Motor Market - March 2024

CAR S WAP USA'S JOURNEY FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HIGH-END RIDES

CAR S WAP USA'S JOURNEY FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO HIGH-END RIDES

A little over seven years ago, people who knew about Car Swap USA knew it to be a small, humble trailer out on 12th street in Sioux Falls with a small number of cars in their lot.

Fast forward to today. The growth and advancements that Car Swap USA has made cannot be missed. Moving on from their quaint beginnings, they now are located in Tea, SD. Looking back on the last seven years, owner Robert Chipman said that he and his business partners feel so rewarded when they reflect back upon their journey so far.

Robert became friends with current business partner, Dusty Johnson in 2000 because of a common passion for cars. Both Robert and Dusty have a love for Mustangs in particular, and that common bond drew them together. “We became friends because of our love for Mustangs,” Robert shares. “Dusty grew up in Yankton his whole life and that is where we became friends.”

“Without Dusty, Car Swap would not be where it is today,” Robert explains. “We all built this together. I would love to thank our other business partners Kevin, Tupy, Randy Huling and the great crew I have at Car Swap.”

The initial expansion of Car Swap USA was needed. Between selling roughly 80 cars a month and the accelerating need for more vehicle service, the owners knew that they would need a bigger lot and building to continue to accommodate their growing inventory and customer needs.

“To see where we started in a small trailer out on 12th street and moving into a 17,000 square foot building with a five-car showroom is very rewarding. Seeing all of that come to fruition, we couldn't ask for any more,” Robert says.

Chipman grew up on the east coast for most of his life, but moved to South Dakota during his senior year of high school. He graduated from Tyndall and spent most of his high school and post-graduation years diving deep into the car industry. Chipman has always loved cars and that love drove him to learn everything he could about the industry and how to be successful within it.

“I wanted to learn how everything worked and I continued to learn and learn,” Robert shares. “I loved it, but I was gone all the time and I learned I can’t be gone all the time. This opportunity came about and we put it together. It is great to stay local and be around your family.”

“I loved it, but I was gone all the time and I learned I can’t be gone all the time. This opportunity came about and we put it together. It is great to stay local and be around your family.”

He navigated starting his own dealership by relying on the lessons he has learned in his time working at other dealerships. The mission of Car Swap USA is to create an incredible customer experience where both buyers and sellers feel supported. Robert said that at the end of the day all of the hard work, diligent service and thorough inspection comes down to their desire to take care of every customer who walks through the door. They are working hard to provide a competitive price while not sacrificing any of the small details.

“We want to keep it easy and simple with no pressure. All of our prices are on the window,” Robert explains. “We have cultivated a lot of relationships with banks and we can help them all find financing options. We aren't here to keep them long, and we are all upfront with the customers by trying to take the guesswork out of it.”

The buildings where they sell from are not the only thing expanding and evolving at Car Swap USA. Their inventory of cars continues to grow and change and even upgrade. Chipman branched out into offering higher end sports cars, hoping to give car lovers like himself and his business partners the opportunity to drive a car they enjoy and have dreamed about at a more affordable price point.

“We’ve always been car guys. When I grew up, I didn't have a lot so getting in the car business I was thinking, ‘how I can I drive cars I can’t afford?’ As we grew the business, we saw a need for it in Sioux Falls because there weren’t a whole lot of dealers selling these kinds of cars and I have always been a Mustang guy. It was surprising how many we were selling,” Robert shares.

Chipman and his business partners look forward to diving even deeper into the higher end vehicles. He added that with the additional sports cars he hopes to sell, he hopes to drive traffic to Car Swap USA from around the state and beyond.

Customers and their experience are at the root of the work Car Swap USA does. From getting a customer in a reliable car when they are in need, to placing someone in the car they have daydreamed about from the time they were children. Whatever the need, Car Swap USA can make it happen.

“Seeing the emotion that a car can bring out in people and the joy people can have from buying a car they dreamed about is very rewarding,” Robert says. “Helping out the community is great, too.”

