35 minute read
Products
ACL OFFERS COATED BEARING RANGE
Long term bearing industry partners, ACL Bearing Company (Australia) and Calico Coatings – USA, have announced they are now collaborating to offer customers and engine rebuilders an additional option in performance engine rebuilding. The alliance has culminated in the release of an ACL offering of Calico-coated ACL RACE Series Performance Engine Bearings.
The extensive range covers popular Australian, US, European and Japanese applications – full application details are contained within ACL’s Coated Performance Engine Bearing Application Guide 2021. Calico has been coating ACL bearings for individual customers for over 15 years and the partnership enhances this arrangement. ACL General Manager, Chris Brooks, said following the successful release of a coated RACE Series Performance Engine Bearing range in the USA in June 2020, it was the logical next step to offer an extended range tailored for the Australian market. “The obvious synergy between the two companies led to the formation of this partnership and the fully integrated product offering,” Chris said. “Both companies have exemplary reputations for quality, performance and detailed knowledge in their areas of specialisation. “We are holding goods stocks in both our Australian and USA warehouses and product will be available from all ACL Distributors.”
For further information or to download your copy of the Coated Performance Engine Bearing Application Guide 2021, visit www.aclperformance.com.au
ACS LAUNCHES NEW RANGE For Hyundai i30 and Veloster
Australian Clutch Services has recently released several new standard replacement and performance upgrade kits for 2016-on 1.6L petrol Hyundai i30 and Veloster models. The new kits are available with a replacement dual-mass flywheel or a single-mass flywheel conversion and they have also included a replacement dual clutch transmission clutch assembly for DCT equipped vehicles. The standard replacement kits to suit conventional manual vehicles are available in two variations, including a standard dual-mass flywheel kit with a rigid organic friction disc, or a single-mass flywheel conversion kit with a sprung organic friction disc. Both of these kits are available with a replacement concentric slave cylinder and the single-mass flywheel conversion also includes replacement flywheel and pressure plate bolts. Also included in the range is a replacement dual clutch transmission clutch assembly. This comes as a complete replacement kit including the assembly itself and replacement forks and bearing.
Strong and reliable workshop equipment
Karmot is a family owned Australian company which focuses on the importation, manufacture and wholesale distribution of Workshop Service Equipment. Amongst its brands is the Liftech range of workshop equipment.
The Liftech Garage Jack
The Liftech Garage Jack has been fully tested and complies with Australian Standards AS2615-2016. Features of the jack include turbo lift to load, extended low entry with a high lift, universal joint release, rubber bumper bar protector and a handle that stands over centre. It has a working load limit of 2000kg and is also built longer and wider for extra safety and stability. The Liftech Garage Jack (part # LT200TLPN) is covered by a 12-month warranty and Karmot’s Australia-wide service and parts back-up.
The Liftech Vehicle Support Stand
The Liftech Vehicle Support Stand is manufactured to comply with Australian Standards AS 2538:2016 and features weldedstyle construction for safety and strength. ACS explains that it is also offering a hire program for the specialised installation tool when purchasing a complete clutch kit through its distributor network. Xtreme Clutch, Australian Clutch Services’ performance street and Motorsport division, has also been working on performance upgrades for these kits and is now offering a range of organic and ceramic upgrades with performance pressure plates, reportedly offering a significant increase in torque capacity. These upgrades are designed for vehicles that have been tuned for increased torque or for vehicles used in Motorsport applications.
For more information on the Australian Clutch Services range of products, please visit
LIFTECH WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT
www.australianclutch.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.
Other features include a heavy-duty rachet bar for safe, easy location and wide base with feet for stability. Three models are available: • The LVS3R has a working load limit of 3000kg, a closed height of 300mm and maximum height of 452mm. • The LVS5R has a working load limit of 5000kg, a closed height of 408mm and maximum height of 636mm. • The LVS8R has a working load limit of 8000kg, a closed height of 460mm and a maximum height of 712mm. Liftech Vehicle Support Stands are rated as a single stand but sold only in pairs.
