In 1972, Central Michigan University started an Automotive Technology program, headed up with the arrival of Bill DeKryger. When 2010 started off, the Automotive Technology program came to an end when Mr DeKryger entered retirement.
When I arrived at CMU's summer orientation in 1995, I really had no idea what I wanted to major in, or even what CMU had to offer. Fresh out of high school, I was still stumbling through life clueless. Having developed a deep passion for cars over the last few years, when I discovered CMU offered an Industrial Technology degree with an Automotive concentration, I found my path.
Not only did I find a program perfect for me, I discovered others who shared my passion. Growing up, mom and pop automotive shops, as well as performance shops (Super Shops 1963-1997), were coming to the end of the road. With the AutoZones, Murray's, and Advanced Autos taking over, getting a car part entailed talking to somebody punching your info into a computer, not understanding that it didn't matter what year the vehicle was, as nothing was original, and all you needed was a set of gaskets for a small block Chevy. With the loss of these shops, many of us gearheads lost our places to hang out. For me, the shop at CMU took on that role.
Within a short time, I was employed as a shop assistant, as were many of my closest friends at CMU. The knowledge we learned, projects we tackled, and stories we have will last a lifetime. We were downright spoiled in regards to what we had at our fingertips. A hot tank, lifts/drive up hoists, bench dyno, flow bench, crankshaft balancer, valve grinder, and an endless supply of tools. It was truly a gearheads paradise.
If not for the Industrial Technology program, and most specifically the Automotive shop, I'm not sure whether or not college would have been for me. In one sense, we were somewhat of the castoffs, or even the "greasers" of our era. We'd come back from a day at class, or evening during open shop, covered in dirt, grime, and grease from head to toe...loving every minute of it.
I have to this day, so many memories tucked away from those days and nights in the shop. Much of my 69 Camaro was built in that very garage, and while I have made some changes, it all started in that garage.
Perhaps the most memorable for me was my final year at CMU. I had rebuilt my Camaro from the ground up, and the finishing touch was a 513 hp 454 Big Block Chevy. After the build, I was tuning the engine on our SF901 Dyno. Occasionally, the exhaust tubes would fall off the headers during a 7,000 rpm pull. The noise was music to my ears, though to others working in other classrooms throughout the building, it was a reason for curiousity. More than a few people came wandering into the lab to see what all the commotion was about.
When I got news from my former professor that with his retirement, the university had decided to end the program, I was a bit hurt. I had this sinking feeling inside, and a heavy heart. I had always hoped to some day go back and stop into the lab, perhaps even see what the students of today were working on. Those days are over, and along with many of the mom & pop automotive shops, and performance shops, are now part of a bygone era. I am just thankful for the times I had, the friends I met, and knowledge I took away. While I won't be able to revisit the garage, I do hope to one day meet up with some of my friends and my former professor, with his Shelby Cobra he had talked about building all those years, and finally is becoming a reality.
With that, I leave you with a short article that was printed in the college paper at CMU, just prior to Mr DeKryger's retirement.
Automotive Technology Professor Leaving Behind Legacy.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
G Force Crossmembers
Here is an aftermarket company that offers stronger crossmembers while also offering added clearance for headers/exhaust. They offer a variety of crossmembers for both Ford and GM applications. Sadly, they don't appear to offer options to the Mopar crowd.
G Force Crossmembers
G Force Crossmembers
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hot Rod Calculator
HOT ROD CALCULATOR
Quick Overview
-Pre-programmed formulas for engine building and track tuning
Hand held, take it anywhere.
-On the spot calculations of how engine modifications effect the vehicle setup.
-The Hot Rod Calculator allows easy, on the spot, calculations of how engine modifications and at track vehicle setup changes can effect power output and track performance.
-Easy to use formulas for the professional or novice will show you how engine changes like compression ratio and air fuel mixture effect your engine's power and torque outputs.
-At the track, see how things like gear ratio changes or weather conditions can effect your E.T. (accurate weather data required).
Hot Rod Calculator - Street and Strip performance calculator for use by racers, engine builders and automotive enthusiasts. This is the chance to know up front how changes will translate into power and performance, so before you spend your time or money, use the Hot Rod Calc to get the answers. Pre-programmed formulas for engine building and track tuning. Quick reference guide with 100s of formulas included for ease of use. Easy to use, self contained, no additional computer or monitors required (accurate weather data required for some ET calculations) Hand held, take it anywhere, and includes protective Armadillo case at no additional charge. Universal for or use to do any mathematical calculations related to engine performance and vehicle E.T
Available at Summit Racing for $80.99
Ford Boss Mustang TracKey
Now THIS is an awesome idea, multiple keys that offer multiple calibrations.
