AMSOIL Blog Moves to a New Location

Yes, we've moved our blog to a new home. You can now find all of our blog content at the AMSOIL website. Visit us today and sign in for regular updates

The New AMSOIL Blog: http://blog.amsoil.com/

Here are some additional links you might want bookmark as well:

AMSOILracing.com

MyAMSOILGarage™

AMSOIL.com/About

(c) Can Stock Photo

Day Five: AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge. Bischoff Throws Down the Gauntlet

Last night's Engine Masters Banquet was enjoyable as always. Clarence Barnes was once again Master of Ceremonies for the evening. It became apparent that this was a transition year for the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge. David Freiburger and David Kennedy, editors from Hot Rod magazine, each shared their enthusiasm for the new possibilities for the future of the Challenge. Ed Zinke, head of the EMC, was honored for his hard work and vision for the event.

This morning Johnny Hunkins explained some of the changes he envisions for the future. "It’s going to be a launching pad for all kinds of cool things. I think with the resources that Hot Rod Magazine can bring to bear on the Engine Masters Challenge they’ll be able to entice a lot of other people into the fray and bring in both different manufactures and engine builders that we didn’t have the resources or reach to bring in. So it’s a jumping off point. I’ve been with Engine Masters for 11 years since 2003 so I’ve seen it grow and run its natural course and I think it’s going to be a great thing."

The banquet ended with Ed Newman of AMSOIL drawing the running order out of a hat for today's final showdown. That running order today turned out to be: Tony Bischoff of BES first, Brad Nagel of Bradley Built Engines next, John Lahone of ALSO BES third, Chris Bennett of School of Automotive Machinists fourth and finally 5X champion Jon Kaase of Jon Kaase Racing.

This morning Tony Bischoff was set up twenty minutes early, hoping to start as soon as possible to take advantage of the cool morning air, but the start time was officially 7:30 so he had to wait.

The new rules this year permitted teams to carryover unused time from their qualifying runs in order to make adjustments during the final day on the dyno. Bischoff would have an additional 21 minutes to work with for any modifications required to get maximum results.

Tony Bischoff (second from left) with Team B.E.S. Racing Engines

When all was said and done, Tony was clearly on top of his game. Steve Dulcich, Editor in Chief and brand manager of Engine Masters Magazine, stated, "I don’t think anyone’s going to catch Bischoff. He’s so far in front, he’s gone. I’d be shocked if anyone came anywhere close to where Bischoff is performing.

"There’s a lot of tricks on that Bischoff motor. Stuff that you wouldn’t expect. The way he’s using the carburetor. You might think it’s peculiar that he’s got a carburetor and in the past all the top finishers were using fuel injection. Now why is that? There might be a reason. Bischoff is on to something there, I’ve got a few hints on what it is but I’ve been sworn to secrecy and I’m not gonna disclose anything at this point. But Bischoff, he plays all the angles and he doesn’t miss a trick. That’s why he’s a winner, that’s why he’s leading this competition right now. He’s not the only one but at this show, he’s the best."

Joe Carroll Talks About Engine Building and AMSOIL

Many of the builders here are modest, and highly respected, among them Joe Carroll of Stonewall, Louisiana. According to competition director Wes Roberson he's a very astute builder. "He does very detailed work and leaves very little to chance."

After pulling some strong numbers we took a few minutes to learn more about his passions.

How did you get into Engine Building?

Joe Carroll: I used to work at an engine shop years ago, and it’s turned into a hobby. I’m a lineman, that’s how I make my living. If I had to build engines for a living then I’d probably be living in a cardboard box somewhere. It’s a hobby, it’s kind of a passion that me and some friends of ours do.

How did you get into Engine Masters?

JC: We began coming to Engine Masters when a friend of mine came in 2006 and we went to NYC and fell in love with the idea and the people around. It’s kind of turned into a family reunion every year so we just enjoy coming up here visiting, bringing a piece and see how we stand up against everybody.

Have you been coming every year?

JC: We’ve come every year since 2006. We came with our own piece in 2007 and have been here ever since.

Your take on AMSOIL?

JC: We love the Break-In Oil. We tried some before in another brand and the motor would kind of huff for a while when we did a Ford years ago. When we got on the AMSOIL, you’ll see a little almost steam come out of the breather before we pull. Then everything seals up and you can tell the numbers pick up on the dyno. That was our dead giveaway on it. The fuel numbers went up so that was a big plus for us. We left it in for I think 15 pulls and we left it in through the whole time. Then we came here and we dropped it and put the real deal in and we saw a little bit more horsepower, so that was a little more of a bonus for us this year.

Have you used AMSOIL in the past?

We’ve used AMSOIL in the past, and we’ve now gone to running it in our dirt bikes. We use the 2-stroke oil, too. It burns real clean so we’ve been impressed with everything that they’ve had. We’ve had to kind of shop around for it but we end up getting it and that’s all we’ve been running anymore.