Along with their day-to-day work, the owners of Car Swap USA enjoy taking the time to give back to the community that has made what they do possible. Chipman said that in the past they have worked with local churches and other charity organizations. He looks forward to being able to do more of that in the future.

Looking forward, Car Swap USA hopes to continue to grow its community of customers. As they continue to advance their offerings of vehicles, they hope to have a little something for everyone. Chipman hopes to continue to expand and open more locations in the future.

2020 SHELBY GT500 CARBON FIBER TRACKPACK

The Shelby GT500 is a high-performance sports car that combines both power and style. The striking Velocity Blue exterior paint job definitely turns heads. Its muscular design features a sleek and aerodynamic body that radiates its power and performance. When equipped with the carbon fiber track pack, this GT500 becomes a next level vehicle in aesthetics and performance. RECARO leather trimmed seats with Miko suede inserts continue to elevate the style of the GT500.

The carbon fiber components play a part in its lightweight construction and the improvements in handling and performance in a track setting. The GT500 boasts 20-inch exposed carbon fiber wheels, adjustable strut mounts, an exposed carbon fiber instrument panel and an exposed carbon fiber GT4 track wing.

Under the hood, this GT500 has a 5.2 liter supercharged V8 engine capable of producing 760 horsepower and 635 lb-ft of torque. The 7- speed dual clutch transmission is derived from the GT allowing for lightning-fast gear changes and seamless power delivery. With that kind of power, the GT500 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and tackle the quarter mile in less than 10.7 seconds at 130+ miles per hour.

The Shelby GT500 with the Carbon Fiber Track Pack combines breathtaking power with track ready features. It is a dream car for any enthusiast craving power and style.

2018 shelby gt350r

The 2018 Shelby GT350R in Oxford White is an eye-catching machine to any car enthusiast looking for speed and precision. This track focused machine includes aerodynamic styling sure to turn heads. The GT350R is complete with red accents, racing stripes and a Cobra emblem on the grill. The interior is designed with the idea of focused performance, including high quality materials mixed with modern technology.

Under the hood it boasts a Voodoo 5.2 L engine with a flat plane crank that produces 526 horsepower and 429 lb- ft of torque with a redline of 8250 rpm. The car has a Tremec TR-3160 six speed manual transmission. With this kind of power behind it, the GT350R can do 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds.

The GT350R is a true track-ready vehicle that combines power and precision while not sacrificing style. It’s designed to keep the adrenaline pumping and delivers a driving experience that is hard to match. Whether you are racing on the track or cruising freely on the open road, this car is sure to provide thrills at every turn.

2024 home schedule

APR. 14 VS. TULSA 3:05 PM

MAY 3 VS. GREEN BAY 7:05 PM

MAY 10 VS. QUAD CITY 7:05 PM

JUNE 1 VS. IOWA 7:05 PM

JUNE 8 VS. LAS VEGAS 7:05 PM

JUNE 29 VS. JACKSONVILLE 7:05 PM

JULY 20 VS. GREEN BAY 7:05 PM

FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT UNITY AMONGST PEOPLE

3:05 pm on sunday, april 14 th

KEVIN DURANTEATER

EXPERIENCE THE SCAN THE CODE TO SEE THE 40+ ZOOPERSTARS IN ACTION!

The Sioux Falls Storm is celebrating its annual Faith and Family Night with the mission of Unity Amongst People. This year Faith and Family Night will be held on Sunday, April 14th. The highlight of the day will be the ZOOperstars! brought to you by First Premier Bank.

MISSION FOOTBALL GIVEAWAY!

We are also excited to host the mission ball, who will be on-site and giving away mission ball footballs! what is the mission ball? the mission ball is simply a football covered with biblical text, meant to be used as a bridge to share the gospel!

Delivering Mail for Later Fun

I am sure that delivering rural mail sometimes can feel like a thankless job, especially with all the different ever-changing weather elements that rural South Dakota presents itself with throughout a year. That has to be one of the major reasons South Dakota has always been called the land of infinite variety! Yet, I have to believe even with what may sometimes feel like a mundane routine of going down the same roads every day, you get to know everyone and become friends with them for life, all while knowing you are doing something that keeps lives connected and moving forward.

