Motor Market - May 2024

PREPARING FOR TAKE OFF 30

BROOKINGS CAR SHOW

SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2024

• Garage tours: Meet at Nick’s Hamburger Shop on Main St. Leave at 9:00AM to tour some of the Brookings area car and motorcycle enthusiasts’ garages filled with vehicles and memorabilia.

• After garage tours are complete, meet downtown at Nick’s Hamburger Shop for lunch and informal get-together.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9TH, 2024

• Attend the 31st Anniversary of the Annual Brooking Car Show in Pioneer Park.

• The FREE car show will be setup as a Show-N-Shine event like in the past years.

• Sign-in/Parking/Setup: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. (enter at east end of park)

• Car Show: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the park. Tunes and food vendors on site.

• There is no need to preregister. Just come on out to the park on the day of the car show and enjoy being around other car and truck enthusiasts!her car and truck enthusiasts.

Mark Cell: 605-690-8379 foster@itctel.com

Dale Cell: 605-691-1967 brookdale@brookings.net

Christopher Cell: 605-690-3307 christopherg@swiftel.net

A kit car that’s helping a Sioux Falls physician through his battle with cancer will be a star attraction at AutoMania, the premier classic car show in the Midwest.

Dr. James R. McGrann, a retired dermatologist, will be the honoree at the 2024 AutoMania, where he’ll display his Factory Five kit car. The car is a replica of a 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe.

The coupe is patterned after a winning race car in the 2019 biographical sports drama, “Ford vs. Ferrari,” according to AutoMania organizer Bernie Tyrrell.

Classic car lovers of all ages can see the kit car and hundreds of amazing cars, muscle cars, hot rods, imports, sports cars, trucks and motorcycles at AutoMania. Valley Springs, SD will again host the largest free automotive event in the Midwest, which takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on June 29th. Six golf carts will be available to transport people who have mobility issues so they can view and enjoy all the vehicles on display.

Organizers estimate more than 500 vehicles — and 8,000 spectators — could be at this year’s AutoMania car show. Classic car enthusiasts from several states attend the event to show off their prized rides, and anyone who wants to display their car, motorcycle or pickup can sign up before AutoMania or even the day it’s happening.

The first 50 participants to register get a free t-shirt. To register in advance online, visit automaniaatvalley.com/register-ride. Last-minute entries are welcome, too.

“They can register anytime. They can drive in if they want to. There’s no registration fee,” Bernie says.

AutoMania also welcomes volunteers to help put on the premier car show in the Midwest. To sign up, visit automaniaatvalley.com/volunteer.

AutoMania will open like NASCAR races do, with a color guard and the national anthem at noon. AutoMania is family-friendly and promises a full afternoon of automotive and specialty vendors, along with the hundreds of vehicles on display. For kids, there will be a play area with Bounce Around inflatables.

On the Rocks will showcase their painting and the artwork of the maddTatter Paintings, Tattoo and Pierce will also be on display.

Product vendors will also be plentiful including neon clocks and signs at the multiple-booth display of “It’s All About the Signs.”

There will be plenty of food vendors serving hearty fare including buffalo, Chicago dogs, hamburgers, Ol’ MacDonald’s Kettle Corn and barbecue from Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse and much more. Make sure to cool off with a frozen treat — South Dakota State University’s dairy bar will serve locally made ice cream.

While browsing the vehicles and vendors, guests can enjoy live rock music all afternoon, beginning with Lexie McGee performing at noon. The musical lineup continues with Boston Steve at 1:30 p.m., Chris Sandvig at 3 p.m., Andrew Woodhull at 4:30 p.m., and a street dance with music by Southern Detour at 6:30 p.m. to wrap up the night.

Dr. James McGrann’s 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe is a passion project that’s given him joy amid ongoing health struggles that started with a heart attack and heart surgery. He was later diagnosed with cancer and has undergone three cancer surgeries, radiation therapy, and he is currently receiving chemotherapy treatments.

In the midst of his health scares, James McGrann’s son, Sean, decided a car project would lift his dad’s spirits, so he bought a disassembled kit car his dad had been talking about.

“This is the first time I’ve built a car from the ground up,” says James, who plans to give the finished car to Sean.

“He’s a real car guy,” Bernie explains. “That excited Jim and even in his unhealthy situation he’d be able to have a part in doing this car. As they went along, Jim’s health started getting better as he continued to work on the car.”