* * * *

As of 2:00 p.m. Joe Carroll is still in the hunt.

Breaking News! Top Truck Challenge Episode 1 Is Live

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity...” ― John Muir

Top Truck Challenge is one of the great events that happens every spring and with the advent of the internet we can relive it all throughout the year beginning this week on Motor Trend's YouTube Channel. The powers that be at The Enthusiast Network (publishers of Hot Rod, Four Wheeler and other high profile enthusiast magazines) has cut a swath across cyberspace and is eager to share the exciting content they once only presented in print.

This week's release of five episodes has totally different content than the DVD which will be available soon. Follow along and see what the Four Wheeler Top Truck Challenge has become one of the most exciting events in off-roading.



Enjoy!!!

What Makes Aaron Rodgers Such A Great Quarterback

Last night Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers threw his 200th touchdown pass. It only took 99 games to achieve this milestone and only one passer in NFL history accomplished this feat more quickly. The week before against the Chicago Bears Rodgers reached the 25,000 yards passing milestone, and this was accomplished faster than any player in history, bar none.

What is it that makes athletes like Rodgers exceptional? Is there a common denominator in great hitters, great infielders, great goalies, great quarterbacks and great race car drivers. And is there a way we can use this information to become exceptional ourselves?

Lambeau Field end zone.

There are undoubtedly many qualities that contribute to success, but one in particular that seems especially common to all is the ability to anticipate. Alertness, focus, anticipation. Here’s an excerpt from a blog called Axon Potential which deals with the mindset of athletes:

"Based on athletes’ reports and technology that tracks their eye movements, we know that athletes anticipate what’s coming next by focusing only on the most relevant cues in an opponents’ movement pattern. And that this skill changes and becomes refined with training. The eyes of novices are all over the place, whereas athletes’ focus is much more targeted and economical. Across a number of different sports, expert athletes demonstrate similar “visual search strategies”. Their eyes focus on fewer targets, jump around less, and they stay focused for longer periods of time than do the eyes of novices."

This is a fascinating concept because in a world filled with a gazillion pieces of information flying at us from all directions, how do we process it all? The key for Aaron Rodgers when he faces down 11 defenders has more to do with which information not to process, and identifying the right cues so as to obtain the most effective result. Crowd noise and stunt maneuvers by defensive linemen are all distractions.

In a world filled with marketplace noise, your ability to make wise decisions can be compromised when you lose focus. When it comes to maintenance of your vehicles and other equipment, you can count on AMSOIL to give you reliable information. Bookmark AMSOIL.com and know that we're committed to providing you with information that is reliable, both on our website or when you need to call our technical staff regarding a more complicated issue.

If you're not familiar with our story, a great place to begin is amsoil.com/about.

(c) Can Stock Photo

SEMA Feature of the Week: 6Pack Prepares for SEMA Debut as Cameras Roll

AMSOIL is slated to make an appearance in several high-profile, beautifully designed show vehicles at the 2014 SEMA show next month in Las Vegas. Included in the roster is Michael Vallery’s 2015 Chevrolet 3500 Dually, currently undergoing extensive modifications to prepare for its place in the American Force booth. Vallery has been perfecting his craft since modifying his first truck at age 15, guided only by the pages of automotive magazines for reference. Prior to that, he got his start at age 5 after noticing the paint fading on his red Power Wheels jeep. He did what any future gearhead would do; he found some spray paint and decided to spruce it up himself.

We caught up with Vallery to get his take on his first SEMA-bound project, having his build filmed from start to SEMA, and how it came to be known as ‘6Pack’…and it’s not only because it rolls on six semi-truck wheels.

Is this your first time attending SEMA as a project builder?

Michael Vallery: This is my first year attending SEMA with a project. I've always been interested in cars and trucks. I started modifying them myself with my first truck, my grandpa's 1986 Chevy C10, at the age of 15.

What are your favorite modifications that make this truck ‘you’?

MV: I would have to say my favorite mods to this truck would have to be the bodydrop and the 24" semi wheels. We knew going into this that the bodydrop was going to be a huge amount of work. But me and my builder Jake McKiddie both wanted it done. There are not that many Chevy duallies out there that are bodydropped with the Duramax diesel under the hood. The motor is gigantic. We both knew that most likely, it was going to be the only bodydropped 2015 Chevy dually at SEMA this year. I've always loved lowered trucks. I've built a lifted truck before, but I always end up coming back to the lowered side. The semi wheels make the truck for me. I've grown up in a family owned and operated trucking business, so I've been around 18- wheelers my whole live. I think it's safe to say that trucks are in my blood.

You’ve got a video feature planned with Solo Films DVD. Can you tell us about that?

MV: SoloFilms is in the process of filming the build of the truck from start to finish. The upcoming DVD will include interviews with myself and Jake, as well as footage from the shop with Jake doing his thing on the truck. The plan is for the crew to ride out to SEMA with us. They'll be able to film along the way and catch the truck in the booth at the show, as well as the rest of the show.

