Wixom center engine building video
11-25-2009, 04:43 PM
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Wixom center engine building video
Thought some of you might be interested in a YouTube video from GM’s Wixom performance build center showing Don Henley, a ZR1, ZO6 and Grand Sport engine builder, talking about what he does. Note the reference to interaction with Corvette owners through Corvetteforum at 1:42.
The video is also on GM’s site:
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/news...chevrolet.html
The video is also on GM’s site:
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/news...chevrolet.html
12-14-2009, 11:52 AM
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[QUOTE=savewave;1572237227]Thought some of you might be interested in a YouTube video from GM’s Wixom performance build center showing Don Henley, a ZR1, ZO6 and Grand Sport engine builder, talking about what he does. Note the reference to interaction with Corvette owners through Corvetteforum at 1:42.
Look how GM over-exaggerates. Look at their marketing strategies.
1) They show old parts for Ford and new parts for GM
2) They tell you that you can only touch up a GM vechicle
I find this to be a big joke...even back then.
Chevrolet 1956.1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF5fJ...eature=related
Look how GM over-exaggerates. Look at their marketing strategies.
1) They show old parts for Ford and new parts for GM
2) They tell you that you can only touch up a GM vechicle
I find this to be a big joke...even back then.
Chevrolet 1956.1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF5fJ...eature=related
Last edited by mr-z; 12-14-2009 at 12:06 PM.
12-14-2009, 07:22 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
How does this relate?
[QUOTE=mr-z;1572425336]
The 53 year old commercial is interesting. It is obviously a commercial ad. It contains 'puffery', as many commercials do. But please tell me how this relates to the video from Wixom?
I didn't see any product comparisons in the new video. I am obviously not a professional actor, and I was not coached about what to say.
You may find it to be a big joke, but please tell me what I said that is not true.
Like it or not, there are many enthusiastic Corvette owners, and many enthusisastic GM workers. You may find that to be a joke, but it is also reality.
Sorry you are so mired in sarcasm.
Don
Thought some of you might be interested in a YouTube video from GM’s Wixom performance build center showing Don Henley, a ZR1, ZO6 and Grand Sport engine builder, talking about what he does. Note the reference to interaction with Corvette owners through Corvetteforum at 1:42.
Look how GM over-exaggerates. Look at their marketing strategies.
1) They show old parts for Ford and new parts for GM
2) They tell you that you can only touch up a GM vechicle
I find this to be a big joke...even back then.
Chevrolet 1956.1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF5fJ...eature=related
Look how GM over-exaggerates. Look at their marketing strategies.
1) They show old parts for Ford and new parts for GM
2) They tell you that you can only touch up a GM vechicle
I find this to be a big joke...even back then.
Chevrolet 1956.1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF5fJ...eature=related
I didn't see any product comparisons in the new video. I am obviously not a professional actor, and I was not coached about what to say.
You may find it to be a big joke, but please tell me what I said that is not true.
Like it or not, there are many enthusiastic Corvette owners, and many enthusisastic GM workers. You may find that to be a joke, but it is also reality.
Sorry you are so mired in sarcasm.
Don
12-15-2009, 09:58 AM
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Burning Brakes
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I'm not trying to be sarcastic. Just trying to show how marketing stretches the truth. I am 60 yrs old and a Corvette enthusiast for many years, and my father and I both worked for GM for 40 years. I am now retired. I did not mean to knock your work at the plant. Don't take it personally. It's just that they make it sound as if the engine is all hand built and assembled and it's not. It's hand assembled, but the parts are mass produced and pre-balanced, and all they do is put it together. A Ferrari body and engine, on the other hand, is hand built, from start to finish, including interior , but GM is trying to infer that the Corvette is also, but it's not. Corvette is still a mass produced car, however, still the best bang for your buck.