Bruce Duerksen did that for 30 years and after retiring from the postal service, decided he wanted some older type of vehicle to tinker

any specific vehicle in mind to begin with that he was looking for, but just wanted something for the fun of it. Even though Bruce grew up in a Mopar family, he mentioned he always liked Chevrolets too. So, when he found an old 36 Chevy pickup somewhere on his postal route, his chosen path was picked. Now I am not sure if he had taken on a project like this before, but one day after a period of what might have felt like a long time of working on it, and after investing $15,000.00 in the truck, he realized it was nowhere near completion let alone being a driver.

So, he decided to sell it, in its in-completed state of construction with the truck winding

er. Bruce told me with what he had learned with the time-consuming process of building a vehicle and the fact he wasn’t getting any younger, his next search was going to be for a vehicle that was completely finished. After the truck had been gone for a while along with occasionally scouring of the internet to see what was out there, Bruce expressed he was to a point of feeling almost desperate with wanting to find something. Then one day because of his dad’s Mopar influence, he ran across a yellow 1965 Barracuda sitting on a trailer in Nebraska while coming home from Kansas. It had a $13,500 price tag on it and didn’t look too bad.

After getting home he spoke to his wife about the car seeking her approval and then called

a high school buddy whose family owned the Chrysler/Desoto dealership in the 1950’s called,” Burge Motors,” in Marion, South Dakota. His intention for calling his buddy was to see if he would go along with Bruce to check the car out since he knew those eras of cars well. When Bruce finally connected with his buddy over the phone and asked if he’d go along with him to check this Barracuda out in Nebraska, his buddy responded by saying,” Well, we have a 1965 Barracuda we might sell you.” Bruce asked, “Are you serious?” since he had tried to buy cars from the family many times over the years and never being able to do so. Then his buddy said yes, but we’ll have to call my son, since his grandfather had given him the 65 Barracuda a few years ago as a gift. Now the grandson who owned the Barracuda was telling his father, Bruce’s buddy, that they needed to sell some of their family car collection.

So, with that positive call, Bruce put some cash in his pocket and made his way to town to see the car where it was stored. After looking at the car and liking what he was seeing, his buddy called his son, the grandson and told him about Bruce being interested while asking what the car was worth. His son put what he thought was a good market value on the car and Bruce bought it on the spot giving their asking price because they were friends. Soon after Bruce had it home, he put larger Cragar wheels with bigger tires to give it a muscle look.

That was two years ago, with Bruce driving it every chance he can since, weather permitting. Bruce was eager to get back into the car culture camaraderie with his friends along with making new friends with the same interests. He mentioned the fact that he had all kinds of cars when he was younger, but like all of us then never thought to

keep or take care of what we had then. His first car was a 57 Chevy he bought for $300.00 when he was in high school and he didn’t think anything of it when something major broke, but just bought another car. Vehicles seemed cheaper then, than today and were easier to find a replacement. But today, I think people past 50 years in age, hold things a little dearer to their hearts, since we know things don’t last forever. But then again, why shouldn’t an old car last forever if we care enough, to take care of them, allowing us to have a smile on our face, just like Bruce every time I see him get out of his Barracuda. Experiencing the feeling of happiness continues every time you turn a key to start an engine in an old car, that makes you feel young again while knowing there is a new memory where ever you go.

Bob Schmeichel

A farm boy from Salem, Bob’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old. After graduation from Washington High School, he attended USD where he majored in Commercial Art. A lifelong auto and art enthusiast, Bob wanted to combine his passions into a career. A self-taught mechanic, bodywork, welder and painter, he worked in the industry for seven years. He later went to work for Horner Waldorf Box Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring as Package Design Manager for Smurfit Stone Container. Bob has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything except the upholstery work. Bob started the Great Plains Street Rodders Car Club in 1985 and today the club has over 340 members. You can see more of Bob’s paintings and car features on the club’s website: www.greatplainsstreetrodders.com.

