Here Are Five Locations Where You Can Have AMSOIL Installed At Sturgis

"Get your motors runnin'...."

AMSOIL, Official Oil of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, has made five locations available where rally-goers can get AMSOIL oil changes while in the vicinity of Sturgis. It is well-known that AMSOIL motorcycle oils help keep bikes — and bikers’– cooler on those hot summer rides.

Sturgis

▪ Mad Dog Custom Cycles – Intersection of Junction Ave & Sherman St. (across from H-D)

▪ John Todd – 2311 Park Ave, Sturgis (across from McDonald's)

▪ Easy Eddie – Buffalo Chip Vendor Row

Rapid City 

▪ X-Treme Bikes / AMSOIL X-Press – Rapid City Exit 55 on I-90 (near H-D Rapid City) Deadwood

▪ Flying Tire Motorcycle – Steel Wheel Trading Post (US 385, 6 mls S. Deadwood, SD)

NOTE: While in Sturgis drop by our booth on Main Street, just east of Junction Avenue. We have a surprise for you that we'll tell you about tomorrow.

Award-Winning AMSOIL-Lubed Genesis Coupe Prepares for SEMA

The SEMA Show is fast approaching, and project vehicle builders are on the hunt for products to complete their final visions in Las Vegas come November. AMSOIL is a respected name among these talented builders, and will be installed in many of the booth and feature vehicles throughout the SEMA Show floor.

One such builder is Jay Borbajo, a member of Team Hybrid and proud owner of a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe headed to SEMA as an AMSOIL featured vehicle. He recently took home the award for Best KDM at the SpoCom show in Anaheim earlier this month. In fact, Team Hybrid members walked away with a total of 11 trophies before the show was over. AMSOIL has worked with members of Team Hybrid in the past, and they know how to produce award-winning rides that turn heads in even the most competitive of shows. We caught up with Borbajo to get some insight into creating an award-winning vehicle, and what it is about the Genesis that inspired him to make it what it is today.

What does KDM stand for on your trophy win?

Jay Borbajo: KDM means Korean Domestic Market. Basically, any vehicle or part that is made in Korea and is imported falls under this category. The KDM category is composed of Kia & Hyundai manufactured cars. There were a total of 12 cars that fell into this category at SpoCom 2014.

Is this your first project/show car?

JB: No, I've had two other cars I have put work minor work into; a 1995 Toyota Startlet GT Turbo when I was living in the Philippines, and a 2009 Scion TC. I was also heavily involved with the motorcycle drag race scene in the Philippines at that time.

What drew you to the Genesis?

JB: In 2010 the Genesis Coupe made huge waves by bringing back affordable 4 cylinder turbo and 3.8 V6 RWD sports cars that not only performed well, but also had very aggressive styling. It also was the best bang for the buck and had the most features of any car in its price range. I love the reaction I get from people even now: "That's a Hyundai?!?!" It's pretty much a common question we hear all the time in our community, regardless of how modified the car is. Hyundai definitely stepped up their game when they made this car and I have zero regrets on my purchase.

Most memorable moment on the car show scene...

JB: I would definitely say that the win at SpoCom was the most memorable. SpoCom for Team Hybrid is like the SEMA of car shows. We are all encouraged to go and bring our best. We ended up bringing 50+ cars and being surrounded by so many team mates that came out from Norcal, Socal, Nevada and even Texas is such an amazing feeling. I've been going to SpoCom for the past 3 years and this is the first year that they acknowledged the KDM class, even if the previous years there was even more of a KDM presence. The 1st place trophy that SpoCom gives out is designed by Troy of Five Axis, and it is definitely a work of art. When I came down from the stage after receiving the trophy, one of my teammates said "We all dream about getting that trophy man....great job!" It was definitely a surreal moment and made all the blood, sweat and tears I put into this car well worth it.

Why did you choose AMSOIL for your engine?

JB: I honestly don't track, drift or do any racing with the car, but I do daily drive it almost 100 miles every day for work. What I can tell you is that AMSOIL definitely helps the engine run smoother. AMSOIL has a rich history in racing and a reputation for making the best motorcycle and automotive fluids designed for enthusiasts and professionals who like to push the limits. Knowing that the same fluids found in those high horsepower vehicles are the same fluids protecting my engine, it gives me peace of mind and the confidence that my engine will be protected for many years to come.

Indeed. Do you have a favorite quote or motto that describes you?

JB: I have two: "Hustle until you no longer need to introduce yourself" & “Some people dream of perfection...others achieve it.”

Well said, Jay, and congratulations on your SpoCom win. We look forward to seeing you and the Genesis at SEMA in November.