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you’re treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red – the TracKey – and you have a competition-ready track car.
2012 MUSTANG BOSS 302 LETS LOOSE WITH TRACKEY; CHOOSE STOCK OR FULL-RACE CALIBRATION
•TracKey, available for 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford dealers, adds TracMode powertrain control software to the car for track use, providing full race calibration and two-stage launch control in addition to stock calibration, without compromising factory warranty
•Using a dual-path powertrain control module (PCM), TracKey software is installed after the vehicle is purchased; accessed by a specially programmed vehicle key, new code coexists with stock Boss software, allowing drivers to choose between street or track use simply by selecting a key
•No aftermarket chips or permanent modifications are made when TracKey is used, allowing owners to return to the stock setting by starting the car with a regular key
A joint project between Mustang engineers and Ford Racing, TracKey adds a second set of powertrain control module (PCM) software to a customer’s Mustang Boss 302, activated by a specially programmed vehicle key. When invoked by TracKey, the new TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the potent but well-mannered stock Boss into a competition-ready track car. Remove TracKey and start Boss with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a comfortable drive home from the course.
“From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.”
As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.
One key, hundreds of changes
Devised during an all-night garage brainstorming session among core Mustang team members, TracKey introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.
The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and other engine parameters – more than 200 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust.
“Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”
When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock driveability for the journey there and back.
An after-hours obsession
In the early stages of TracKey development, a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM computers and switching between them. However, Ford controls engineers developed a method to choose between two unique sets of software in a single powertrain control module on the Boss 302: The dual-path PCM was born.
“We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software,” says Seaman. “Then the controls engineers developed a software system to activate one or the other, depending upon which key was used to start the vehicle. Really, all the parts to make this work existed – the Ford MyKey® system was already using the PATS transceiver to perform specific actions based on the key used to start the car, and the PCM was flexible enough to handle multiple control modules. It was just putting everything together.”
As the project unfolded, the team was driven by the uniqueness of what they were trying to accomplish, and TracKey became an obsession. Considering the compressed time frame in which the technology was developed, motivation was essential to the creation of the finished product.
“We’ve all been really excited about TracKey, so it came together quickly,” explained Pericak. “The concept was first discussed in spring 2009, and here we are 18 months later with a finished, tested, verified product. It’s a perfect example of what can happen when you get a core, cross-functional team willing to contribute 24/7 to bring a great idea to life.”
TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 – You hold two keys: One has a black Boss logo, the other red: Either will start your 2012 Mustang Boss 302. Slide the all-black key into the lock cylinder, give it a twist and you’re treated to 444 ponies worth of smooth, streetable driving joy. Or choose red – the TracKey – and you have a competition-ready track car.
2012 MUSTANG BOSS 302 LETS LOOSE WITH TRACKEY; CHOOSE STOCK OR FULL-RACE CALIBRATION
•TracKey, available for 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford dealers, adds TracMode powertrain control software to the car for track use, providing full race calibration and two-stage launch control in addition to stock calibration, without compromising factory warranty
•Using a dual-path powertrain control module (PCM), TracKey software is installed after the vehicle is purchased; accessed by a specially programmed vehicle key, new code coexists with stock Boss software, allowing drivers to choose between street or track use simply by selecting a key
•No aftermarket chips or permanent modifications are made when TracKey is used, allowing owners to return to the stock setting by starting the car with a regular key
A joint project between Mustang engineers and Ford Racing, TracKey adds a second set of powertrain control module (PCM) software to a customer’s Mustang Boss 302, activated by a specially programmed vehicle key. When invoked by TracKey, the new TracMode software alters more than 200 engine management parameters, increasing low-end torque and turning the potent but well-mannered stock Boss into a competition-ready track car. Remove TracKey and start Boss with the standard key, and all factory engine settings are restored for a comfortable drive home from the course.
“From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.”
As part of the TracKey software package, Ford engineers also devised a two-stage launch control feature similar to that used on the Cobra Jet race car. Using a combination of steering wheel buttons, drivers can set the tach needle to a desired launch rpm. Floor the throttle and the engine will rev to the preset rpm until the clutch is released, helping aid acceleration and vehicle control from a standing start.