“You’ve got to have a reason to live,” James adds. “The biggest thing with having the car is it gives you something to do. You can focus on something fun to do. I think the worst thing you can do is sit home and go ‘Poor me.’ If you can, get out and get focused on something else beyond your own morbidity. You have to get out and move and enjoy life.”

“It’s fun to work on the cars and it gives you the opportunity to meet some wonderful people,” James shares.

The 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe has come together with the help of James’ “pit crew” — a team of friends who’ve assisted with the build. Mike Skiles of Sioux Falls and James have reconditioned nine cars together.

“It’s like a model car, only it’s full size. That’s the hot rod we’re building,” Mike says. “We received the car from Factory Five right in the height of the supply chain issues in October 2021. We received a shipment, but it was missing a bunch of parts.”

The team — which includes James and his son Sean,

When the build team didn’t have the answers, they had plenty of connections to call on.

“There were certain aspects of the build where we were in over our heads,” Mike explains. “We reached out to numerous car people we know who are pros and they were willing to help.”

Among the hundreds of vehicles that will be at AutoMania, cars belonging to Larry Olson, Kevin Bowman and Ron Burchatz will be stand-outs.

Larry founded AutoMania in 2004, while Kevin and Ron have helped Bernie organize this year’s event, Bernie says. Larry, Kevin and Ron each possess a wealth of automotive knowledge, and they’ll be showing extremely unusual cars “restored to the gnat’s wing.”

Larry will likely be showing three classic cars — his 1932 Ford, a 1934 Ford and a 1965 Buick Riviera. Larry, of Sioux Falls, bought his first car — a 1959 Oldsmobile convertible — after leaving the Air Force. He has now amassed a collection of more than 40 cars, and he has built several and had eight or nine built for him by prize-winning hot rod craftsman Bobby Alloway.

The impetus that inspired Larry to create AutoMania, however, came from an encounter with some female admirers of a beautiful 1933 Ford Larry owned. The women asked for — and got a ride — in the Ford, and they suggested holding a car show in downtown Sioux Falls, Bernie explains. A team that included Bernie, Larry, Dean Kjeldon, Jim Christenson, Ron Roeel and Rus Evans created the first AutoMania car show.

Kevin Bowman is the owner of Bowman Real Hot Rods in Brandon. Bernie said Kevin will likely have a 1956 Chevy Nomad at AutoMania. Kevin got his start in the car business working on exhaust systems and oil changes, but his passion for hot rods inspired him to tinker on cars in the back room of his business, Exhaust & Lube. Kevin’s hot rod skills include exhaust work, intricate chassis builds, and complete hot rod builds. He’s always believed hot rods are more than vehicles. He says hot rods are a unique tool to meet great, talented and like-minded individuals who enrich and inspire our lives.

Kevin and Larry Olson became good friends, and they’ve engineered several hot rods including a 1933 “Speedster” Ford, a 1940 Ford coupe, and a 1956 Chevy Nomad.

Kevin and Larry have participated in car shows throughout the United States, and they’ve received such awards as the Boyd Coddington Top 10, numerous GoodGuys Magnum Axle awards, Shades of the Past Best Hot Rod, multiple Shades of the Past Top 20, and Tri-Five Chevy Nationals Top 5 and Top 20.

The Largest Free Automotive Event in the Midwest!

Ron Burchatz is a master painter and auto body technician. In addition to painting the 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe, Ron will likely have a 1932 Ford that he’s building on display at AutoMania, Bernie shares.

Ron is the instructor for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, and since 2019 he’s been CEO of RGB Enterprises, LLC in Sioux Falls. There, he developed a new business model for auto repair that covers education, consultation, repairing and refinishing cars.

Ron began working with cars as the sales manager at Bernie’s Auto Sales in Watertown. He worked as an apprentice at Bernie’s Body and Glass and eventually became the owner and president of that business. In 2011, Ron became the Collision Department chair at Southeastern Technical Institute in Sioux Falls and helped students learn about auto repair and refinishing. Ron established a curriculum for the program and a standard operating procedure to follow. In 2015, Ron developed curriculum for the statewide collision program for the South Dakota Department of Education.

