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NGK/NTK And The Aftermarket ‘Pour It Forward’ At AAPEX
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By Counterman
The more time I spent behind the counter, the more I noticed the diversity of customers coming into the store from one day to the next. My theory is that cars are a uniting force in our world. Put simply, they may be the one thing we all share in common. To some of us, cars are simply a way to “get from point A to point B.” Then there are the enthusiasts who look at their car not only as transportation, but also as an extension of their passions, and sometimes, their personalities.
I’d say that I fall into the second category. I love cars for a number of reasons. The snarling sound of a European V-8 compared to the rumble of an American V-8 – both are music to my ears! I also tend to make at least some sort of modification to every vehicle I own. It may not be a big upgrade, but something to either add a bit of my own style, or a touch of added convenience.
I’m not the type of person who is only interested in horsepower, but I know when a car feels like it’s lacking in that department. However, there are customers out there who want to boost horsepower as much as possible, and they’re willing to shell out some serious cash to make it happen! It’s probably safe to say that you’ve had at least one experience with a customer who is looking to boost their car’s horsepower, even just a little bit.
Let’s take a look at what sort of parts this type of customer could be interested in, and what you can do to make the sale.
Air Intake
High-flow performance filters are a common upgrade. These filters come in a variety of colors. The color is from a dyed oil that’s soaked into the element. The elements typically are a cotton weave, held in place by a wire mesh. The weave is looser than a standard paper air filter, which allows a greater volume of air to pass through. Since the loose weave can’t filter out the smaller particles, it’s soaked in oil, and the particles will, in turn, stick to the oil. Dye is used in the oil so there’s an easily noticeable contrast between the oil and the element, allowing you to ensure that all areas are saturated.
These types of filters can flow more air, and drivers may be able to feel a small change in performance. But they do require regular cleaning and re-oiling to maintain their level of performance. You can be confident about selling them and touting the increased flow, but I do warn people that when they clean and oil them, be sure to heed the instructions, and don’t over-oil them. There always have been “rumors” of these types of filters damaging mass airflow sensors, but they’re largely unfounded, and over-oiling them is the only thing that could possibly contribute to this.
At the higher end, the customer may choose to install a new intake system. An intake system swaps out the factory air box for a heat shield, or a redesigned air box for better air flow.
Power-Adders
This next category steps things up a notch. Power-adders are upgrades that are designed to add horsepower, or possibly free up ponies that are being lost along the way.
Thanks to the widespread use of turbocharging in modern-day engines, there are plenty of tuning possibilities with these forced-induction engines. Bigger, more efficient intercoolers will help to keep those intake-air temps low. Cooler intake air is denser air, and this means better power and efficiency.
There are plenty of opportunities to maximize airflow and efficiency in a turbocharged application. Small gains can be seen by upgrading the charge pipes that carry the charge air from the turbocharger to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the intake manifold. The small, restrictive stock turbo inlet pipe can be swapped out for an upgraded cast aluminum for better air flow. These may be small gains, but they will start to add up. For the best possible power gains, they may want to consider having the ECU tuned by an aftermarket tuner.
High-End Upgrades or Retrofits
Our final category comes in at the highest price point, but some of them can bring tremendous power gains.
The exhaust system is responsible for carrying away exhaust gases after combustion. The real problem – at least in a car enthusiast’s eyes – is that stock exhausts are quiet. An upgraded downpipe can make a huge sound difference on a turbocharged engine. Aftermarket headers can have a similar effect on naturally aspirated engines. And a cat-back exhaust system (from the catalytic converter back) can benefit any vehicle with a livelier exhaust note. But it’s wise to urge your customers to always adhere to local ordinances and emissions regulations.
We already talked about modern engines that are turbocharged from the factory, but what if their vehicle isn’t turbocharged? Well, it’s possible, of course, to retrofit a turbocharger or supercharger onto a naturally aspirated engine, but that brings a whole new level of complication and cost.
And let’s not forget our customers with supercharged engines, such as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. There are a number of vehicles out there with supercharged engines. One of the easiest ways to gain power in these applications would be by installing a new supercharger pulley. This smaller-diameter pulley causes the supercharger to spin faster, increasing the amount of boost it can generate. After this, the crankshaft pulley can be replaced with a larger one, increasing the amount of overdrive to the supercharger. Speaking from experience, with both of these pulleys and the required ECU tune on a 2013 Audi S4, the difference is night and day! The car went from being quick to snapping your head back into the headrest.