AMSOIL under the hood: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
● Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
● 75W-90 Synthetic Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube
● Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
● Dominator Coolant Boost
● Series 500 High-Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid
● Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid
● P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive

Heat Puts Stress On Engine Oils

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins this coming weekend.

When you think about it, we demand a lot from our motor oil. For example, we all want better fuel economy, so we’re using lighter oils. However, we also want engines to produce more power per cubic inch. To add power, we’re putting in turbochargers which raise the engine temperatures and put higher stress on our oil.

That’s not the only stress. We value cleaner air, so new devices that reduce exhaust emissions place more contamination in the oil and increase engine temperatures. We’ve also cut aerodynamic drag, a plus for vehicle owners, but brutal on oil. By minimizing the air flow over the engine and drivetrain, temperatures also rise.

In fact, the average under-the-hood temperature had increased from 175 degrees Fahrenheit in 1975 to 225 degrees by 2000. Our vehicles are increasingly complex and powerful machines. To keep them running smoothly, we’re demanding that our lubricants do more and last longer.

That is why synthetic motor oils and drivetrain fluids have been increasing in market receptivity over the past two decades. For more information about AMSOIL synthetic motor oils, visit the AMSOIL website at www.amsoil.com.

With the Sturgis motorcycle rally just around the corner (AMSOIL staff will be on-site setting up by the end of this week) it seems a good time to share our new V-Twin Torture Test video.


You can see with your own eyes how heat puts stress on motor oils, especially in hard-working V-Twin engines. And how AMSOIL does its part to protect those engines. It's what we're about.

More Pictures from the AMSOIL/Street Rodder Eastwood Summer Classic Road Tour: Woodstock, Port Jervis and on to Pottstown

Road Tour director Jerry Dixey sent us another report, along with bunches of photos as the AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour continues to wend its way through the Northeast.

Wednesday morning the Tour rolled across Connecticut to cross into New York, their first destination being the Old Reinbeck Aerodrome in Red Hook. It’s only natural that after seeing boats and ports, cars and motorcycles, they would take in a visit to an airplane collection. Though one of our current advertising campaigns features the message of our manufacturing synthetic oils for any engine, the reality is that we no long produce oil for airplanes as we once did for the Rutan Racer.

The Old Reinbeck Aerodome is an amazing collection of very early airplanes and related items that was originally begun by Cole Palen back in 1951. Since Mr. Palen’s passing a number of years ago it has been managed by a non-profit trust. On summer weekends they re-enact dog-fights that recreate the battles of World War One. For a nominal admission fee tourists can visit the Aerodome during the week.

From there it was on to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, best known as the site of the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. Dixey notes, “It was fun for me to relate my experiences on that hill 45 years ago as an 18-year-old child of the 60’s. The museum tells the story of that era and shows in detail the story of the weekend in August of 1969 when so many people attended the most famous rock concert in history.”

Leaving Bethel Woods the Road Tourians made their way to the city of Port Jervis, New York where they had been invited to a special cruise night arranged by the Cruisin’ Port folks. Thursday morning it was photo shoot time for the AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour gallery when each driver and passenger poses with their vehicles, then it was off through the Delaware Water Gap. After a stop with the Hi-Winders Car Club in Bangor, Pa. it was on to Pottstown where they cleaned up their cars for the evening cruise in Elverson, Pa. at the Sonic Restaurant. Everyone was talking about the Eastwood Summer Classic that is taking place tomorrow. Can’t wait to see what happens next….

"By the time we got to Woodstock..."

And on and on and on it goes....

Diesel Power Challenge Now Airing on YouTube

Back in May, ten diesel truck owners and their teams descended on Denver, Colo. to put their rigs through several punishing trials known as the Diesel Power Challenge. The event is filmed on location for later release on DVD, but now is your chance to watch the action for free. Diesel Power Magazine has decided to release a new clip each day that shows just what these diesels endured throughout the week. The event did not unfold without drama, as competitors dealt with electrical issues, nitrous backfires and much more. See the events leading up to Lavon Miller’s exciting win despite his setback of power steering loss on the second day of competition.

This week, through tomorrow, July 25, the Motor Trend Channel has been posting fresh videos daily. From high-wattage horsepower numbers on the dyno to impressive obstacle course runs, the 2014 Diesel Power Challenge delivered a serious power trip to diesel enthusiasts.

So Much To See and Do in the Northeast for AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tourians

The Breakers... Vanderbilt summer home.

The AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour is making its way through the Northeast this week on what has been tagged as the Eastwood Summer Classic leg of the Road Tour. Hey, Jerry... are you having fun yet?