I know I harp on the title of this story direction a lot, but being older and having watched what seems to be a de-evolution of really understanding the meaning, I feel like I am entitled to an opinion. Some of the younger generations, but not all, in America seem to portray an idea, that they are supposed to get something for nothing. I believe this is more prevalent in a big city and is being created by parents who give their children everything without really parenting. I know this may feel like a general statement, but all you have to do is drive by high school parking lots in a city and notice how many new really expensive vehicles there are in the lots. I know I could be judging a bunch with what I see, but am I?

Then, there Is the other side of the coin where kids grow up on a farm and physically work starting at a young age while understanding they are contributing to the family picture. I believe farm kids learn to work with their hands and minds before they even start going to school. I know I did that myself with taking things apart to see how they worked, and then a few times getting in trouble with my approach to learn.

Troy Erlandson grew up on a farm near Scotland, South Dakota and at a young age learned what a good work ethic would do for him without expecting anything from anyone. One summer at the age of 12 after acquiring a farm permit to drive, he went to work for a neighboring farmer to earn some

money so he could buy a car. By the end of the three-month summer vacation of working and his Mopar influencing father, he had earned enough money to buy a slightly used 1971 Dodge Charger from a woman in Scotland. “Just what a 12-year-old needs, right,” Troy says laughing as he told me his story. The transmission didn’t have reverse or drive, but it was a Dodge and did get him back and forth to school along with getting farm supplies occasionally. Eventually Troy bought a 383” engine and transmission out of a similar year Chrysler at King’s Salvage Yard. He said he didn’t know how he did it at that age with changing the engine and trans in the Charger, but he did it by himself. Going from the original 318” to a 383” was a big change when it came to putting muscle in a muscle car. He mentioned that the neighbor kids and he would race each other to school occasionally, which reminds me of the “Dukes of Hazzard.” Eventually, Troy demolished the Charger driving it too fast one night by himself, but didn’t get hurt. That is another story in itself that you’ll have to ask him about! That was the last muscle car he had until later in life.

Now fast forward after many years of enjoying learning mechanical abilities, led Troy to his chosen life profession as an aircraft mechanic with the Sioux Falls Air Guard and keeping the F16’s flying to protect our country. Thank you for your continuing service, Troy! During the last few years of working, the allure of having another muscle car came up. He had been saving funds for years with the idea of purchasing something for his 50th birthday, which wound up being a 2017 Dodge Challenger TA. It was a really nice low production, well-optioned, low mileage car. The sad thing

about it was that he had it for only a few days when a woman in Sioux Falls t-boned the car running a red light with him in it and totaled the car. After settling with the insurance company with a check in hand, Troy was kind of anxious to find another Challenger and did so rather quickly in the form of a 2019 Challenger Scat Pack version in Nebraska. He mentioned that the car was just a run-of-the-mill Scat Pack after comparing it with others with nothing special. After a year of driving it, Troy still really desired having a TA version of a Challenger similar to the one he had earlier. Watching the internet, he found a 2020 Challenger TA online in Fayetteville, Tennessee. After calling the dealer to inquire about the car and then seriously wanting the Scat Pack car he had as a trade, Troy was soon on the road trailering the car there to do the trade. Back home with his dream car, Troy couldn’t be happier as he found out more information about what he now finally had.

Besides the more- rare color combination of the TA car with the 485HP 392” hemi backed by a six-speed manual trans, and ending with a 3.90 geared rear end, the car surprisingly gets 23mpg easy at highway speed and never leaves him unsurprised with the scary performance that can be unleased in any gear. Because of that, the only thing Troy has done to the car is to put wider wheels and tires on the back to help forward movement, while leaving it look still somewhat unpredictable in its stock looking factory form. Dreams sometimes are only dreams, but the reality of a dream can be had by anyone if a strong work ethic is applied and focused on while learning to never say never, until the end result of happiness is yours!

DID YOU KNOW?

WHERE IT STARTED

The first automatic transmission, called the "Hydramatic," was developed by General Motors and introduced in 1939. It revolutionized the driving experience by eliminating the need for manual shifting, making driving more accessible and convenient for a wider range of people. This innovation paved the way for the widespread adoption of automatic transmissions in automobiles around the world.