One key, hundreds of changes
Devised during an all-night garage brainstorming session among core Mustang team members, TracKey introduces the concept known as the dual-path powertrain control module. The industry-first, patent-pending innovation allows two separate sets of engine management software to exist on a single PCM, selected through the existing SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver found in current production keys.
The TracKey PCM software, installed by an authorized Ford dealer after a customer takes delivery of the car, adjusts variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking, fuel control and other engine parameters – more than 200 in total – to provide a complete race car calibration. The result is an aggressive, race-bred driving experience all the way down to the lopey idle rumbling through the Boss quad exhaust.
“Anything that could possibly affect all-out performance is deleted from the TracKey calibration,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Throttle limiting and torque management – any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”
When TracKey is removed and the vehicle is started with the standard key, the PCM settings are automatically drawn from the factory Boss 302 instruction set again without any additional modifications needed – a huge advantage over aftermarket tuning chips and ECU reprogramming. The convenience is useful for enthusiasts who want all-out performance at the racetrack but stock driveability for the journey there and back.
An after-hours obsession
In the early stages of TracKey development, a major challenge was the complexity of installing multiple PCM computers and switching between them. However, Ford controls engineers developed a method to choose between two unique sets of software in a single powertrain control module on the Boss 302: The dual-path PCM was born.
“We installed the 302R software on the same PCM that held the stock Boss software,” says Seaman. “Then the controls engineers developed a software system to activate one or the other, depending upon which key was used to start the vehicle. Really, all the parts to make this work existed – the Ford MyKey® system was already using the PATS transceiver to perform specific actions based on the key used to start the car, and the PCM was flexible enough to handle multiple control modules. It was just putting everything together.”
As the project unfolded, the team was driven by the uniqueness of what they were trying to accomplish, and TracKey became an obsession. Considering the compressed time frame in which the technology was developed, motivation was essential to the creation of the finished product.
“We’ve all been really excited about TracKey, so it came together quickly,” explained Pericak. “The concept was first discussed in spring 2009, and here we are 18 months later with a finished, tested, verified product. It’s a perfect example of what can happen when you get a core, cross-functional team willing to contribute 24/7 to bring a great idea to life.”
TracKey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available to 2012 Mustang Boss 302 owners through Ford Racing authorized dealers. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Threaded Exhaust Clamps
A cool concept for a couple of reasons. First, of all, it seems this would make removing an exhaust system much easier. Secondly, perhaps most importantly, there are no gaskets to go bad or replace. Lastly, for some situations (like my own) it's hard to get all three bolts tightened up on my header collector flanges due to lack of space. This seems to be the solution that would solve many issues. The only real question is how they would hold up to constant use and real life daily driving conditions. Would they remove as easily as they installed after say 10,000 miles? Regardless, it seems like a great idea, and prices start at $100.
For more information, check them out at Julianos.
For more information, check them out at Julianos.
High Performance Silicone Hoses by SamcoSport
For anybody who has been stranded at the side of the road with a hole blown in their radiator hose, you can appreciate a high perforance silicone hose with a lifetime warranty. In addition, these hoses are hand made in Europe and come in a variety of applications for a perfect fit. They are also available in custom colors, for the color coordinated hot rodder.
For more information, check them out at SamcoSport.
For more information, check them out at SamcoSport.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Garage Art
While at the 2011 Detroit Autorama I picked up several business cards from people offering various forms of Garage Art. Amazing metal working, pencil sketches, posters, pinstripe art, tin and neon signs were but a few of what the vendors had to offer. I managed to walk out with 5-6 metal signs and a few posters, which will be added to my garage wall art collection as soon as I figure out where to hang them. Below is a list of several sites offering many options to obtain the proper decor for any garage. I am also going to add a "Garage Art" link in the side bar for future reference.
Jones Design
Cat's Meow Detroit
Tope's Tiki Hut
Moto Tooner
Not Stock Photography
Jones Design
Cat's Meow Detroit
Tope's Tiki Hut
Moto Tooner
Not Stock Photography
BangShift.com: The Car Junkie Daily Magazine
I stumbled upon this online car magazine the other day. Updated daily with new articles, as well as videos and pictures, it seems like a top notch website. I've added a link under Online Car Magazines in the side bar to the right. Check it out!
Bangshift.com
Bangshift.com
Fuel Altered Winged Express Passing Burnout!
These cars are the baddest of the bad, true hell on wheels. I would argue that when it comes to drag racing, the driver's of these rides are among the bravest in the sport. Undeniably, they are also amongst the bravest drivers out there, as each pass they hope and pray to travel a straight line, knowing that the odds are far from being in their favor.
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