For more information, visit www.karmot.com or contact Karmot by calling 02 9622 7388 or 1300 KARMOT (1300 527 668) or emailing sales@karmot.com
BRAKE FLUID TESTING
Brake fluid is designed to have a high boiling point to withstand the high temperatures generated during braking
The one major drawback of brake fluid though is that due to its chemical composition, it absorbs moisture. This can be moisture from the air (via the breather hole in the master cylinder cap) or via the rubber hosing. The more moisture in the brake fluid, the lower the boiling point. AutoTest explains that this increases the risk of “brake fade.” Under heavy driving conditions – such as towing, or on steep, winding roads or stop-start braking at high speeds – brake fluid boils, turns to vapour, and the brake pedal goes straight to the floor with no braking action. This is known as “vapour-lock.” If the police are called to such an accident, unless they test the boiling point of the brake fluid, all will appear normal: the brake fluid will have cooled back down, the brake pedal will feel firm, and the driver, having previously been unable to stop, will be faced with some serious questions. Brake fluid is a safety-critical item, but how many drivers know or ever ask to get their brake fluid checked? They know about their oil and windscreen washer fluid, but brake fluid has been largely ignored by both the vehicle manufacturers and garages. So how do you test for moisture in brake fluid? AutoTest says the only approved way is to boil it. On the back of every bottle of brake fluid is a chart showing the “dry” (uncontaminated), and “wet” (contaminated) boiling points of all the various grades of brake fluid. Brake fluid manufacturers use what’s called an ERBP (Equilibrium Reflux Boiling Point) test to determine the boiling point of brake fluid. In a lab this can take hours to set up and complete. AutoTest says its Brake Fluid tester is designed to test the boiling point of the fluid in the car in less than 30 seconds, with digital accuracy. AutoTest says it works on all grades of brake fluid and shows clearly what the fluid has boiled at, and what the DOT minimums are for each, making the fluid change decision easy for the technician and the customer. Once the brake fluid has been changed, garages can offer to re-test the brake fluid using the Autotest Brake fluid tester, to clearly show the improved results on the new fluid. Consumers should also be aware that new brake fluid from a sealed bottle must be used for every brake change. There have been cases where brake fluid has been left in an opened bottle, effectively making the “new” fluid as contaminated as the old. AutoTest says brake fluid testing should be part of an annual inspection. As a safety-critical item, it says it is surprising that it remains largely ignored by many inspection regimes.
For more information, visit www.autotest.net.au
NEW QI WIRELESS SMARTPHONE CHARGING RANGE
A vehicle-specific range from Aerpro
Whether its Navigation Apps, Bluetooth Handsfree, Music Streaming, Wireless Apple CarPlay or Wireless Android Auto, virtually every driver will use their smartphone in their vehicle. With all the features available on smartphones and the continual development of connected driving apps, our smartphone batteries are constantly being drained and often require charging multiple times per day. While USB charge ports have become a standard feature in most vehicles today, Aerpro says they lack the latest charge technology protocols to support efficient charging of modern smartphones. If a driver is using multiple apps on their phone, the apps may drain the smartphone battery quicker than the USB charger can keep up. And not only do they lack the power and technology required, they can be inconvenient to access and they also require charging cables to be connected which can be messy and simply just inconvenient to use. Aerpro says wireless charging is quickly replacing the need for USB ports in vehicles as it is now a standard feature in smartphones and in the not too distant future, it is expected charging ports will be removed from smartphones all together. Aerpro says it is pleased to announce a new and exciting Vehicle Specific Qi Wireless Charging Product range, which has been designed to seamlessly integrate into a number of popular vehicles. The range is Qi-Certified, which means the chargers are compatible with the latest smartphones and also have a number of safety protocols including heat shielding and foreign object detection, protecting your smartphone from damage while charging. They feature three-coil charging technology and support up to 15 Watt charging, providing the fastest in-vehicle wireless charging solution for your smartphone. The integrated chargers also have an on/off switch and illuminated LED indicator allowing for quick view of charging status. The chargers are designed specifically for the vehicle, mounting in the centre console to offer a gap-free seamless integration charging solution. They come supplied with a vehicle specific power harness and include a detailed fitting and operation user manual, making them simple to fit even for the at home DIYer. Currently Aerpro have solutions to suit Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hilux, Holden Colorado and Colorado 7, Isuzu D-Max and MU-X, Honda Civic and Holden VE Commodore, with more models to arrive soon. Aerpro also offers a range of universal wireless chargers, designed to mount in various locations including the windscreen, air vent, and dashboard of the vehicle.