12-15-2009, 06:25 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
I'm not trying to be sarcastic. Just trying to show how marketing stretches the truth. I am 60 yrs old and a Corvette enthusiast for many years, and my father and I both worked for GM for 40 years. I am now retired. I did not mean to knock your work at the plant. Don't take it personally. It's just that they make it sound as if the engine is all hand built and assembled and it's not. It's hand assembled, but the parts are mass produced and pre-balanced, and all they do is put it together. A Ferrari body and engine, on the other hand, is hand built, from start to finish, including interior , but GM is trying to infer that the Corvette is also, but it's not. Corvette is still a mass produced car, however, still the best bang for your buck.
Do you really think their engine parts are not pre-balanced? How is that an advantage?
12-17-2009, 10:14 AM
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Burning Brakes
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12-18-2009, 07:49 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Need to magnflux new parts?
If you need to magnaflux new engine parts then you better find a new suppliers.
Magnaflux has nothing to do with engine balance.
So are you saying that our engines would be better if we magnafluxed our parts before assembly?
Of course magnaflux only works on steel components, as it requires parts to be magnetized. It wouldn't work on titanium conn rods or aluminum engine blocks. There are other crack detection methods for nonferrous parts.
12-19-2009, 01:16 PM
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I have magnafluxed plenty of parts when I worked in Engineering. As you know, it is a procedure used to find cracks. It was routinely done when engine parts were inspected after severe use.
If you need to magnaflux new engine parts then you better find a new suppliers.
Magnaflux has nothing to do with engine balance.
So are you saying that our engines would be better if we magnafluxed our parts before assembly?
Of course magnaflux only works on steel components, as it requires parts to be magnetized. It wouldn't work on titanium conn rods or aluminum engine blocks. There are other crack detection methods for nonferrous parts.
If you need to magnaflux new engine parts then you better find a new suppliers.
Magnaflux has nothing to do with engine balance.
So are you saying that our engines would be better if we magnafluxed our parts before assembly?
Of course magnaflux only works on steel components, as it requires parts to be magnetized. It wouldn't work on titanium conn rods or aluminum engine blocks. There are other crack detection methods for nonferrous parts.
You are misunderstanding the point that I am trying to make. I understand magnaflux quite well. It was the Wixom video that seemed to infer that the assembler for the Corvette engine is doing everything by eye, when of course he isn't. I hope this clears that up.
The only point I am trying to make is the GM is trying to make people think that they are doing the same manufacturing procedures and assembling procedures as a car such as the Ferrari. If they did so, then the cost factor would be much more...common sense. Take a look at this video, and you'll see the comparisons from start to finish. For example, GM subcontracts their aluminum frame to an outsourcer. The 1953 video I showed was GM showing their superiority over Ford, which is marketing strategy. The Wixom video is marketing stratedy also, to compete with the European competitors. Ferrari does everything in house and calibrates more acurately than a mass produced product. Everything from mfg their own aluminum to their upholstery in house. The Wixom video could be misleading to those that are not engineers or knowledgable enough, and may walk away stating that GM hand builds it's own engine for Corvette. The engine in the Corvette is mass produced, not only for the Corvette, but for other GM products. Just check out the video and maybe you'll understand what point I'm trying to make.
Ferrari V12 Engine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdcoVurVY30
Last edited by mr-z; 12-19-2009 at 01:18 PM.
12-21-2009, 06:56 AM
#9
Burning Brakes
You are misunderstanding the point that I am trying to make. I understand magnaflux quite well. It was the Wixom video that seemed to infer that the assembler for the Corvette engine is doing everything by eye, when of course he isn't. I hope this clears that up.