SPEED SHOP

SPEED SHOP

chassis building, suspension upgrade

custom headers and exhaust

engine swaps and building efi swaps

complete car wiring

hot rod MAINTENANCE differential/axle building cooling system mig and tig welding

back halves, ladder bars, 4-link, roll cages

performance parts and accessories

auto restoration

While car enthusiasts often wax poetic about horsepower and sleek designs, the unsung heroes of the road – our car tires – deserve their moment in the spotlight. Beyond the basics of inflation and tread depth, there are lesser-known tips and facts that can significantly impact your driving experience. In this article, let's unveil some of these hidden gems to ensure your tires roll smoothly and keep you safely on the road.

Check the Production Date

Did you know that your tires have a birthdate? Look for the DOT (Department of Transportation) number on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. Tires age, even if they have plenty of tread left, so be mindful of this when purchasing or assessing your current set.

Proper Inflation Goes Beyond the Recommended PSI

While it's common knowledge to maintain the recommended PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), it's worth noting that cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop. During colder months, check your tire pressure more frequently and consider adding a few extra pounds to compensate for the temperature difference.

Rotate Tires Regularly, But Not All Tires Are Created Equal

Rotating your tires is essential for even wear, but it's crucial to know that not all tires are interchangeable. Directional tires have a specific tread pattern designed to rotate in one direction. Mixing them up during rotation can compromise performance and safety. Check your tire type before engaging in a rotation.

Overloading Can Lead to Underperformance

Exceeding your vehicle's load-carrying capacity can accelerate tire wear and compromise handling. Check your vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and adhere to it. It's not just about the number of passengers; consider luggage, accessories, and anything else you're hauling.

Mind the Tread Wear Indicators

Tires come equipped with tread wear indicators – small bars that become visible as the tread wears down. When these bars are level with the tread, it's a sign that your tires have reached the minimum allowable depth, and it's time for replacements. Don't ignore this vital signal for safety.

The Penny Test for Tread Depth

An oldie but a goodie – the penny test. Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is too shallow. It's a quick and easy way to gauge whether it's time for new tires.

Avoid "Pothole Panic"

Potholes can wreak havoc on tires, causing bulges, punctures, or misalignments. If you can't avoid a pothole, slow down before impact, and try to hit it with both wheels simultaneously. This distributes the force more evenly across the tires, re-

720

115

4515

2101

2320

Our car tires silently bear the weight of our journeys, and understanding these lesser-known tips and facts ensures they do so efficiently and safely. From checking production dates to mastering the art of tire rotation, these insights empower you to make informed decisions about your tires, enhancing both the longevity of your rubber companions and the overall performance of your vehicle. So, the next time you hit the road, armed with these road secrets, enjoy the drive with confidence and knowledge. Matthew

CALENDAR D L Events C R

Sioux Falls Snocross National March 1-2, 2024 - Sioux Falls, SD snocross.com/sioux-falls-snocross-national/

Concrete Challenge Racing on Syrup March 29-30, 2024 - Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls Arena

JUNE

Wheel Jam Truck Show

June 6-9, 2024 - Huron, SD wheeljamtruckshow.com

31st Annual Brookings Car Show

June 8-9, 2024 - Brookings, SD brookingscarshow.org

13th Annual Sturgis Camaro Rally

June 19-23, 2024 - Sturgis, SD sturgiscamarorally.com

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

June 20-21, 2024 - Brandon, SD husetsspeedway.com

JULY

Black Hills Corvette Classic

July 17-20, 2024 - Spearfish, SD Tour the Black Hills blackhillscorvetteclassic.com

Waubay FunFest Car & Motorcycle Show

July 20, 2024 - Waubay, SD Main Street (Hosted by Sinner Auto, 12-4PM, Registration Fee: $15, Trophies Awarded, Contact Derek at 605-530-2753)

D.A.D.s Auto Show and Shine/ Burnout Contest

July 27, 2024 - Beresford, SD Find more info on Facebook!