These are just a few examples of upgrades that can be used to boost horsepower. I would urge you to spend some time looking through your catalogs and familiarizing yourself with the offerings inside. Chances are you’ll have an opportunity to sell upgraded parts to a customer soon!
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By Counterman
On May 1, MAHLE Aftermarket officially launched its first-ever “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway sweepstakes.
The social media-driven promotion offers participants the chance to win a brand-new Chevy LS engine.
The sweepstakes will be conducted through the
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view social media pages. Participants just need to share a photo of their current engine, repair or maintenance project and tag MAHLE’s social account in the post. Full program details are available on the MAHLE Facebook and Instagram pages.
“We thrive as a vehicle aftermarket supplier because of the unwavering support we receive from our loyal enthusiasts. That’s why it’s so important that we find opportunities to reward our followers through fun and unique contests that reflect their interests,” said Jon Douglas, president, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “We especially love to develop programs that bring together our sponsors and business partners to be a part of these promotions and bring them to life for our followers.”
The Chevy LS engine will be built by Tri-Star Engines and Transmissions, located in Baldwin, Wisconsin, featuring all applicable premium MAHLE components.
This is the first in a series of four engine giveaways that will be a part of the “Powered by MAHLE” social media-based sweepstakes throughout 2023, with additional engines being provided by MAHLE engine-building partners up for grabs in the months of July, August and October.
At the conclusion of the month of May, the first winner in the promotional giveaway will be selected at random from among all entries. A formal announcement about the winner of the inaugural “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway will be made in June.
In addition to the engine, winners will be provided entry to the Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis in December and a one-night hotel stay featuring a dinner with Team MAHLE professionals. Additional engine builders will work with MAHLE to build the other three engines that will be awarded throughout this one-of-a-kind program. All entries received during May will be eligible for the additional months’ sweepstakes drawings.
For more information about MAHLE Aftermarket and its brands, visit
link hidden, please login to view or contact your local sales representative. No purchase is necessary. The post
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By Counterman
On May 1, MAHLE Aftermarket officially launched its first-ever “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway sweepstakes.
The social media-driven promotion offers participants the chance to win a brand-new Chevy LS engine.
The sweepstakes will be conducted through the
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view social media pages. Participants just need to share a photo of their current engine, repair or maintenance project and tag MAHLE’s social account in the post. Full program details are available on the MAHLE Facebook and Instagram pages.
“We thrive as a vehicle aftermarket supplier because of the unwavering support we receive from our loyal enthusiasts. That’s why it’s so important that we find opportunities to reward our followers through fun and unique contests that reflect their interests,” said Jon Douglas, president, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “We especially love to develop programs that bring together our sponsors and business partners to be a part of these promotions and bring them to life for our followers.”
The Chevy LS engine will be built by Tri-Star Engines and Transmissions, located in Baldwin, Wisconsin, featuring all applicable premium MAHLE components.
This is the first in a series of four engine giveaways that will be a part of the “Powered by MAHLE” social media-based sweepstakes throughout 2023, with additional engines being provided by MAHLE engine-building partners up for grabs in the months of July, August and October.
At the conclusion of the month of May, the first winner in the promotional giveaway will be selected at random from among all entries. A formal announcement about the winner of the inaugural “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway will be made in June.
In addition to the engine, winners will be provided entry to the Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis in December and a one-night hotel stay featuring a dinner with Team MAHLE professionals. Additional engine builders will work with MAHLE to build the other three engines that will be awarded throughout this one-of-a-kind program. All entries received during May will be eligible for the additional months’ sweepstakes drawings.
For more information about MAHLE Aftermarket and its brands, visit
link hidden, please login to view or contact your local sales representative. No purchase is necessary. The post
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By Carib Auto Parts
At some point, every car owner will need to replace a part of their vehicle. Regarding buying or replacing auto parts, two main options are available:
OEM Car Parts Aftermarket Car Parts Both options have pros and cons, but what is the difference? In this blog, we’ll look closer at OEM Car Parts and Aftermarket Car Parts to help you decide which option is best for your vehicle.
What are OEM Car Parts?
What does OEM mean? OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” OEM Parts are made by the same company that produced the original part of your vehicle. These parts are made to the exact specifications as the original ones, ensuring they fit and function as intended. One of the main benefits of using OEM parts is that they are often covered under warranty. You can usually replace the part for free if something goes wrong. OEM parts are also known for their high quality, as they are made to the same standards as the original parts.