The photos our Road Tour Director has sent this week indicate that this is again a very special circuit for Road Tourians. Beginning at the Syracuse Nationals the gathered tour weaves its way through New York State, Rhode Island, Connecticut and on to Massachusetts. Along the way sights have included The Breakers, a variety of special car and nostalgia collections, the Connecticut Street Rod Association (where they were guests at a party last night), Newport Harbor, Cape Cod Bay, and a dive down into Pennsylvania, ultimately aiming for Hershey Thursday to wind up at the third annual Eastwood Summer Classic in Pottstown, PA.

One of the highlights for Jerry Dixey will be stopping at Bethel, New York where one of the most famous rock concerts in history took place 45 years ago this August on Max Yasgur's 600 acre dairy farm. For Jerry it will be a nostalgic moment as he reflects on what he saw and heard there a lifetime ago.

Here are few of the memories being taken away on this leg of the tour... and this summary of one day's details.

Ride on!

One More Time: Follow AMSOIL on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and AMSOILRacing.com

At AMSOIL, there’s always something happening. From new product releases and advertisements, to racing and sponsorship announcements, spreading the word has never been easier since the onset of the Internet in the early nineties. Today’s technology offers many different ways of connecting with the public with Facebook and Twitter two of today’s

most powerful tools in social and business networking. AMSOIL now utilizes both to keep Dealers and customers alike informed of new developments within our company. With so much information available today, it helps having a direct source of information you can rely on to find what you’re looking for.

Sturgis is just around the corner. The next leg of the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour is coming up. Racing events, car shows and the latest hot cars to go gaga over can all be found on these AMSOIL social media outlets and through our various eNewsletters.

Find the most up-to-date information on AMSOIL via these online social hubs and be the first to know of the latest happenings and announcements. Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Check out our albums on Instagram and join our growing AMSOIL family. It's a whole new world! And we're eager to Share it with you.

Racing into the future.

AMSOIL Diesel Truck Project Lets Fans Decide What Happens Next

If you were handed a brand-new diesel truck and told to take the reins in upgrading it to the truck of your dreams, what modifications would be at the top of your list? What would your ideal diesel truck look like?

Here at AMSOIL we’d like to know what our fans think, so we’re giving them a chance to speak their minds and have a say regarding which modifications are added to our new 2014 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LT Crew Cab. Everyone has his or her own vision of a perfect diesel, and we can’t wait to see what comes out of this challenge. Very soon the social media floor will be open for voting regarding which modifications will be added before the official unveiling at SEMA in November this fall.

From blank canvas to final masterpiece, this unique project will let fans vote each week on what happens next. Every facet of the build will be be shared. From tires and bumpers to exhausts and everything in between, voters will determine the end result of 14 customizations for this performance-driven diesel truck.

AMSOIL is well-known for producing lubricants capable of bringing out maximum power and performance in virtually any application. Once complete, this truck will be a true testament to what AMSOIL products can do as voters lead the way to the finished product. Stay tuned for more information and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming voting opportunities.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amsoil.inc 
Twitter:  @AMSOILINC

Which is correct, Preventive or Preventative maintenance?

This car could have used a little more TLC.

There are a number of language experts who see a decline in the quality of our language due to things like texting and the internet. This problem of misusing language, however, precedes the digital age. In various parts of the country people say they will borrow you a dollar when they mean lend. Other words frequently mixed up include accept and except, principal and principle, stationary and stationery, and a host of others.

So what is it when we come to preventive maintenance. In many places we see preventative maintenance, and in others it is the shorter preventive.

According to Wikipedia (with a disclaimer that the article needs verification for accuracy) the proper word is preventive maintenance.

Preventive maintenance (PM) has the following meanings:

1. The care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of maintaining equipment and facilities in satisfactory operating condition by providing for systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or before they develop into major defects.

2. Maintenance, including tests, measurements, adjustments, and parts replacement, performed specifically to prevent faults from occurring. 

The primary goal of maintenance is to avoid or mitigate the consequences of failure of equipment. This may be by preventing the failure before it actually occurs which Planned Maintenance and Condition Based Maintenance help to achieve. It is designed to preserve and restore equipment reliability by replacing worn components before they actually fail. Preventive maintenance activities include partial or complete overhauls at specified periods, oil changes, lubrication and so on. In addition, workers can record equipment deterioration so they know to replace or repair worn parts before they cause system failure. The ideal preventive maintenance program would prevent all equipment failure before it occurs.[citation needed]

There is a controversy of sorts regarding the propriety of the usage “preventative."