84th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

July 30-Aug. 12, 2024 - Sturgis, SD sturgis.com

MAY

Sound of Silence Tesla Rally

May 17-19, 2024 - Custer, SD facebook.com/BHTeslaRally

AUGUST

30th Annual Kool Deadwood Nites

August 21-25, 2024 - Deadwood, SD deadwood.com/event/kool-deadwood-nites

SEPTEMBER

45th Annual Vintiques Rod Run & Car Show

September 6-8, 2024 - Watertown, SD vintiquescarclub.com

2024 Midwest Regional Hot Rod Rally

September 13-15, 2024 - Moville, IA midwesthotrodrally.com

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY

POWERS

Lake Area Technical College has been providing distinctive education for students for nearly 60 years. The school offers a variety of programs from in-person, hands-on instruction to hybrid options and online only options for students who can’t make it to campus. Since its start, they’ve had record numbers of success with more than 22,000 graduates who have a 99 percent employment rate or continued education after completion.

One of the programs, Diesel Technology, is only available at Lake Area Technical College as an accredited program by the Associated Equipment Dealers Foundation (AED) in the state. Corey Mushitz is the diesel department supervisor on campus and instructor for the CAT ThinkBIG program.

Growing up in the middle of South Dakota, Corey experienced working agricultural jobs and the impact of diesel-fueled mechanics at an early age. Switching gears shortly after high school, Corey found himself studying diesel himself at LATC where he pursued a career in the highway truck world for several years. He shares, “I always enjoyed mentoring new people who would start, and one day I received a phone call asking if I was interested in instructing at LATC.”

At first, the idea was far from what Corey ever saw for himself, but eventually he decided to see what it might lead to and he hasn’t looked back since.

“Our program has different options,” Corey starts. “Our largest option is general diesel, but we also have the specialized programs like the CAT ThinkBIG program, TechKnowledge program, and a brand new one this year, the ButlerMAX program.”

Each program emphasizes hands-on experiences to really give students a chance to submerge themselves into the mechanics and get familiar with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the field after graduation. Corey adds, “We spend on average an hour each day in the classroom while the rest of the time students are in the lab working with the equipment and training aids.”

Most of the equipment in the program is up-to-date with the latest in the industry and some have been sponsored. For example, the ButlerMAX program which focuses on AGCO, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and several others is supported by the Butler Machinery Company.

AMERICA

Impactful Facts

Diesel technicians play a huge part in society. There are diesel technicians everywhere that go missed in operations that are essential to keep the country running. Here are a few facts to think about when it comes to how important these technicians really are:

• On average, diesel-powered farm equipment covers 922 million acres of U.S. farmland each year

• Diesel-powered trucks, trains, and ships carry tons of grain and livestock to market for processing and distribution

• Trucks that are diesel-powered are in

charge of shipping almost all products to customers across the country

• Necessary construction equipment that builds the roads and bridges that we drive on every day are powered by diesel

• Diesel-powered generators provide emergency power for essential operations in hospitals and municipal utilities when needed

Another unique aspect of the diesel technology program at LATC is the internships offered. Corey says that the students are in the classroom gaining experience for about eight weeks before entering into the workforce in an applicable internship for an additional eight weeks.

In some cases, students are even supported by a sponsor or company before they begin their education at the institute. “Most of our students will stay in the agriculture, construction, or truck industry,” Corey says. “Currently, students are blessed in this industry with a wide array of jobs to apply for after graduation with wages that will support them.”

Learn more about the program at

www.LakeAreaTech.Edu

ROAD

As a diesel technician, you will have a central place in the network

• Diesel-powered trucks, trains and ships carry tons of grain and livestock to market.

• Diesel-powered trucks ship almost all products to customers.

• Diesel-powered construction equipment builds the roads and bridges we drive on.

• Diesel-powered generators provide emergency power for hospitals and municipal utilities.

