light trucks. The 6.0L will produce more than 300 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

    COPYRIGHT 2000 Cahners Publishing Company
    in association with The Gale Group and LookSmart. COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group

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    One stop truck shopping, comparing, buying, and selling, new or used. I highly recommend this great service.

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