The only point I am trying to make is the GM is trying to make people think that they are doing the same manufacturing procedures and assembling procedures as a car such as the Ferrari. If they did so, then the cost factor would be much more...common sense. Take a look at this video, and you'll see the comparisons from start to finish. For example, GM subcontracts their aluminum frame to an outsourcer. The 1953 video I showed was GM showing their superiority over Ford, which is marketing strategy. The Wixom video is marketing stratedy also, to compete with the European competitors. Ferrari does everything in house and calibrates more acurately than a mass produced product. Everything from mfg their own aluminum to their upholstery in house. The Wixom video could be misleading to those that are not engineers or knowledgable enough, and may walk away stating that GM hand builds it's own engine for Corvette. The engine in the Corvette is mass produced, not only for the Corvette, but for other GM products. Just check out the video and maybe you'll understand what point I'm trying to make.
Ferrari V12 Engine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdcoVurVY30
The only point I am trying to make is the GM is trying to make people think that they are doing the same manufacturing procedures and assembling procedures as a car such as the Ferrari. If they did so, then the cost factor would be much more...common sense. Take a look at this video, and you'll see the comparisons from start to finish. For example, GM subcontracts their aluminum frame to an outsourcer. The 1953 video I showed was GM showing their superiority over Ford, which is marketing strategy. The Wixom video is marketing stratedy also, to compete with the European competitors. Ferrari does everything in house and calibrates more acurately than a mass produced product. Everything from mfg their own aluminum to their upholstery in house. The Wixom video could be misleading to those that are not engineers or knowledgable enough, and may walk away stating that GM hand builds it's own engine for Corvette. The engine in the Corvette is mass produced, not only for the Corvette, but for other GM products. Just check out the video and maybe you'll understand what point I'm trying to make.
Ferrari V12 Engine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdcoVurVY30
Perhaps you do not agree that we are skilled engine builders. The fact is that we all served four year apprenticeships, including on the job and classroom training, before becoming Journeymen. Most of us worked on development engines and vehicles before coming to Wixom.
Am I being used for marketing purposes? Well if I am, that's fine with me. GM has been good to me, my community and country. I would like to see GM survive.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!
12-21-2009, 01:54 PM
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Burning Brakes
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Regarding the Wixom video - the words you hear are my own. The only thing I was coached to say was my name and occupation. What you see is a condensed version of the total that was recorded. Sorry, but I don't see anything dishonest there.
Perhaps you do not agree that we are skilled engine builders. The fact is that we all served four year apprenticeships, including on the job and classroom training, before becoming Journeymen. Most of us worked on development engines and vehicles before coming to Wixom.
Am I being used for marketing purposes? Well if I am, that's fine with me. GM has been good to me, my community and country. I would like to see GM survive.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!
Perhaps you do not agree that we are skilled engine builders. The fact is that we all served four year apprenticeships, including on the job and classroom training, before becoming Journeymen. Most of us worked on development engines and vehicles before coming to Wixom.
Am I being used for marketing purposes? Well if I am, that's fine with me. GM has been good to me, my community and country. I would like to see GM survive.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!
You are
misunderstanding the point that I am trying to make.
You're taking this way too personal. I'm not directing to you or your job qualifications. I'm sure your qualifications are very high.
SO BE IT.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you.
And god Bless.
Last edited by mr-z; 12-21-2009 at 02:16 PM.
01-10-2010, 09:14 AM
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Thanks
Don - thanks for sharing the video. I always appreciate any info I can find about how Corvettes are built. Chuck Witmer built the LS7 in my 2008 Z06. They are amazing cars. I have watched the Ultimate Factories video about 5 times and it inspired me to buy my Z06.
What is the typical time it takes between build date of the LS7 and when it gets installed in the car ? Back in the 60's this was about 2 weeks.
I am also the proud owner of a 60 and 65 Corvette and love driving all my Vettes. I get a lot of help from NCRS members in making thes cars correct.
Keep up the great work !
Mark
What is the typical time it takes between build date of the LS7 and when it gets installed in the car ? Back in the 60's this was about 2 weeks.
I am also the proud owner of a 60 and 65 Corvette and love driving all my Vettes. I get a lot of help from NCRS members in making thes cars correct.
Keep up the great work !