Any other upcoming media features/coverage?

MV: Truckin’ Magazine has also agreed to do a full feature article on the truck. If I'm lucky, you might be seeing it on the cover! Slam'd Mag is a new online magazine. They are quickly on the rise and I knew I wanted to be able to have the truck grace the pages of their publication. Be on the lookout for a full feature from Slam'd Mag also!

Is there a story behind the truck being named “6Pack”?

MV: When I started this project, I knew I needed a name that was "short and sweet." I thought about it for a few days. Most of the "catchy" names that I thought of were already taken. I wanted something that I personally haven't heard of. I enlisted the help of a friend, and he mentioned that it should be something involving the word "six" or the number "6" since the truck has six wheels. We both looked around at what we were doing, and there it was…"6Pack".

If you could select any car in the world to customize to your specs, what would it be?

MV: When we start talking about choosing just one car in the world to modify, it's hard to choose. There are several that I can quickly think of that I want to put my own touch on. One in particular that comes to mind though, is a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396. That was my dad's first car. I would love to be able to get my hands on one in order to build it the same way his was, for him. It was a pretty slick car. It was blue with white dual racing strips with a white vinyl top.

Why did you choose AMSOIL?

MV: I chose AMSOIL products mainly due to the great things I have always heard concerning their products. Obviously, anyone would want only the best when it came to a brand new truck with only 600 miles on the odometer!

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

MV: As far as a quote that describes me, I've always liked "You must always push the limits, because if you never fail, you will never succeed." As I was growing up, I had a poster on my bedroom wall that had that quote on it. Sometimes I can be a little conservative but for the most part, I like pushing the limits on everything I do…except when it comes to speeding. I hate paying tickets!

AMSOIL under the hood:
AMSOIL Premium 15W-40 Synthetic Diesel Oil
Absolute Efficiency Oil Filter
Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Synthetic ATF
Severe Gear 75W-90 Gear Lube
Antifreeze and Engine Coolant
Dominator Coolant Boost
Series 500 High-Performance Brake Fluid
Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease
Diesel Injector Clean

Bobby Unser Quotes Provide Inspiration

Fans of the Indy 500 all know the powerhouse racing families that thrilled fans of the Brickyard. Over the past half century the Unsers have been among the most recognized names in racing.

A Cars and Parts article about Robby Unser today reminded us that the Unser story is still a work in progress. The last page has yet to be written as another generation of Unsers makes a name for itself. 9X Pike's Peak Hill Climb champion Robby is son of 13X Pike's Peak champion Bobby, a 3X Indy 500 winner.

Bobby Unser has been a long-time friend of the AMSOIL family from the company's earliest years. It seems like a good day for sharing several inspirational quotes from Robby's father.

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet."

"Yellow usually means it's not that serious."

"Nobody remembers who finished second but the guy who finished second."

"I feel honesty always works."

Here's a brief video spot in which Bobby explains one of his secrets of success.

O
And then here's one more quote worth sharing from the senior Unser: "Desire! That's the one secret of every man's career. Not education. Not being born with hidden talents. Desire."

It's easy to see why AMSOIL founder A.J. Amatuzio and Bobby Unser hit it off. They were both driven by passion. What driving you?

AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge Update: Two Weeks Away from Crowning New Power Kings

For those who have been following, the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge (EMC) is a premiere event that pits some of the nations best engine builders in a head-to-head dyno competition unlike any other.

A news story today talks about the roots of the EMC. The Engine Masters Challenge was the brainchild of Scott Parkhurst and the Popular Hot Rodding magazine staff way back in the year 2000. The idea was simple: they shoot out three different engines on the same dyno under the same conditions and with a clear set of rules used to establish a single winner.  

5X winner Jon Kaase making adjustments.

Earlier this year Popular Hot Rodding magazine was folded into the powerful Hot Rod magazine, a change that will only help give the competition an even higher profile. There are other changes for 2014, as editor Steve Dulcich explains. “The competition will be scored in a new way, taking an aggregate score based on average horsepower and torque over the entire scored operating rpm range and then adding in the peak power and torque per cubic inch in determining the final score. The effect of this change in the scoring system is to place a higher weight on peak horsepower and torque numbers. This will reduce the influence on the score of engine performance at very low rpm.” 

One thing that will remain a constant is the excitement generated beginning the morning of October 6 when the first engines are brought into their respective dyno cells. One Friday October 10, two weeks from today and at approximately this very hour, the 2014 AMSOIL Engine Masters champion team will be announced.

Read Thursday's Hot Rod news for more details.

Special thanks to everyone at the University of Northwest Ohio (UNOH) for providing such great facilities and hospitality. We look foward to seeing you soon.