For more information, visit www.aerpro.com
NEW SCENE LIGHT
From Narva
Designed and engineered specifically for emergency service vehicles and marine applications, Narva’s new scene light (Part No, 72467) meets high levels of water and dust ingress and UV protection.
Meeting IP68 and IP69K standards, the new light is fully waterproof and is contained within a robust black diecast aluminium housing with ASA covers for maximum UV protection and durability in all conditions. The surface mount design and LEDs positioned at a 40º downward angle reportedly make Narva’s scene light ideal for installation above a passenger door, driver’s door, sliding door or tailgate, where maximum visibility is often required by emergency services and utility vehicles.
Six 3W high powered LEDs produce an impressive 1900 lumens of bright white light, using a broad beam light pattern for illuminating work spaces. A special white housing version is also available (Part No. 72467W) for white vehicles, RVs and marine applications. Narva’s new Scene Light is available from leading automotive, transport and marine outlets nationwide. Narva is Australian owned and says it is a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of automotive lighting and electrical components for the automotive, marine and transport industries.
For more information, visit www.narva.com.au
STAY SAFE ZF Aftermarket recommends regular inspection of suspension and steering parts
The year 2020 has been an unusual one so far in terms of car use: despite the increase in home office working, more cars are being driven to maximise social distancing. Experts therefore recommend regular inspection of safety-relevant suspension and steering parts. If components need to be replaced, ZF Aftermarket says it offers its customers an expanded Lemförder spare parts portfolio in the area of suspension and steering for a wide range of popular vehicle models from Audi to Volvo. Suspension and steering parts should be checked regularly, as they play a decisive role in the safe handling of a car. If a defect is found in the suspension and steering parts used there, for example in the ball joints or rubber bearings, these must be completely replaced with new ones. Damage can occur within days if the sealing protection on a component is inadequate. Moisture and dirt accelerate the process once again, which is why everything in the chassis should be in perfect condition at all times. Once dirt or water has penetrated the suspension and steering parts, this is often only manifested by a rattling noise in the chassis, for example in the case of wheel-guiding ball joints. Very quickly, however, the driving behaviour becomes unstable and the car rapidly becomes uncontrollable. Depending on how far the joint damage has progressed, the affected connection point in the wheel suspension can even break. Leaky steering boots have a similarly critical effect. As a result, the gear rack can corrode, irreparably damaging the hydraulic sealing components in the steering gear. The potential for danger is great, as the steering support can then fail completely while driving. In addition, this results in high costs, with the replacement of the complete steering system necessary from this point on.
Safe and sound with spare parts in OE quality
When replacing defective steering collars, ZF Aftermarket says a few basic principles should be carefully observed. It states cable ties or universal hose clamps which do not comply with OE specifications should not be used to fix steering collars; as these do not provide sufficient or permanent sealing. Such measures significantly increase the risk of steering damage as described above. On the other hand, ZF Aftermarket says mechanics put safety first when they select OE quality steering parts and steering collars from the portfolio of the ZF Aftermarket product brand Lemförder. If it is necessary to replace a component in the suspension and steering system, ZF Aftermarket’s experts recommend the installation of parts in OEM quality. Under its Lemförder brand, ZF Aftermarket says it sells a broad product portfolio which is regularly tested in various practical and laboratory tests to ensure the highest quality standards are maintained for all parts. For example, in a so-called salt spray test, it was reportedly proven that the ball pivot of a Lemförder ball joint shows no corrosion whatsoever, even more than 30 days after direct contact with the salt solution, thanks to the special surface protection.
Comprehensive portfolio expansion in suspension and steering
In order to provide the best possible support to automotive companies for any necessary replacement of components, ZF Aftermarket says it has comprehensively expanded its range of spare parts in the suspension and steering area, including a wide variety of rubber-to-metal parts. Among other things, Lemförder products can be ordered locally for a range of vehicles, including a broad range of spare parts for brand-new models, such as ball joints, engine mounts, axial tie rod, the stabiliser link, track control arms and axle mounts. Since these are safety-critical parts, ZF Aftermarket says they are subject to the greatest care during design, production and assembly and all Lemförder products in this category are manufactured in original equipment manufacturer quality.