Mark
Last edited by Mark1960; 01-11-2010 at 01:12 PM. Reason: typo
01-10-2010, 10:24 AM
#12
Burning Brakes
Comments from Wixom
Don - thanks for sharing the video. I always appreciate any info I can find about how Corvettes are built. Chuck Wixom built the LS7 in my 2008 Z06. They are amazing cars. I have watched the Ultimate Factories video about 5 times and it inspired me to buy my Z06.
What is the typical time it takes between build date of the LS7 and when it gets installed in the car ? Back in the 60's this was about 2 weeks.
I am also the proud owner of a 60 and 65 Corvette and love driving all my Vettes. I get a lot of help from NCRS members in making thes cars correct.
Keep up the great work !
Mark
What is the typical time it takes between build date of the LS7 and when it gets installed in the car ? Back in the 60's this was about 2 weeks.
I am also the proud owner of a 60 and 65 Corvette and love driving all my Vettes. I get a lot of help from NCRS members in making thes cars correct.
Keep up the great work !
Mark
Thanks for the great feedback.
Chuck would appreciate knowing that you are taking great care of your Corvettes. Chuck has some pretty impressive cars in his collection too, although I think they may be from that family in Dearborn. For sure, Chuck was a hard-working mechanic and he built a great engine.I think the time it takes from our shipment of an engine to its installation at Bowling Green is a little less than 2 weeks. No one wants to carry excess inventory, so our shipping requirements vary from day to day. But the slow down at Bowling Green may enter into it also. I'll check with our scheduling folks to see if this is correct.
Don
01-16-2010, 01:43 PM
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Build your own LS9!
That's what GM is thinking of doing! 
Here's the link: http://jalopnik.com/5448530/gm-looks...engine-program
How cool would that be.
Here's the link: http://jalopnik.com/5448530/gm-looks...engine-program
How cool would that be.
01-29-2010, 09:19 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
how many people on here even own a zr1 or can afford to., sounds like a bunch of want-a-be here who maybe couldn't build a model car right. I DO NOT own a zr1 but a zo6 and I appreciate what wixom and GM does...if those who are critical can do it better start your own company or try and go to work for gm or other car makers....NOT LIKELY This is a forum to help, NOT pick apart others for what they do or say...nuff said, off my rant.
03-30-2010, 08:04 PM
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thanks man
Don,
I sold my 2008 Ferrari Scuderia to buy my 2010 Chevrolet ZR1 and I do not regret it. I write this not to impugn Ferrari as they make fantastic cars. However, the Ferrari had its share of issues just as any car will. I am writing to thank you and to ask you to please know that there are quite a few of us out here who understand what you guys have accomplished with the ZR 1. And, we appreciate it very much. Additionally, I believe your video was a sincere attempt to share information on a car we all love.
cheers man,
Hecks
P.S. I am now quite interested to look and see who built my engine.
I sold my 2008 Ferrari Scuderia to buy my 2010 Chevrolet ZR1 and I do not regret it. I write this not to impugn Ferrari as they make fantastic cars. However, the Ferrari had its share of issues just as any car will. I am writing to thank you and to ask you to please know that there are quite a few of us out here who understand what you guys have accomplished with the ZR 1. And, we appreciate it very much. Additionally, I believe your video was a sincere attempt to share information on a car we all love.
cheers man,
Hecks
P.S. I am now quite interested to look and see who built my engine.
08-13-2010, 09:47 PM
#16
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understanding not
mr. z i truly understand what you are saying and you are right in every way, but you have to understand that most folks dont really want to hear the truth because it makes void all that they stand for or believe in. you take that away and they have nothing. remember wide is the path that leads to nothing and many travel that road but narrow is the path that leads to something and very few find it. if ya dont know, ya dont know. r. booker mdpd
08-14-2010, 04:03 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Don,
I sold my 2008 Ferrari Scuderia to buy my 2010 Chevrolet ZR1 and I do not regret it. I write this not to impugn Ferrari as they make fantastic cars. However, the Ferrari had its share of issues just as any car will. I am writing to thank you and to ask you to please know that there are quite a few of us out here who understand what you guys have accomplished with the ZR 1. And, we appreciate it very much. Additionally, I believe your video was a sincere attempt to share information on a car we all love.
cheers man,
Hecks
P.S. I am now quite interested to look and see who built my engine.