Help Us Find the Stolen Vintage Motorcycles

A couple weeks back we did a blog story here about the coast-to-coast motorcycle adventure called The Cannonball Run, a long-distance marathon on vintage motorcycles. American Iron editor Buzz Kanter and three team mates were making the run again this year, and AMSOIL was helping keep their bikes lubed for the duration.

Yesterday news came out that the motorcycles of four other riders were stolen, a heartbreaking way to be taken out of an event like this which ought to be a joyous, even if grueling, group experience.

We're posting the story here in the hopes that if you know people who know people we want to help get the word out to you. The four vintage Harley-Davidsons were stolen from the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington. There's a $20,000 reward being offered by Team Carson Classic Motors.

The news broke here at the Cycle World website where you can read full details on the types of motorcycles that were taken and what you can do to help apprehend the criminals.

Johnny Cash's Rolls-Royce for Sale

We're all familiar with his deep baritone voice. "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash." So began his live concerts for a time, identifying with down-and-outers, performing in prisons, and representing the heart of Americana. He was The Man in Black, and his iconic career crossed multiple genres of music from rock and roll, rockabilly and blues to folk, and gospel.

This week a Rolls-Royce once gifted to this star musician was in the news, going up for sale at auction, with no reserve. The Rolls was given to Cash by ABC back when he had his television variety show. It was used to ferry him around for more than a decade before being sold to a private owner in the 1980s.

The history of Rolls-Royce is a long one, nearly as old as the auto industry itself. From the getgo it was a premium car that turned heads and emptied bank accounts. There were only 100 Rolls-Royces a year being sold in the United States when adman David Ogilvy was hired to expand the company's reach into the U.S. market. Ogilvy agreed to do what he could with the $50,000 they paid and he produced a single, well-placed ad that tripled the company's sales. The ad headline proclaimed, "A 60 miles per hour the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock." In the following year 300 new cars were shipped to America. You can see that ad and read the rest of the ad copy here.

Charles Rolls was the first undergraduate at Cambridge to own a car, and needless to say he had a passion. When he met Sir Henry Royce the two hit it off. Royce's attention to detail and pursuit of perfection were just the kinds of qualities Rolls valued and the two set about building the best cars in the world.

Today the company continues to maintain the same high standards that put them in the history books. The manufacturer still pursues the same attention to detail. They are also aiming to expand their market by appealing to a new generation of young style-driven owners. Car & Driver magazine, in an article featuring 25 cars worth waiting for shines a spotlight on the new 2-door version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost called the Wraith. If you're a billionaire the $300,000 price tag is probably chump change.

The photos here are of a striking Rolls-Royce courtesy Can Stock.
(c) Can Stock Photo

Sled Rehab Provides a Thrill for Three at Haydays

An exciting new look for first place winner Traci Leonard's Arctic Cat M6.

It may not feel like winter at this moment, but the official kick-off for snowmobile enthusiasts already took place several weeks ago in North Branch, Minnesota. Hay Days, an annual event sponsored by the Sno Barons Snowmobile Club, is an annual acknowledgement that summer's days are numbered, for better or for worse. For winter sports enthusiasts like skiers and snowmobilers, it's for better.

One of the events in this year's Hay Days carnival was the AMSOIL Sled Rehab competition. By means of social media AMSOIL offered snowmobile owners a chance to take their old sleds and have them refurbished for the 21st century. If you had a sled, 1996 or newer -- mechanically sound and in good running condition -- that could use a makeover, you were invited to upload a photo of your sled and tell your story. Three sleds were ultimately chosen for makeovers which would then take place at Hay Days.

The snowmobile makeovers included a custom sled wrap from Action Graphics plus C&A Pro Skis, hand guards, clutch kits and premium AMSOIL products for snowmobiles. It was a pretty sweet deal and the winners appreciated the attention they garnered for their machines. Other sponsors included ISOC, Scheuring Speed Sports, Sled Head 24/7, Straightline Performance and Woody's.

Thomas TeBeest's '08 MXZ TNT 500ss

Josh Bretzman: '06 Sno Pro 440 

First place winner Traci Leonard moved to Michigan's Upper Peninsula a year ago primarily for her love of snowmobiling. She's always loved to ride, but even moreso now that her 2005 Arctic Cat M6 has been rehabbed. When she learned that she was winner of the AMSOIL Sled Rehab she said,
"OMG I am so excited!! This has seriously been like the best week of my life."

You can see the end result at the top of this page, and what she used to ride below.

Before photo of Traci's basic black Cat. It's now a whole new machine.

Meantime, we're just about two months away from the Duluth Nationals snocross races that initiates a new snowmobile racing season. We'll see you on the mountain.