For more information, visit www.zf.com/au
GCG NEW FLOW BENCH
The first of its kind in Australia
With any technology, the only constant is change and GCG Turbos says this is particularly true with turbochargers. Today’s turbos are complex components with electronic controllers moving mechanical vanes with massive rotational speeds, lower tolerances and extreme heat range. One of the largest and longest running turbo sales and repair companies in Australia, GCG Turbos has recently taken delivery of its new dynamic calibration machine at their Sydney Head Quarters. “We constantly receive inquiries from workshops regarding proper calibration of Wastegate turbochargers, early VNT turbochargers as well as the most advanced turbochargers with electric actuator which require high-precision settings,” GCG Turbos Chief Executive Officer, Brett Lloyd, said. “We offer flow bench calibration solutions for passenger cars, light- and heavy-duty truck turbochargers.” The new dynamic calibration machine offers: • First-class, Swiss made, industrial flow meters • Turbocharger in-car orientation • Static or dynamic turbine section mass flow measurement with rotor speed validation • Pressure ratio measurement under load at high rotational speed • Compressor section volume flow measurement and REA programming to ensure the proper calibration of Wastegate turbochargers and early VNT turbochargers, as well as the most advanced turbochargers with electric actuators which require high-precision settings. GCG Turbos says you can choose the best process that fits your needs: turbo test; static turbine section mass flow measurement; or diagnostics and programming of electric actuator of passenger car and heavy-duty truck turbocharger. The advantages of dynamic calibration of VNT turbochargers include: • Dynamic calibration (the rotor is spinning) of variable geometry according to airflow— calibration of minimum, medium and maximum flow • Compressor section performance test • Turbocharger oil leakage test • REA of Hella, Siemens testing and reprogramming • Pneumatic and vacuum actuator test • Position sensor test • Turbocharger boost pressure ratio test. • Real life spin test. • Turbocharger rotational speed measurement • Turbocharger air loss test GCG Turbos new dynamic calibration machine has been validated by BorgWarner Turbo Systems
For more information, visit www.gcg.com.au
NEW CHASSIS PARTS
From Pedders
Pedders is pleased to release to the market two new Chassis Parts for the Ford Mustang (2015 onwards).
Adjustable Rear Camber Arm (Part # 5115)
Pedders says its Adjustable Rear Camber Arms are precision engineered to enhance road handling, steering and performance without compromising ride quality. They offer high quality, direct upgrade replacement for original parts and have been designed for ease of installation, saving time for the installer. The Adjustable Rear Camber Arms boast heavy duty construction for enhanced durability. They are covered by a two-year/40,000km nationwide warranty.
Stabiliser Links (Part # 424201)
Pedders says its Stabiliser Links are engineered to ensure the ultimate in strength and performance while also offering the flexibility of adjustable positions. The Stabiliser Links feature an encapsulated ball joint and heavy-duty construction. Pedders’ Stabiliser Links for Ford Mustang (2015 on) are covered by a two-year/40,000km nationwide warranty.
For further information please contact your local Pedders Suspension specialist or check out www.pedders.com.au
LATEST SPEC HELLA RALLYE 4000 RELEASED As it celebrates this new release, Hella explains how top-quality beats low-priced auxiliary lighting
When it comes to auxiliary lighting, Hella says one factor that remains true today is that if you buy a quality product, you get a quality outcome. Hella says that with an inferior product that does not incorporate surge protection and high-quality electronics, the light unit can fail when powered up and then require replacement. It is a similar story with the optical ability of the lens. A top-quality light projects its visibility to recording instruments across all required angles, whereas with the inferior optics of some brands the performance is noticeably lacklustre by comparison. Hella explains that having to replace the lowpriced brand more frequently because of failure also reduces the original cost advantage. Hella says it has been the guiding light in the design and manufacture of driving lamps for decades. Although stores today stock all types of lighting systems that make all levels of claims for their performance, Hella says it is only its brand that is recognised for its high-quality products that feature in the world’s prestige and highperformance vehicles as standard equipment. On that basis, Hella says that when you buy one of its lights on the aftermarket, it is backed by a stand-alone reputation that is not subject to short cuts in specification and manufacturing. New for 2020, the latest version of the HELLA Rallye 4000 is now available as an LED driving lamp, offering either pencil beam focus for longer range illumination or a broader spread beam. With the ability to make a change in beam pattern or replace a unit, a replaceable insert can be swapped over to the original housing, saving on installation and the cost of purchasing a complete housing and mounting system. Weighing in at 2.7kg each, it is a multi-voltage light suitable for 12-Volt and 24-Volt application, well within its range of 9-Volt to 32-Volt. It is a clear white (5900K) light in a casing that is water and vibration resistant and also incorporates over-voltage protection. The Rallye 4000 LED spread beam comes in with a light pattern of over 800 metres at 1-Lux performance or you can switch to a pencil beam insert and the range is over 1.3km at 1-Lux.