As a DIESEL TECHNOLOGY student at Lake Area Tech, you can expect to be taught the latest from our highly qualified instructors. The program offers a variety of training options including: Ag/ Industrial, Caterpillar ThinkBIG, CNH Top Tech, Light Duty Diesel, and Techknowledge John Deere. Lake Area Tech is the only technical college in South Dakota accredited by the Associated Equipment Dealers (AED). As you complete your hands-on training in our diesel program,you can feel confident there is a place for you. Afterall, America runs on diesel!

THE EXTRA MILE

The Truth About COLD ENGINE STARTS

There is plenty of advice going around social media these days from many different people on the best way to warm up your vehicle in these cold winter months before driving it. The opinion given is that you really don’t have to warm up your car before you drive it, but instead you just need to start it, wait only a minute or so, and then drive it away. There are some of the things talked about that are true; however, there are so many other things that are not discussed and these things can cause severe engine damage leading to very costly repairs. So, let’s talk truth about the whole

matter. The common advice is to start your vehicle, put on your seatbelt, and drive off. The thought is that when the engine and outside temperature is very cold that the engine control unit is adding extra fuel and by driving it this will more efficiently burn the extra fuel and warm the engine up quicker by loading the engine while driving it. Even though some of this is true, doing this will add stress to other areas of your engine that can permanently damage your engine hard parts, so let’s talk about that.

Most common engines utilize an aluminum cylinder head fastened to a cast iron engine block. Aluminum grows at almost twice the rate of cast iron with heat, and shrinks at twice the rate with cold. The expansion rate difference slightly wears on the metal surfaces and creates areas that will decrease the ability to seal the combustion. The head gasket somewhat protects this expansion difference but in extreme cold, care must be taken to prevent failure. The pistons are also made of an aluminum alloy, and the shrinkage from extreme cold adds extra clearances that can be extra stressful on the component and cause damage. The pistons, head gasket, and cylinder heads are also very cold and then suddenly exposed to over 1,500 degrees from the engine combustion gasses. This abrupt temperature exposure can shock and stress the material beyond its intended use. The engine oil is also extremely cold and thicker than it needs to be to properly lubricate the critical areas in the engine. All the drivetrain components are cold and stiff as well and take more power and load to move the cold, stiff vehicle that will put extra stress on the cold engine. As far as the engine management and the extra fuel given

to the engine, this extra fuel is a need for the engine to run properly when it’s cold because the engine management system also is designed to recognize when the engine is not burning all of the fuel efficiently and will correct the amount of fuel given. This helps prevent the fear of piston ring damage. There are many things to consider before trusting only a social media “expert.”

When it’s cold outside and you start your engine in these cold days, remember a couple things. First, the engine is undergoing extreme pressures and will require a good warm up to help prevent irreversible damage. Secondly, you can help save thousands of dollars in repairs and inconvenience by taking the time to let your engine warm up more easily by letting it idle to avoid putting the engine under added loads and pressure. Correctly warming up your vehicle before driving it in extreme cold will add life to your engine and allow you to go the Extra Mile.

rick

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE CAR/WHY YOU CHOSE THIS CAR. WHAT’S YOUR CAR’S STORY?

Back in 2011 or so my buddy Michael used to own this car and it was my first DSM experience. I’ve always loved the 1g’s since then. I remember cruising around with him on some weekends listening to the stock 14b turbo spool. The one thing that really sells me on this car is the center console with the whole cockpit vibe. Everything is really just tailored to the driver.

FAVORITE PART OF THE CAR?

Is any turbo car owner’s favorite part of the car NOT the turbo? It really is my favorite part of the car including the big, shiny turbo under the hood connected to a big, shiny manifold and all the intense noises it all makes. It’s great. If there was one thing I would change on this particular car, it would be the paint. I would pull everything off the bottom to clean out all the years of built-up grease and dirt stuck to the bottom of it. I think I would also change the engine harness and get a full custom harness to clean the engine bay up a lot.

PLANS FOR THE CAR?