SEMA Feature of the Week: Holden Tribute G8

Up next in the SEMA vehicle blog series is this sweet Pontiac G8/GT, a unique ride that likely won’t be found anywhere else on the SEMA show floor. Owner Mike Passarge purchased this Australian-built Pontiac and transformed it into a bona-fide race vehicle in tribute to the V8 Supercar Series. His vision was the right one and his hard work paid off; soon after he landed a partnership with Holden Racing, and his G8 is the only non-racing vehicle in the country to fly their team graphics.

In addition to being invited to SEMA as a booth vehicle for Spec-D Tuning, Passarge will be on hand at SEMA Ignited to showcase his ride after the party. SEMA Ignited is a brand new after-show that brings out exquisite SEMA booth vehicles for public viewing consumption. This event allows the public and media to witness the industry’s latest and greatest parts in action after spending the week behind closed doors. We caught up with Passarge to get a little background info on his G8 and how he came to bring inspiration from down under to the US.

What drew you to the Pontiac G8 GT model? Is this your first project vehicle?

The Pontiac G8 was just an awesome set up at the best price. With it coming from Australia, I knew the look and performance would be great. I have been on the car scene since I was 16 and have fixed up many cars.

Tell us how your vision came to be. What is it about this car that makes it ‘you’?

After I bought the car and found out they raced them in the V8 Supercar Series, it became my new vision for my car. I like to put my own little flare on all my builds. I tried to make it look like a true V8 Supercar, but put my own style on it since the parts for this car are not available in the states. Many of my parts had to come from Australian companies.

Tell us about your partnership with Holden. How did you become the first non-race vehicle to receive their support?

To make my car look the part I came into contact with a great person from the Holden Racing Team. In explaining my vision to him of this tribute build, he knew I was serious about this and would give the upmost respect to the image of the Holden name. They offered me the actual race graphics off the team cars. I am the only one in the US with this awesome privilege and I am a Holden Race fan for life!

Is this your first time attending SEMA?

This will be the third time this car has been to SEMA. I am blessed that every time I change the car up to make it look different, someone wants it for SEMA. This will be my final build on this car and it will stay a tribute car to Holden Racing.

Why did you choose AMSOIL? Any favorite product?

I chose AMSOIL because of the quality of product and their reputation. They seem to take care of us non-professionals. There is no favorite product from AMSOIL. Every product available for my car, it’s in there. I take pride in my ride just as AMSOIL takes pride in their product, and that's why we make such a good match.

Has the car received any media coverage or car show awards recently? Any memorable moments on the car show scene?

Holden Media will be doing a build story after SEMA on the G8. I hope to get into a few magazines after this build, which will most likely be overseas. I love going to car shows with the G8. I have removed all badges and it has changed so much in appearance that most people don’t even know what it is. Only the true Pontiac and Aussie race fans know what the build is about. I think my car is one of those “Love it or Hate it” cars.

We love it. Do you have a favorite quote or motto that describes you?

My quote I often use is "To each their own". I never dog someone’s ride…everyone’s vision is different, and that’s what makes the car scene so great.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week: Keep On Truckin'

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, September 14-20, is when America takes the time to honor all professional truck drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs. There are more than 3.2 million professional men and women who not only deliver our goods safely, securely and on time, they also keep our highways safe.

Here's an interesting infographic with a variety of interesting facts about American truckers. Some of the things you might learn that you didn't know include the number of commercial trucks in the U.S., the average age of today's truckers, how many miles per year the average trucker drives, the five top movies for truck lovers, and comparisons between cars and trucks in terms of engine size, horsepower and miles driven. And much more!

In short, there's probably a lot you don't know about the trucking industry.

Americans are more dependent on the trucking industry than most Americans are aware of. This article is very instructive in with regards to what would happen if all trucking were to cease today. Not only are our food and medical supplies dependent on trucking, our stores would eventually be out of stock and our gas stations out of fuel. Eventually, in much of the country our clean water supplies would be threatened and life as we know it will no longer be taken for granted.

The power to deliver all these goods comes from engines and drivetrains which require lubrication to operate properly. Just as we take all this shipping activity for granted, a lot of people (including truckers) take their lubricants for granted and do not realize that a premium synthetic oil can actually make a difference in fuel economy and bottom line savings. In one diesel fleet fuel economy study, AMSOIL synthetic drivetrain lubricants were shown to increase fuel economy in short-to-medium haul trucking applications by 6.54 percent.  Another EPA Federal Test Procedure demonstrated how switching to AMSOIL Premium API CJ-4 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel Oil generated fuel economy improvements of 1.25 to 3.10% compared to conventional 15W-40 diesel oil.

The trucking industry accounts for 12.8% of all fuel purchased in the United States. Could this be reduced a little if we switched all these fleets to AMSOIL?

For what it's worth... we're grateful for our nation's truckers, male and female, young and old. Keep on truckin'.

Hellcat Aerodynamics Might Just Take Your Breath Away

“If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough.” ― Mario Andretti

Assuming you feel a need for speed, it may be of interest to you that Dodge has stepped up its game with the 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat. Not to be outdone by Ford's recent crop of Mustangs and Chevy's Corvette Stingray Supercar, the Hellcat boasts some serious power, reminding us of those muscle car rivalries of days gone by.