For more information or to find the nearest stockist, contact Hella Australia’s customer service team on 1800 061 729 or email info.au@hella.com
NEW FROM PERFORMANCE WHOLESALE
Performance Wholesale Australia is located in Slacks Creek, Australia
The aftermarket performance parts company has a range of new products in stock.
Calico Coated Bearings
Performance Wholesale explains that Calico Coatings proudly partners with ACL, Mahle/Clevite and Durabond to provide high performing coated bearings for the motorsports industry. Coated bearings are coated with a CT-1 Dry Film Lubricant coating. This coating helps reduce friction and abrasive wear and provides intermittent dry lubrication while not being affected by dust or dirt. CT-1 is also specifically engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of today’s high performance engines. Performance Wholesale says professional engine builders can enjoy a higher level of confidence with increased embeddability, strength and durability with Coated bearings.
Ferrea Retainer Degree Gauge - T7000
Performance Wholesale says every workshop and garage should have a Ferrera Retainer Degree Gauge. Manufactured from high quality aluminium, Ferrea’s new retainer degree gauge will allow you to precisely measure the degree on any type of retainer. With this gauge, you can measure the following degrees: six degree, seven degree, Super 7 (eight degree) and 10 degree.
RD2 by CTW Automation
The RD2 is a compact, lightweight machine that is designed to be structurally sound where loading is applied based on FEA analysis. Measurements are taken based on the line of actuation to ensure only the damper or specimen result is recorded. This Damper and Shock “Dyno” Testing Equipment features a 2HP Motor; 1200+ lbs force; .5” -1” -2” strokes and 30+ in/sec velocity and weights 110kg. The CTW Probe Software includes a one-year warranty and support contract.
RD3 by CTW Automation
The RD3 is a compact, lightweight table top machine that is designed to be structurally sound where loading is applied based on FEA analysis. Measurements are taken based on the line of actuation to ensure only the damper or specimen result is recorded. This Damper and Shock “Dyno” Testing Equipment features a 3HP Motor; 1600+ lbs force at 10ips; .5” -1” -2” strokes; 39 in/sec velocity and weighs 115kg. The CTW Probe Software includes a one-year warranty and support contract.
Also available: Race Engine Technical Magazine
Performance Wholesale says Race Engine Technology has established itself as the communications hub of the racing powertrain world. It says its incisive analysis reveals secrets of performance alongside comprehensive coverage of all new developments and revealing interviews with those central to the on-going evolution of technology.
For more information, contact the Performance Wholesale Sales team on 07 3808 1986 or sales@pwa-au.com or visit www.performancewholesale.com.au
PARKSAFE PARKING AND DRIVING SENSORS The range features more than 40 different sets of parking sensor models and Blind Spot Detection Systems
Back in the late 1980s, Burg Design says it pioneered the Parking Sensor market in Australia as well as in some overseas countries. It says since then, the brand ParkSafe has “become the world’s most recognised brand for the best performance, quality, features and reliability.” Further, Burg Design says ParkSafe is the number one choice for numerous Vehicle Manufacturers and leading Aftermarket suppliers around the world. Since those early days, more than 12 million sets of ParkSafe Sensors have been sold and Burg Design says it is not slowing down. It explains the range has expanded to more than 40 different sets of parking sensor models and Blind Spot Detection Systems so as to accommodate every possible application such as cars, trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, trailers, caravans, passenger buses, motor homes, boats, agricultural machinery, proximity measuring equipment and more. Burg Design says most of the success of ParkSafe is due to the overall design and quality of the range as well as the incredibly sharp object detection accuracy of the unique ultrasonic sensors which it says “far outperform all others tested in the market to date.” ParkSafe Sensors reportedly have an exceptionally wide view angle of 160 degrees so as to almost eliminate blind spots, with Burg Design stating that most others only offer a 70-120 degree view. It says the ParkSafe systems all have four detection zones as well as a blanking zone for eliminating false alarms when tow bars are installed. The sensor kits are available for all types of applications such as front, rear, sides and roof on most vehicles. Burg Design also welcomes special application requests. The latest ParkSafe developments include waterproof modules for installing the ECU in the engine bay or exposed to the elements at the rear; as well as wireless front sensor kits for much faster and easier installation on all types of vehicles, many of which Burg Design says were previously considered impossible to have sensors fitted to, such as trailers and very large commercial vehicles and various heavy mobile equipment. All ParkSafe sensors come with a five-year local warranty and full technical support.