I sold my 2008 Ferrari Scuderia to buy my 2010 Chevrolet ZR1 and I do not regret it. I write this not to impugn Ferrari as they make fantastic cars. However, the Ferrari had its share of issues just as any car will. I am writing to thank you and to ask you to please know that there are quite a few of us out here who understand what you guys have accomplished with the ZR 1. And, we appreciate it very much. Additionally, I believe your video was a sincere attempt to share information on a car we all love.
cheers man,
Hecks
P.S. I am now quite interested to look and see who built my engine.
Thanks for your support - I hope your ZR1 thrills you all the way!
Have you posted who built your LS9? The vast majority of customers do not post theirs - but we enjoy hearing from those who do.
If you're ever near Wixom, come on in for a tour!
Don
11-24-2010, 10:26 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
Don,
thank you, thank you, thank you for posting the video. It is great. Of course, GM did the video as a promotion, so what? I'm so glad you're active on this forum and we get to have a look behind the scenes. It is very clear to me that GM doesn't just do the 1 man/engine for promotional reasons alone. The quality is much better this way. I know Mercedes does similar method for their AMG motors.
Something I just realized watching your video. All head bolts are torqued simultaneously. That is got to be the best way.
Keep the info coming.
thank you, thank you, thank you for posting the video. It is great. Of course, GM did the video as a promotion, so what? I'm so glad you're active on this forum and we get to have a look behind the scenes. It is very clear to me that GM doesn't just do the 1 man/engine for promotional reasons alone. The quality is much better this way. I know Mercedes does similar method for their AMG motors.
Something I just realized watching your video. All head bolts are torqued simultaneously. That is got to be the best way.
Keep the info coming.
11-26-2010, 09:01 AM
#20
Burning Brakes
Thanks to you all!
Our thanks go to all of you who have made your choice to support our products. I know you didn't buy a ZR1 just to get our engine, but we're glad to be a part of the package. Roar on!
Yeah, the head bolt multi-spindle machine is pretty amazing. One of my jobs is to do torque verification, and the head bolt machine is extremely consistent for accurate torques!
Can you imagine trying to torque all 15 bolts simultaneously in your garage? Fifteen guys with torque wrenches all turning at the same time...
Even if you could it would be hard to get the torque + angle that the multi-spindle gives you. Hooray for intelligent machines!
Yeah, the head bolt multi-spindle machine is pretty amazing. One of my jobs is to do torque verification, and the head bolt machine is extremely consistent for accurate torques!
Can you imagine trying to torque all 15 bolts simultaneously in your garage? Fifteen guys with torque wrenches all turning at the same time...
Even if you could it would be hard to get the torque + angle that the multi-spindle gives you. Hooray for intelligent machines!
Don,
thank you, thank you, thank you for posting the video. It is great. Of course, GM did the video as a promotion, so what? I'm so glad you're active on this forum and we get to have a look behind the scenes. It is very clear to me that GM doesn't just do the 1 man/engine for promotional reasons alone. The quality is much better this way. I know Mercedes does similar method for their AMG motors.
Something I just realized watching your video. All head bolts are torqued simultaneously. That is got to be the best way.
Keep the info coming.
thank you, thank you, thank you for posting the video. It is great. Of course, GM did the video as a promotion, so what? I'm so glad you're active on this forum and we get to have a look behind the scenes. It is very clear to me that GM doesn't just do the 1 man/engine for promotional reasons alone. The quality is much better this way. I know Mercedes does similar method for their AMG motors.
Something I just realized watching your video. All head bolts are torqued simultaneously. That is got to be the best way.
Keep the info coming.