You can't really say, "Cars are fun again," because they've always been fun, but the Hellcat is certainly turning heads and making an impression.

CBS news anchor Dan Rather once quipped, "Americans will put up with anything as long as it doesn't block traffic." And you can be sure this feisty beast is not going to be blocking traffic.

Last week, StreetLegaltv.com posted a story by editor Michael Harding on how the Hellcat's aerodymics enable the car to surpass 200 miles per hour. That's breathtakingly fast, and there aren't a lot of places you can play at that speed. But it's nice to know if you need a little extra thrust, you've got it.

Why is there a time limit – in addition to a mileage limit – on motor oil?

Most vehicles carry a motor oil service-life recommendation that includes a duration of time in addition to a mileage distance. For example, your vehicle might call for an oil change every 5,000 miles or six months. It’s obvious that thousands of miles of driving will take its toll on engine oil, but less obvious is the role time plays in breaking down motor oil.

Even when you’re not driving, chemical changes take place within motor oil that lead to degradation and the need for an oil change. Oxidation is a prime culprit. The interaction between oxygen molecules and motor oil molecules naturally leads to chemical breakdown. Just as oxygen causes a cut apple to brown or exposed metal to rust, it breaks down base oils and reduces motor oil’s effectiveness. Although synthetic base-oil molecules are naturally much more resistant to oxidation than conventional base-oil molecules, they eventually succumb to oxidation’s attack. Oxidation can lead to increased oil viscosity, which negatively affects energy efficiency. It also causes the formation of harmful deposits and sludge.

Your vehicles are also subjected to temperature swings, even when not in use. Temperature swings cause condensation to form inside the engine, leading to water contamination. Not driving for extended periods – or taking short trips that don’t allow the engine to fully warm up – allows water to remain in the oil rather than evaporating and exiting through the tailpipe. Water contributes to engine corrosion.

When you do drive, contaminants form as natural byproducts of combustion. Acids lead to sludge formation and corrosion, and those acids and other contaminants continue to affect chemical changes in the oil, even while not driving.

Even though all motor oils have to eventually be changed regardless of mileage, high-quality synthetic oils – like AMSOIL synthetic motor oils – allow you to go longer between oil changes for maximum convenience and cost savings. Premium synthetic motor oils also offer increased resistance to oxidation for excellent engine protection, making them the right choice even if you don’t practice extended drain intervals. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are formulated with advanced chemicals that resist breakdown, disperse contaminants and clean internal parts to continue delivering outstanding performance and protection long after conventional oils have to be changed. Check out all AMSOIL synthetic motor oils for passenger cars/light trucks.

Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil
XL Synthetic Motor Oil
OE Synthetic Motor Oil
European Car Synthetic Motor Oil

Photo credits: (c) Can Stock Photo

How Fast Does A Model T Go?

Henry Ford famously quipped that people could buy a Model T Ford in any color they wanted as long as it was black. My, how the world has changed. Black is still an option, but so is copper, silver, white, grey, orange, yellow, green, cobalt blue and aquamarine.

There are car collectors who still love their Model Ts though. One of our local car clubs here in Superior, WI did 120 miles of cruising this weekend, and a good time was had by all.

Not only have the colors of cars changed dramatically over the years, the speed at which they travel has likewise changed. It takes a lot less time to drive from New York to Boston than it did 100 years ago.

Not everyone has the same need for speed, but it's comforting to know you've got it when you need it. Here's a trivia factoid you may find interesting: When railroads began to carry passengers, there were great debates about their safety because some scientists proposed that if a train went faster than 25 miles per hour it would suck the air out of everyone's lungs and they would die.

In the event that you really were interested in knowing how fast the old Model T Fords went, you can Google it and it might lead you to a forum where Model T owners are discussing this very thing.

If you're wondering which motor oil to use for your Model T, you'll find the answer to that question somewhere else. In the event that you have a vehicle of more recent vintage, the best place to find the correct viscosity is the lookup guide on our home page of AMSOIL.com. Check it out.

SEMA Feature of the Week: David Gutierrez DARK300

David Gutierrez’s 2007 Chrysler 300, dubbed DARK300, is unlike any other on the scene. Appearances at big-name car shows have earned awards at every 2014 show he’s attended, including the Los Angeles DUB Show where competition is always fierce. This is due in large part to the uniqueness of the long wheel base body, which added 6 inches and over 10 cubic feet of interior room. The modifications list is extensive, evidence to the fact that Gutierrez left no stone unturned when seeking the very best for his vision. His efforts paid off; he’s landed photo shoots for advertisements, a feature spot on Chrysler’s Facebook page and gained over 3,000 likes on Instagram in less than two hours. To top it all off, DARK300 will be seen in an upcoming feature film later this year.