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

CALENDAR Events C

may/JUNE

Sound of Silence Tesla Rally

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

Shades of the Past Car Show and Cruise

May 31-June 1, 2024 - Marshall, MN shadesofthepastmarshallmn.com

Spring Fever Car Show 2024

June 1, 2024 - Sioux Falls, SD @ Sanford Field House Parking Lot

Wheel Jam Truck Show

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

Midwest Show & Shine

June 8, 2024 - South Sioux City, NE facebook.com/events/614889764187605

Great Plains Classic Car Auction

June 8, 2024 - Rapid City, SD greatplainsclassiccarauction.com

31st Annual Brookings Car Show

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

38th Annual Sioux Empire

Ford Club All Ford Car Show

June 9, 2024 - Sioux Falls, SD

Marion Car Show

June 14, 2024 - Marion, SD

Jesse James Days Car Show & Shine

June 14-16, 2024 - Garretson, SD

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

AutoMania

Historic Automotive Event

June 29, 2024 - Valley Springs, SD automaniaatvalley com

JULY/AUGUST/september

The Woonsocket Car Show

July 4, 2024 - Woonsocket, SD

Black Hills Corvette Classic

July 17-20, 2024 - Spearfish, SD

Tour the Black Hills blackhillscorvetteclassic.com

Scene of the Crash

July 19-20, 2024 - South Sioux City, NE

Dakota Thurston County Fairgrounds

Waubay FunFest Car & Motorcycle Show

July 20, 2024 - Waubay, SD Main Street, 12-4 pm

4th Annual Sioux Falls Classic Car Auction

July 25-27, 2024 - Sioux Falls, SD

Denny Sanford Premier Center

D.A.D's Auto Repair 2024 Show & Shine and Burnout Contest

July 27, 2024 - Beresford, SD

Canton Car Show For Generations

July 27-28, 2024 - Canton, SD

84th Annual

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

August 1-11, 2024 - Sturgis, SD sturgis.com

King Series 2024 Summer Show

August 16-18, 2024 - Emery, SD

All brands welcomed & encouraged

30th Annual

Kool Deadwood Nites

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

46th Annual Vintiques Rod Run & Car Show

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

2024 Midwest Regional Hot Rally

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

Studebaker and Packard Car & Truck Show

September 1, 2024 - Deadwood, SD dakotastudebaker.com

Truck Accessories: - SPONSORED BY -

As the only school for aircraft maintenance in the state, Lake Area Technical College is setting up graduates for sky high achievements in the industry. An instructor for 15 years in the program, Tony Wiegman says, “We are also a flight school, and our students get to see airplanes for inspections alongside the day-to-day issues that come up for an amazing hands-on experience.”

Part of the degree’s pull toward students is just that. The troubleshooting that students experience is truly one of a kind. From sheet metal repair, electrical issues, avionics, hydraulics, and environmental challenges to engine repair and overhaul, LATC focuses on preparing students for takeoff after graduation.

At the end of the 18-month program, students become certified airframe and powerplant mechanics. They become eligible to test for the FAA certifications separately. First year students test for the airframe

certification, while second year students complete the process with the powerplant certification.

Morgan Hauke is a current student in the program and is also serving in the South Dakota Army National Guard. In regards to the certifications, he says that it’s been the most challenging part of the program.

“These tests consist of multiple-choice tests, an interviewstyle test, and then a practical test where you will be given several shop projects that you must complete correctly,” Morgan says.

Each course in the program helped to prepare for the certifications, but the thing that Morgan found most helpful was simply studying independently. He adds, “Practice test after practice test, and then taking advantage of every bit of shop time we get to make sure I know how to do any of the projects that I might be tested on.”

HANDS-ON SHOP EXPERIENCE Told from a Student Perspective

“There are a limited number of offers around the small communities in the area for students with this degree,” Tony shares. “There are several in the ag industry, such as crop dusters, but we are sending a large number of students to corporate aviation centers.” Some students have graduated and continued to work at Fargo Jet, Bismarck Aero, Gulfstream, Textron, and Duncan Aviation to name a few. Tony also says that they’ve had a few connections with regional airlines like Skywest for students.

J.D. Blickensderfer, a 2023 LATC Aviation Maintenance graduate and scholarship recipient, obtained an internship in Orlando, Florida, during his first year in the program that stemmed from the Corporate Aviation Day event.

“On Corporate Aviation Day during my second year, I visited with a representative from Gulfstream,” he explains “I applied for a position with them closer to home (in Appleton, WI) and got the job as an aircraft maintenance technician. It’s been a really cool experience. In the second week of work, I went to Georgia for training. It was almost like a paid vacation.”