My next step for the car is to enjoy it for a while. I’ve spent the last three years building it constantly. Mechanically, I’m planning on getting a PPG Dogbox gearset, along with building the transfer case, axles, aluminum drive shaft.

WHAT’S AN INTERESTING FACT OR SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS RIDE?

My Car is a DSM (Diamond Star Motors) car, which were actually manufactured in the United States in Normal, Illinois. A lot of people think that the early Eclipse, Eagle Talons, and Plymouth Lasers are imported. Technically, the Talon is a Chrysler Product.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

Outside of the machining and fabrication, I’ve done all the work on the car myself. I created the drive by wire harness, accelerator pedal, and both fan harnesses from scratch. I pulled the engine apart and measured all the clearances with Dial bore gauges, inside and outside micrometers. I rebuilt the transmission myself, setting all of the bearing preloads. It all was a really awesome experience and helped me to understand how everything works together, and just how complicated, and yet simple the transmissions are at the same time. This specific car is far from perfect and still needs work, but what project car doesn’t?

About the build: 2.0 L 4G63 (6 bolt), R&R Aluminum Connecting rods, Manley9:1 Pistons, Kiggly Main Girdle, ARP Main Studs, Buschur Racing Baffled oil pan, Stock crank shaft, Kiggly 12-1 Crank Trigger, Stock 6 bolt 1g cylinder head, Ferrea Stainless valves, GSC s2 billet cams, GCS lifters, ARP L19 head studs, Morrison Fab small runner manifold, 3.5” full exhaust, Niko Performance Solution GTX3584rs, JMF Race intake manifold, FIC 2150 fuel injectors, custom 2.5” Intercooler piping, ETS 4” core intercooler, drive by wire converted on Link G4+ Plug n Play ECU using an Evo x Accelerator pedal, Dual Walbro 450 fuel pumps in the stock fuel tank on a full blown dual fuel pump hanger, full -8an fuel line feed and full -6an return, Aeromotive A1000 fuel pressure regulator

ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS ®

TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®

Dear Motor Medics,

I have a 1994 Stealth RT without the turbocharged engine. I have gone through two new batteries in a short period of time. Is it possible that a failing alternator can ruin a battery? If so, I would like to know if there is a way to check if the alternator has actually failed. Are there specific testing methods that can be used to narrow the cause down? I listen to your show faithfully. Thanks for your time.

Karen Fargo, ND

Dear Motor Medics,

I drive a Ford F150, which I bought new in 2004. I have been hearing some news from other Ford owners in my area who have had some issues with cam phasers failing in their engines. My question is what should I be doing to give myself the best chance of preventing this from happening to my engine? I drive the truck only a few miles to work every day and change the oil about every four months.

Dean in Moberly, MS

Dear Karen,

A failing alternator can ruin a battery in a short period of time. If it’s overcharging or draining current when off, it will discharge the battery after it sits for extended periods. Even if it does not sit long enough to run completely down, it can cause the battery to fail due to its heavy discharge/charge cycles. To check the alternator, you need to have a charging system analysis done with a charging system tester. This will show the internal operation of the alternator, diodes, field, and ability to charge at idle and at higher rpm, but will not show a drain. To find a drain your technician will need to perform a current drain test. Most shops with this type of tool will also have an electronic battery testing tool. It is possible that you have had a run of bad luck with two bad batteries. It has happened to us in our shop before.

Take care, The Motor Medics

Dear Dean,

The 5.4 has been used is hundreds of thousands of Fords without issue, but a few have been known to develop issues with the cam phasers or lose just a bit of oil pressure which keeps the phasers from operating properly. Repairs involve phaser replacement or sometimes an entire engine. The best way to prevent this from happening is with routine oil changes. Ford recommends using their factory specified oil or something of better ratings and a Ford genuine filter. There are copies of this filter on the market, so make sure you are getting the genuine Ford product. As for time intervals, we would suggest changing the oil at three months. Short trips are harder on the oil and engine as the engine does not get up to operating temperature for a long enough period to completely burn off all traces of moisture in the oil which can result in sludge in the engine.

Take care, The Motor Medics