Gutierrez is now preparing DARK300 for the SEMA Show as a feature vehicle for XIX Wheels, and approached AMSOIL to ensure his engine performs as well as the rest of his ride looks. We caught up with Gutierrez to get an idea of where it all began, and what it’s like to own a ride that’s about to make its Hollywood debut.

 Is this your first project/show vehicle?

This is. I’ve owned plenty of cars before this one and have always done little upgrades or modifications to make it ‘mine’, but I had my children early in life and always had other financial responsibilities to take care of first. Now that my kids are older I have more time and money to really build a car to my liking.

What drew you to the Chrysler 300 model?

When Chrysler first presented the 300 to the public I was immediately drawn to the look of the car. It seems to me to have the perfect balance of luxury and with a look of meanness to it. It is a very comfortable car to drive, whether it’s just down the street or road trip to Las Vegas!

Yours is a rare long wheel base 300. How did your partnership with Chrysler & Accubuilt come to be?

Not very many people know that this was actually an option that Chrysler offered for the 2007 and 2008 300’s. Chrysler wanted to get their foot in the door in the livery service market. To do this they needed to compete with Lincoln Town Cars and the BMW 7 series. The long wheel base gives a total of 46.2 inches of rear seat leg room, 10.2 cubic feet of additional interior space, wider rear door openings for easy entrance & exit and many other added optional features that the regular 300 doesn’t offer.

What is it about this vehicle that makes it ‘you’?

There are so many things that I've done to the car to add my own personal touch. One of the biggest I would say is my ‘Day of the Dead’ girl logo. It has been custom etched into the front emblem, the trunk wing, the door sills and many other locations on the car. It follows the ‘dark' theme that the car has, not necessarily evil but certainly leaning toward the ominous.

Is this your first time attending the SEMA show?

It is and I am very excited to be able to attend! It is a great feeling to know that others feel that something you have done is worth showing at such an important show such as SEMA.

2014 has been a good year for taking home car show awards and trophies. How many are you up to, and which one means the most to you?

At a quick glance I have been awarded over 20 trophies, plaques or certificates. One of the ones that stand out to me was from this year’s Extreme Autofest in Anaheim. The competition was very steep that day, there were many very nice looking cars and for them to award me a trophy that day was an amazing experience.

Can you tell us about the DARK300’s film debut?

My DARK300 will be in the Magnet Films release of the ABC’s of Death 2 on October 31st. It is a small part, but again for the director to personally ask for my car to be in the film is such a great feeling.

If you could select any car in the world to customize and modify to your specs, what would it be and why?

Hmmm, there are so many choices!! I think a 1931 Ford Model A would be something that I would like to work on. I would make it a Rat Rod but with my own personal touches.

Why did you choose AMSOIL? Any favorite AMSOIL product?

My whole family has been using AMSOIL products in all of our cars for as long as I can remember. I’ve never heard any complaints from them about any AMSOIL products. AMSOIL’s 100% synthetic oil has always worked great!

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

I’d rather be looked at as the guy who’d try anything, rather than the guy who did nothing.

AMSOIL under the hood:
10W-30 Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil
Absolute Efficiency oil filter
Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF
Severe Gear 75W-90 Gear Lube
Anti-freeze & Engine Coolant
Dominator Coolant Boost
Synthetic Brake Fluid

Bringing It All Back Home: AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Visits Youngstown

It was a pair of all-Ohio days for the AMSOIL/Street Rodder Road Tour. When they rolled out of Cincinnati Monday morning they headed to the opposite corner of Ohio for a destination Tour Director Jerry Dixey calls one of his favorite places in the United States: his own back yard. Yes, Mary Ann and Jerry decided that being this close to home they ought to give The Dynamat Tour a very special memory, a Dixey Picnic.

With Jerry on the road the heavy lifting was left for Mary Ann who recruited her friend Dawn Damron. It was a beautiful drive that included a little excursion through Amish country. When they arrived at suppertime, even Jerry’s mother Barbara Dixey and brother Jack joined in the festivities which included a great meal of sloppy joes, vegetarian chili and tasty desserts. Jerry gave everyone a tour of his garages, toy boxes and house. The road warriors had a chance to see that Jerry not only enjoys talking about cars, he’s also a collector, albeit on a slightly smaller scale than some of the incredible collections he’s had the privilege of sharing over the years in other places and spaces.

A lot of folks don’t realize that before the Road Tour carved a chunk out of his life Jerry’s time was primary spent running a business called Classic Automobilia, a company that he and Mary Ann started in 1989. While the showroom is still filled with nostalgia and automobilia. Jerry even showed the Road Tourians his soap box derby collection and the many pedal cars he’s acquired over the years. Everyone enjoyed the diner-themed showroom.