What are Aftermarket Car Parts?
Aftermarket parts are parts that the original manufacturer does not make of a vehicle. Instead, they are produced by third-party manufacturers and sold as replacements for OEM parts. Aftermarket parts can include various products, including mechanical parts such as engines, brakes, and transmissions, and cosmetic parts such as body kits and spoilers. Aftermarket parts are often designed to be interchangeable with OEM parts, meaning they should fit and function just like the original part. However, there are some differences in quality and price between aftermarket and OEM parts. While aftermarket parts are often more affordable, they may need to meet the same quality standards as OEM parts. A broader range of options may be available for customization and upgrades. Vehicle owners should carefully consider their options when choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts and ensure they purchase from a reputable manufacturer that offers high-quality products.
What is the best Choice Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts. The first is cost. OEM parts are often more expensive than aftermarket parts, but they also have the added assurance of quality and warranty protection. On the other hand, Aftermarket parts are generally less expensive, but it can be more difficult to determine the quality of the part.
If you are looking for a high-quality part covered under warranty, OEM parts may be the best choice. However, if you are on a low budget or need a more versatile part, aftermarket parts may be how you want to go. Ultimately, the most important thing is to research and choose a part that will fit and function as intended.
How Carib Auto Parts can help you source OEM and Aftermarket Car Parts?
link hidden, please login to view want to let you know that we help you source OEM and Aftermarket parts from Japan and the USA. We understand how frustrating it can be to search for the right parts, especially when unsure where to look or how much it will cost. That's why we offer a service that takes care of everything for you, including the cost of the part, the cost of shipping, and all applicable taxes and customs duties. When you come to us for your auto parts needs, we'll provide you with a fully landed price that includes all these costs. This way, you don't have to worry about surprise charges or fees. We have established relationships with reliable suppliers in Japan and the USA, which allows us to source high-quality parts at competitive prices. We can help you find what you want, whether you need OEM or aftermarket parts. We aim to make sourcing auto parts as easy and hassle-free as possible for our customers.
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By Counterman
Northwood University announced that it has hired an industry veteran to serve in a new role supporting automotive aftermarket education.
“We are thrilled to welcome James O’Dell as our new assistant director of aftermarket education,” said Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice president and provost of Northwood University. “His professional experiences and network, along with that of our new University of Aftermarket executive director, will usher in an age of growth for our aftermarket programs, which will benefit the entire automotive industry.”
O’Dell has served as the business development manager for Fisher Auto Parts in Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 2019.
The automotive aftermarket includes vehicle parts, equipment, replacement tires, service repair, collision repair and accessories sold after the sale of the original vehicle. The Auto Care Association, which represents the entire automotive aftermarket, estimates the auto care industry is a $400 billion industry with more than 4.5 million workers.
“As our vehicle parc continues to increase in age, and our miles driven have reached a new record high, opportunities in the automotive aftermarket continue to grow at a rapid pace,” O’Dell said. “I am proud to join Northwood. Its aftermarket program, and the Northwood Idea, are truly unique in the country. It inspires human potential through education and opportunity which uniquely prepares its students to make a difference and be successful. This is evident in that nearly one hundred percent of Northwood aftermarket graduates are employed – and their average salary is nearly $63,000.”
In October, Northwood named Thomas Litzinger as the executive director of the University of the Aftermarket. Litzinger is an accomplished high-performing executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience.
“Dr. Litzinger and James O’Dell are industry professionals with diverse experience and skills to lead aftermarket education,” Stehouwer stated. “Their strong associations and ability to form new relationships across the industry will allow Northwood to collaborate with all segments to produce even more career-ready students.”
O’Dell noted Litzinger is not just an industry expert; he has the academic achievement to lead and inspire students in Northwood’s undergraduate programs and those in the University of Aftermarket, which provides industry-specific professional development to those working in the industry. He also is proficient in researching and publishing new studies relevant to the industry.
Litzinger will lead an effort to develop a new curriculum for the University of the Aftermarket just as Northwood is reinvigorating its aftermarket education through these new hires and a new curriculum.
“The investments Northwood is making in aftermarket education shows the university is responsive to the industry’s feedback, and it is stewarding its resources well for the good of the industry,” O’Dell stated.
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