In point of fact, whatever you call it, the real question is, are you doing it? Routine checking of fluid levels and tire pressure are just two of the responsibilities that come with owning a car or truck. The best way we know to make sure you change your oil at proper intervals is to park your maintenance information in MyAMSOILGarage. You can store maintenance for all your vehicles in one location, get product recommendations and email reminders that it's about that time.  Best of all, it's free.

Crandon Now Celebrating 45th Year of Racing Excitement

Welcome to Crandon

The last weekend in June was the first of two big racing events in Crandon, Wisconsin, one of the most exciting places in the world for short track off-road racing. These trucks have power, and drivers who love to use every bit of it. Here are some photos from the first TORC event there, followed by a short video giving you a taste of this teeth-shattering form of racing.

Scott Douglas

... with Brad Lovell

High-flying Chad Hord...

and his daughter had a stellar weekend.

Both ended up in the Winner's Circle.

AMSOIL is the presenting sponsor and Exclusive Official Oil of The Off-Road Championship (TORC) series,  premier off-road short course racing series in North America. Learn more about our other powersports-related sponsorships at amsoilracing.com.

What Does the W Stand For in 5W-30 Motor Oil?

The viscosity of a fluid is the measure of its internal molecular friction resisting flow. The “W” in 5W-30 motor oil stands for “winter” and indicates the oil meets or exceeds certain criteria for good low-temperature performance. Motor oil with SAE viscosity grade 5W-30 behaves like an SAE 30 oil at high temperatures and SAE 5W oil at low temperatures, providing the necessary fluidity for rapid starts and efficient engine operation at low temperatures.

Without the introduction of additives, as the temperature rises oil viscosity thins. As the temperature drops the oil viscosity thickens. With the introduction of additives, oil can be rated for one viscosity when it’s cold and another when it’s hot. A thicker oil viscosity at higher temperatures usually continues to provide lubrication protection to moving parts. A thinner oil viscosity at lower temperatures flows easier and requires less energy at start up.

For 5W-30, the “5” tells you how the oil will perform at colder temperatures. A “5W” protects and performs better at lower temperatures than a “10W”. The “30” tells you how the oil viscosity will be at higher temperatures. The second number “30” will stay thicker and protect better at higher temperatures than a “20”.

Interested in learning more? Visit this page of our website to make sure you're putting the right oil in your car. It makes a difference what oil you choose.

Update on the Buell Bike Giveaway

The year is half spent, but there's still plenty of time to enter our Building Legends Sweepstakes. In December some lucky winner will take home an EBR 1190RX. In addition to the Grand Prize EBR 1190RX, AMSOIL is giving away an Erik Buell-autographed motorcycle helmet (First Prize, $500 retail value) and three AMSOIL leather motorcycle jackets ($250 retail).

Here's a link to the contest rules... and to the Entry Form. Do take a minute to review the rules as eligibility is limited.

Meantime... what do you think of this bike?

Ride on!

Ron Shaver's Contribution to the 2014 AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour

It was exciting to see legendary engine builder Ron Shaver competing in last year's AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge. His late model GM LS engine featured RHS block and heads, displacing 427 cubic inches. Holley carburetor on a single plane intake manifold. Shaver’s engine. decked out with a Holley carburetor on a single plane intake manifold, was clearly a well-developed piece that ran flawlessly in qualifying.

The power output was outstanding, with peak output recorded at 738 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of peak torque. The engine’s score was hurt by a dip in the torque curve right at the bottom of the rpm range, but the final tally of 2720.4 was enough to put Shaver among the leaders. By week's end another engine builder walked away with the trophy, but no one takes anything for granted when a Ron Shaver engine is in the room.

Well, this year Shaver's name came up in conjunction with another AMSOIL-sponsored relationship, the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour. The Road Tour's '59 Chev Impala is a big car, and it needed a big engine. Road Tour director Jerry Dixey says it has been tremendously fun to drive. Furthermore, it has enough trunk space to accommodate "a small college  marching band" (if they leave out the tubas.) Dixey has driven a few road tours with almost no trunk space, so the extra room is welcome. It's not easy packing a week's worth of attire into a glove compartment.

The power behind this year's car came from a Ron Shaver-built 427 big-block LS with EFI. He said the engine would fulfill all the prerequisites of big power, be very streetable, and still be enticing to the eye. "We're here to tell you this big dog hunts on all counts," says Dixey, "The old standard for a street performance engine used to be 1.1 horsepower per cubic inch (hp/ci). This RHS block–based 427 blows that out of the water with an impressive 1.45 hp/ci with its 622 hp peak."

Have fun, Jerry.

Photo courtesy Street Rodder magazine.