For further information, contact Burg Design on 03 9555 9277 or sales@burgdesign.com.au or visit www.burgdesign.com.au ParkSafe Sensors can also be purchased online at www.autoelec.com.au
ACS EXPANDS US PERFORMANCE BRAND
Australian Clutch Services (ACS) is continuing its East which was held from the 11th to the 13th of US brand expansion despite the current export September and GRIDLIFE Midwest Festival held difficulties facing the Australian automotive from the 1st to the 4th of October. aftermarket. ACS says these shows provided the opportunity Since the XClutch US performance brand was to showcase some of XClutch’s top street established in 2016, ACS says the brand has performance and Motorsport upgrades for continued to develop rapidly and is quickly various LS V8 powered vehicles as well as its becoming popular in this expansive market for “exceptional” performance range of Japanese aftermarket performance parts. applications. The XClutch brand specialises in performance “Our XClutch brand has seen significant growth street and motorsport clutch kits and accessories, recently, mainly due to strong stock levels in our just like its Australian equivalent, Xtreme Clutch. US warehouse as well as our increased brand The range has been altered slightly to meet the exposure,” Australian Clutch Services Export needs of the US market and includes upgrades Sales Specialist, Chris Meadows, said. for vehicles that were never delivered to Australia. “Our stand at SEMA show in Las Vegas last year With the brand quickly evolving and demand for was a major boost and we have a full-time sales these performance upgrades increasing rapidly, representative in the US to support this quickly XClutch has introduced several new performance evolving market.” upgrades including multi-plate kits to suit the The US market has seen a number of significant Shelby GT350 and several upgrades for various challenges throughout the past 24 months, generations of Corvettes. with uncertainty around government regulations XClutch has also been on display at a number regarding imported automotive components as of events throughout the US including LS Fest well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,
BANG SHIFT PERFORMANCE SHIFTERS By Aeroflow
Bang Shift shifters have been designed for street machines, customs and racecars for street or race use. Aeroflow explains they feature a right-hand illuminated shift display and suit two, three and four speed transmissions. There are currently four models available in black or brushed aluminium finish. The Bullet, Nitro and Pistol shifters are full ratchet shifters with a positive ratchet design that self-centers the handle in the middle of the shifter so all the user has to do is click once up or click once down for each gear. Aeroflow says this self-centered design allows maximum clearance for tight fitting consoles in all vehicle applications. The Attack shifters are a gated shifter that features reverse lockout. All shifters include two micro-switches for reverse lights and a neutral safety switch. A range of billet gear knobs and handles with buttons is also available. Included with the shifter kit are a five-foot long race shifter cable, all necessary hardware, detailed instructions, cable brackets and transmission shifter levers to suit various three and four-speed automatic transmissions. Two speed application kits are sold separately.
For more information, to locate your nearest distributor or to shop online, visit www.aeroflowperformance.com or call 02 8825 1900.
however Australian Clutch Services says the brand has remained strong throughout these challenges and is continuing to expand. “2020 has bought with it a number of challenges for our export business but we have managed to navigate these successfully so far and are working hard to offer the same levels of service and support that is required in this fast-paced market,” Chris said. “The car parc in the US is different to Australia and Europe. Although we have already covered a massive proportion of this market, it is important to ensure we cover all of the US specific vehicles as well as any changing market trends or demands.”
