I was an "engine guy" even before I could drive. Later, as a high school junior, I got hooked on Corvettes and Chevrolet engines. "Automotive technical writer" was the perfect job for an engine geek. I was reading about them, writing about them, servicing them, modifying them, photographing them, streaming Internet video about them, talking with engineers who design them, interviewing the shops which build them, working on them at the track and just standing out in the shop, sipping a cold beer while looking at the Big-Block, LS1, LS7 and LT5 in my Corvettes.

Ok. You get it, right? I'm an engine fanboy.

That's why I got geeked during my first visit to a new "engine-centric" website, engineperformanceexpo.com. A friend of mine, Lake Speed Jr., who works for Total Seal Piston Rings, told me about it during a virtual conference between members of automotive media and aftermarket companies which I attended a while back.

The Engine Performance Expo could be described as virtual trade show and it's free for viewing by anyone. The sponsors of the Engine Performance Expo are 23 performance aftermarket businesses which: manufacture engine parts for motorsports applications, are industry-leading engine builders, manufacture machine tools and other equipment used in high-performance engine work, market measuring and hand tools for engine building or have other association with the high-performance and racing engine industry.

The Expo exists to bridge the knowledge gap between the top racing engine builders and the enthusiast. Technology advances over the last 20 years allow race engines to run higher speeds, higher temperatures and for three to four times longer. Those advantages in performance, reliability and durability are available to every engine performance enthusiast...if they have the knowledge of how to attain them. The Engine Performance Expo seeks provide access to anyone interested in greater engine performance and durability to the information and experience developed by race winning professional engine builders.

On my first visit to the site, I watched a video from Dart Machinery about how aluminum and cast iron engine blocks for high-performance and racing use are manufactured and a second video from Motor State Distributing about how the Rottler F69A CNC block finishing machine improves the quality of and reduces the time required for block machine work.

Currently, the Expo also has other videos on subjects such as piston design technology, controlled surface machining, engine balancing, cylinder bore coatings, ultrasonic engine parts cleaning, precision block honing, piston ring selection, nitrous oxide, turbochargers, dynamometer testing, block sleeving technology, racing oil, valvetrain technology and much more. There are a total of 36 videos on the site which has been up since early January. In March the existing Expo content will being being re-edited and move to YouTube and a new Expo videos will be posted on the site on a weekly basis.

So...engine geeks, rejoice! You can now stream some of the best engine building videos on the web. Check it out at engineperformanceexpo.com

 

Thanks for this series, Hib. I've always been a hands on, mechanical guy, too. Probably why I went into skilled trades/Tool and Die work. Guys like you are what make this forum great!!!

 

Thanks for the info, Hibster.

 

That's awesome seeing Tony from BES on there! Tony is a humble, knowledgeable, and skilled builder - he is a blast to talk to in person. BES is worth a look if anyone needs a strong build, engine parts, or head work. Just as a testimonial they did my fathers Viper heads and they increased the flow over 10%.

 

Ummm seems like a expo promotion advertisement....