Power, Performance and AMSOIL Keep This Supra in the Spotlight

No ordinary street car.

Duane Stephens first found AMSOIL back in 2006 when his ’89 MA70 Supra landed a feature spot in Compact Car Magazine and he needed a good lubricant to complete his vision. Most recently, his Supra caught the eyes of the editors at D-Sport Magazine after turning out a remarkable 1,000+ RWHP on the dyno. Getting to such impressive numbers is a great accomplishment, but finding the perfect formula to hit that level was no easy feat. Duane is constantly adding modifications to get him the max power and performance, which is why he pursued AMSOIL to get the most out of his engine’s capabilities.

He’ll soon be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine and is still proudly running AMSOIL, so we caught up with him to learn more about his passion for power.

Check out these wheels.

AMSOIL: How and when did you get started in the tuner scene?

Duane S: I have always been into imports but didn't start modifying them until I got the Supra back in '99.

AMSOIL: Was the Supra your first project car?

DS: No, I had a 4-door '79 Cutlass before this with a GM crate engine and a bottle added. It was an 11-second car and was fun to drive…a true sleeper.

AMSOIL: Why AMSOIL? 

Let's pop the hood. Oh my!

DS: I wanted something that I can rely on. I have done my homework and AMSOIL is the best. Also, being ‘The First in Synthetics’ says something about a company. They will always be innovative and on the cutting edge.

AMSOIL: Favorite AMSOIL product?

DS: I have a few: gear oil, grease and I particularly like the Signature Series Oil which I run in both my vehicles. Oil is the life blood of the engine. It carries away the waste, lubricates and keeps everything running smoothly.

AMSOIL: If you could modify any car in the world to your specifications, what would your dream vehicle be?

DS: Generally, I wouldn't say an exotic because I think they are underpowered for what you pay. But, Under Ground Racing has packages for a Lamborghini. It is a twin turbo kit that can put out 1500 hp on pump gas. I would have one of those and add my own touch to what they already do. There is always room to improve or make it your own. All in all though, I love the Supra and the uniqueness I’ve created.

AMSOIL: We love it, too. What kind of media coverage has your Supra received?

DS: The car has received many awards. It has been featured in a total of 6 magazines and is slated for another one coming up. Over 50 trophies over the time I have owned it. The main trophy is my wife, because she is the one that supports me with what I like to do. Mind you, she loves it too. It was her idea recently to modify it more!

AMSOIL: Most memorable moment on the tuner scene:

DS: We have had many. Awards are great, and so is magazine coverage. But I would have to say hitting the 1000 horsepower number (1035.92) on the dyno is a milestone for us. It is a great feeling and a testament to the tuning, parts and oil to make this powerful an engine and keep it going.

AMSOIL: Thanks for sharing. Best of luck to you in the years ahead.

Zounds!

Turtle Expedition Rolls Into Georgia

Like the Energizer Bunny, the Turtle Expedition just keeps going, now for nearly forty years. They've criss-crossed continents and are currently making their way across Asia once again. The title here says they're in Georgia, and by that we don't mean the state that borders Florida, South Carolina and Alabama. They're in the former Soviet Union.

Currently Gary and Monika Wescott are on their fifth vehicle -- the Turtle V -- on this perpetual trek. It helps that Gary and Monica are writers, sending home stories to magazines as diverse as Off Road, Four Wheeler, Camping Life, Power Stroke Registry and other U.S. magazines. Sometimes the stories are technical and sometimes entertaining. Certainly their Turtle Expedition blog provides an ongoing documentary of their adventures, of which AMSOIL has been a part these past several years.

They even attended a Georgia wedding.

This week Turtle Expedition blog post opened with this description:

Certainly one of the more pleasant things about driving into Georgia was that it is a Christian nation. We were no longer woken up before sunrise by amplified loudspeakers throughout town calling us to prayer. In fact, driving by villages there were often one or more church steeples, and as we noted before, the dress of mostly young women was as modern as any non-Muslim country.

You never know where they will appear next. Here's a Popular Mechanics story that features the Turtle V. Or in this YouTube video featuring the self-same vehicle.

One thing you don't need if you're driving across the middle of nowhere, you don't want to worry about breakdowns. To help Gary and Monika as they travel long distances across vast terrain, we've provided an AMSOIL By-Pass Filter system to extend oil service life. Fewer oil changes make for easier travelling. It also helps reduce the amount of supplies they need to carry. Having AMSOIL in the sump makes for one less thing to worry about while getting directions for the next leg of their journey.

From the other side of the world, we wish you the best. Ride on!

Photos courtesy the Turtle Expedition, used with permission.