Next stop: Snyder’s Antique Auto in nearby New Springfield, Ohio. Snyder’s has been in business for over 50 years. The company was started by Don Snyder Sr. who along with Jerry’s father John Dixey and a few others started the Model T Ford Club of Mahoning County. Jerry’s passion for cars is in the his blood as he grew up going to antique auto shows in his Great Grandfather’s 1926 Model T Ford station wagon that his father restored in the early 1960’s, a vehicle he still owns. Don Synder III, who now runs the company, gave everyone a tour of their facility where they supply Model T and Model A parts to folks around the world. After this they visited the car collection of Don Snyder Jr., an amazing collection of almost 100 vehicles. Don is a fan of the early lightweight factory race cars of the 60’s. They were able to see the very first Ford Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt #100 which was the last one made.

Other stops Tuesday include #1 Performance Center in Columbiana, Ohio and the collection of Norm and Cynthia Anderson in Canfield, Ohio. Tuesday’s various stops in the Youngstown area culminated in the weekly Tuesday night cruise at the Austintown Senior Center. The Mahoning Valley Old Car Club coordinates the cruise each week with Jerry’s good friends Dick and Laurie Nard handling the DJ duties. As with everywhere else they go, the Road Tour vehicles turn heads and the Road Tourian enjoy seeing the local cars. They were even ask to parade in front of the DJ stand as a group on our way out of the cruise, a great way to wrap up this special time in Jerry Dixey’s home town, Youngstown, Ohio.

Till next! Join the Road Tour and see where the cars really are.

Coast-to-Coast with AMSOIL: Team American Iron on the Cannonball Run

Kanter takes a time out to have a new regulator installed.

American Iron magazine editor Buzz Kanter is currently on the road with his 1936 Harley VLH and three lifelong friends in an attempt to conquer the 4,000-mile cross-country trek known as the Cannonball Run. The Cannonball Run is not a speed race, but rather a test of endurance that takes riders from coast to coast over the course of two weeks. The catch? This event is only open to bikes manufactured 1936 and earlier. Yes, every bike in the race is at LEAST 78 years old and running on the original motor. Many updates have been added for safety’s sake, but the core of each bike has been restored to its former glory days. At least that’s the objective. We received an update from Kanter and though it’s just a few days in, it’s been quite a ride so far.

Coined Team American Iron, Kanter and crew are still in the running and aiming to finish despite severe weather setbacks and stops to fix mechanical and parts failures. Kanter reports sightings of many other riders dealing with similar issues roadside along the way, as can be expected when these antique machines are on the road. However, participants of the Cannonball Run anticipate and prepare for this and most are back up and running in no time. One member of Kanter’s team, Pat Simmons of Doobie Brothers fame, found an innovative way of getting back on the road after his oil drain plug had fallen out. He pulled over, found a suitable stick and got to whittling it down to size so it could plug the drain and get him to a place where it could be fixed properly. These are the things one must do to stay in the Cannonball running, and these riders have certainly shown they are up to the task. All Team American Iron members have faced issues that took them off the road. From broken coils and chains to replacing batteries, these guys haven’t let any of it stop them from getting back in the saddle.

Some of the other vintage Harley's making the run.

Of course, it’s worth mentioning that AMSOIL is installed in the bikes of Team American Iron. These old motors need an oil capable of taking them from Daytona, Beach, Fla. to Tacoma, Wash. without failure. AMSOIL is definitely up to the challenge, giving them peace of mind to Ride Hard and Run Cool. While parts may break and cost them some time, the hearts of their machines will keep on ticking.

Check back soon for another update after the Cannonball Run and see how the rest of the journey pans out and learn Team American Iron’s final rank.

Listen to Buzz talk about his Vintage 1936 Harley.

We Love Our Trucks

Pickup then...

In 1996 American Heritage magazine devoted its November issue to celebrating 100 years of the automobile. It was a dandy collectible with features stories about the longest race, the ten greatest technical breakthroughs in automobile history, the designer of the American Dream and other stories. One of these was William Jeanes's feature on pickup trucks titled "High, Wide and Handsome."

The piece begins by noting, "The best-selling American car isn't a car at all. It's a pickup truck." He then goes on to provide a brief history of how pickup trucks came to have such an appeal. In the piece Jeanes notes that pickup trucks may at one time have been all about utility, but over time design and style came to have more influence so that by the late nineties only 14% of all pickup-truck owners listed "use in line of business" as their main purpose in owning such a vehicle.

...and now.

Nearly two decades later and we still have a love affair with pickup trucks. Last week AOL Autos published an online slide show of the top fifteen selling cars in America and three were once again not cars. In fact, three of the top five were not cars. They were pickup trucks., number one being the Ford F-Series with sales of 68,109 in August.

Whether you're hauling hay, or towing a boat to the lake, pickups are practical. And in rural regions with deep snow, you'll get out of a drift more easily than with a low-slung sports car.

If you love your truck, make sure you take care of her. With AMSOIL.

Photo credits: (c) Can Stock Photo