For more information on the Australian Clutch Services range of performance upgrades, please visit
www.australianclutch.com.au or call 1800 CLUTCH.
SNAP-ON RELEASES CLASSIC STARTER KIT
Snap-on says the new 282-piece kit is ideal for apprentices
Snap-on says it is excited to release its new 282piece Classic Starter Kit, an entry-level offering to suit apprentices and those new to the automotive industry who are building their tool set. The 282-piece Classic Starter Kit comes with all the tools required and is housed within the everpopular Snap-on 54” Classic Roll Cab. The Classic Rollcab is made in the USA using top quality materials and the 282-piece tool set includes a range of must-have tools that will serve both beginner and skilled technicians alike. Snap-on says this starter kit provides quality and quantity of tools to cover off on the range of work that technicians will be completing in the early years of their career. In addition to the tool control foam in the drawers, that have been used to organise the collection of hand tools; a new addition for the kit is two power tool foam drawers that include the most popular Snap-on 14.4v and 18v power tools from each range. With an unprecedented number of tools and the ability to choose from red, blue, and black roll cabs, this allows mechanics to customise their kit and stand out from the crowd in their workplace. Snap-on brand Ambassador Jake ‘Drift Squid’ Jones has recently taken delivery of his Snap-on 282-piece Classic Starter Kit and has been impressed with the variety of tools provided, which have served as an ideal starting point for the work he is completing on his RB M3 drift car. “This kit comes with the basics that allow you to pretty well rebuild an entire car. Not only does the kit allow me to maintain the RBM3 and Sonvia drift cars, it allows it to be done quicker than before,” Jake said. “All the tools are neatly organised and in one spot and with the 54” classic roll cab being on wheels I can have it right next to either car.” Jake’s incredible RB M3 often returns from drift events requiring a host of repairs and adjustments before it is ready to hit the track again. Snap-on says the 282-piece Classic Starter Kit allows Jake to perform work on his car in his workshop or at the track. “The starter kit will allow the job of prepping the car before an event to be quicker. I can then roll the cab straight into my enclosed trailer and head to the racetrack. It’s a game changer for me,” Jake said. “Snap-on has a reputation of manufacturing the best tools in the world. It is unreal to be working with Snap-on. Like any journey, the starter kit is the beginning of what will be an amazing tool collection that never ends.” The Snap-on 282-piece Classic Starter Kit is available now.
For more information, including a full listing of the tools included in the kit, please contact your local Snap-on franchisee or visit www.snapontools.com.au
AEROFLOW LAUNCHES NEW CATALOGUE The performance brand has also debuted a new website
Aeroflow has been developing performance products for Australia and around the rest of the world for over 10 years and says it is proud to “welcome you to the latest evolution of Aeroflow” with the launch of its latest catalogue. The 2021 Aeroflow catalogue is its 12th edition and features all of Aeroflow’s latest products, spanning all areas of street and race performance. The catalogue boasts 435 pages filled with
CTEK’S PRO25S Ctek says it offers the best battery management solutions
Ctek, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has identified in its research that as many as 50 percent of vehicles arriving in the workshop have a battery that is either undercharged or needs replacing. “Whether a vehicle is booked into the workshop for a service, repair or even tyre replacement, it’s worth remembering the demands that complex vehicle technologies are placing on workshops,” Ctek Asia Pacific Director of Sales and Marketing, Robert Briggs, said. “Whatever work is being carried out on the vehicle, battery support is a vital activity often not fully appreciated for its importance in saving technician time and ensuring against costly programming failures, while also preventing possible costly damage to the battery or the vehicle Engine Control Unit (ECU).” In a lead acid battery, state of charge gradually reduces, as does voltage, whereas in a lithium battery voltage remains high even when battery state of charge is low – at 30 percent state of charge a lithium battery can still have a reading of around 12.6V. Once battery state of charge hits 20 percent however, voltage reduces rapidly. The two battery types perform very differently, so Ctek says it is vital to ensure they are always supported. With lithium batteries, battery support will also product photos and information to help you find the right product for your build. Fast indexes have also been designed to help you get to products fast, making it a very valuable tool for the garage and workshop. To coincide with this new release, Aeroflow says it is also proud to debut its brand-new website. The website has been totally rebuilt to be “faster, easier and more powerful,” with Aeroflow stating this translates to a much more pleasurable online shopping experience for customers. New drop-down category menus have been designed to make it quicker and easier to navigate to products while a powerful search engine reportedly provides comprehensive search results. New Products, Specials and Featured Products sections keep customers informed of all the latest and greatest products with access to catalogues and You Tube instruction videos. Product protect against damage to the battery due to low voltage. Lithium Battery Management Systems have a cut-out voltage anywhere between 2.0V-2.8V per cell that will prevent the battery from discharging any further. Ctek says it is expected to see drains on the battery during a vehicle service reducing SOC by up to 10 percent, so a battery can drain very quickly – interrupting work being undertaken and risking the battery cutting out and going into ‘sleep-mode.’ Ctek says its PRO25S is an innovative, versatile and highly efficient 25A battery charger with a dedicated 13.6V SUPPLY mode that can be used with both lithium and lead-acid batteries. When considering battery support, Ctek says it is important to not only consider voltage and number of Amps, but also your battery support unit’s ability to react to spikes in power demand. It says the PRO25S is a ‘smart’ battery charger technical information and instruction files are also available for download. Aeroflow says the heart of its new website is the enhanced online shopping experience with multiple quality product photos, better descriptions, drawings, technical information, and shipping calculators to make it simple and pain free to shop online.
To see the new website and order your new Aeroflow
catalogue, visit www.aeroflowperformance.com
and power supply, so it is constantly talking to the battery and listening to its needs, reacting to vehicle demands to maintain voltage, protecting the battery and the sensitive vehicle electronics. The PRO25S also has a dedicated Lithium mode, with a specially developed Lithium charging algorithm. Ctek says it is also very simple to connect, spark proof, and reverse- polarity protected to protect the user and also the battery. It has been designed to ensure easy handling in the workshop, and so is lightweight and portable. Further, a rugged, impact-resistant casing means the PRO25S can also handle the toughest environment and it also comes with a two-year warranty. The Ctek PRO25S starts from AU $600 RRP, and is available to purchase from Repco stores, nationwide.
For more information, visit www.ctek.com/au
DAYCO TIMING BELT IN OIL (BIO) SYSTEM Setting a positive trend
Dayco’s Timing Belt in Oil (BIO) system is a technology breakthrough by the global automotive component innovators which Dayco says is attracting more OEM attention worldwide. This new low-wear and eco-friendly technology is now available in the 1.0 litre three-cylinder Ford Ecoboost engine that won International Engine of the Year in 2012. The engine is considered one of the most economical and compact units in its class. Dayco’s significant investment in research and development has resulted in various new technologies for more efficient internal combustion engines to meet the demands expected from vehicle manufacturers and modern motorists alike. Dayco says the advantages of its timing belt in oil system compared to the conventional belt drive belt are numerous, including reduced wear, improved quietness and above all less friction losses, ensuring the engine is quieter and more efficient. Compared to a timing chain, Dayco says these are significant advantages because the application saves on both cost and weight, which in turn leads to more fuel efficiency and less noise in operation. “We think the belt in an oil bath provides the best of two worlds. On the one hand the longevity of a timing chain and on the other hand, the smoothness and reduced friction of a timing belt”, Ford Powertrain Development Manager, Andrew Fraser, said of the advantages of the Dayco BIO system. The Ford Motor Company selected the Dayco BIO system for an innovation award when it was introduced. It is also interesting to note that the new 1.0 Litre Ford Ecoboost engine also includes another world first by Dayco, the first idler which runs in an oil bath. Dayco explains that combined with what it refers to as a “Synergetic” design, the whole Dayco BIO transmission system, that is, engine belt, guides, tensioners, idlers and pulleys, have been combined to deliver optimum performance, extreme reliability and increased fuel economy. Along with Ford, the Dayco BIO system has also been selected as original equipment for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles with Dayco stating that demand for this ultra-efficient engine component technology is continuing to grow. Dayco Australia says it is pleased to offer this patented and innovative BIO System technology to the Australian automotive aftermarket for scheduled replacement on Audi, Ford and Volkswagen vehicles that have been fitted with the Dayco BIO System as Original Equipment.