Morgan explains that the program allows students to have a heavy hands-on experience with a great number of projects they work on throughout the experience. He explains, “Every class we do, we get some sort of shop project that pertains to that subject and could potentially be tested for on our FAA certification tests at the end of each year.”

“For example, during our Sheet Metal classes, we get to build a small airfoil. We start with a blank sheet of aluminum, then we measure, cut, bend, drill, and rivet the pieces together to basically create a part of an aircraft wing. This project teaches us how to use many tools and teaches us the proper procedures of aircraft sheet metal repairs,” Morgan states.

While each project is unique and applicable in the workforce, Morgan says his favorite experience was in the Reciprocating Engine theory class. He reminisces, “We completely disassembled an engine, measured every little part, put it back together, and did a run up of the engine in our test cell. It is extremely satisfying seeing something like that operate as it should after having it completely torn apart.”

To learn more about the Lake Area Tech Aviation Maintenance Technology and Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot programs, visit www.LakeAreaTech.edu. 605-882-5284 1201

Be a part of the exciting field of aviation! Students of our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified program can look forward to: excellent pay, unique travel privileges, attractive fringe benefits, and the ability to work anywhere in the world.

As a graduate of our 20-month AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM, you will be a certified A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Mechanic. You will be eligible to test for your FAA Airframe certification at the end of your first year and Powerplant certification at the end of your second year.

As a student of Aviation Maintenance, you will study a wide variety of subjects; from physics and aerodynamics, welding, aircraft drawings, and piston and turbine engines, to aircraft structures and their systems. Students have the option to obtain the Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing the required courses.

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

I originally bought this truck back in January of 2010 off Craigslist for $900 in Rapid City, SD. I had always wanted an old square body, and the timing was right so I jumped on it. It wasn’t perfect. The body had a few issues, the engine was tired and worn out, and the clearcoat had started to come off but overall, it was a pretty solid truck. That July I shipped off to basic training, so I left it at a friend’s shop while I was away. For two years it sat neglected before I got the chance to move it down to my duty station in Louisiana in December 2012.

The truck became my daily driver from then on and got me through two more cross country moves including one to Phoenix, AZ, and then from Phoenix to Charlotte, NC two years later covering nearly 5,000 miles between all three trips with the only obstacle being vapor lock. She had gone through it all over the years and it was starting to show. The clearcoat became nearly nonexistent minus the hood and just about every corner of the bed needed some sort of attention, so when my wife told me she was pregnant in January of 2022, I decided it was time to give the truck some love. Over the next nine months, I dedicated my time to fixing and repainting it, juggling this with my regular job, before our kiddo’s arrival. Despite the challenges and tight timeline, I managed to finish the paintwork with a week to spare. Although plans for interior work and an engine overhaul remain on hold, the future looks a lot better for this nearly 40-year-old truck.

PLANS FOR THE TRUCK?

I’d like to redo the interior and I need to get the motor overhauled. I may paint/ coat the underside of the truck as well.

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

The truck has a z71 suspension from a 1990 Silverado and when it came time to paint the bed, I went ahead and painted the z71 badge into the bed versus doing a decal like the previous owner had done.

FAVORITE PART OF THE TRUCK?

There’s not really one thing in particular that I favor. At one point I wanted to put a 454 in it, but figured everything else I’d have to convert would be above my price range.

DOES YOUR TRUCK HAVE A NAME?

Saturday, June 1st, 2024 STORM

TROOPER CAMP

Do you ever wish you could play football like the Sioux Falls Storm? Now is YOUR chance!

Camp is open to boys and girls ages 4 to 12.

Learn the fundamentals of football alongside the Sioux Falls Storm players and coaches. Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and a ticket to that evening’s game.

» $49

» Registration at 10 AM - Camp from 10:30-noon

» Additional tickets $9.50 each

Scan the code to sign up

JR LIGHTNING G

S aturd ay, June 8th, 2024

Hey Storm fans do you ever wish you could dance and cheer with a professional cheerleader? Well now is YOUR chance!

Camp is open to girls and boys ages 4 to 12.

The campers will learn a cheer and dance routine and will perform at halftime of that evening’s game. Each camper will receive a fun choreographed routine, camp t-shirt and a ticket to that evening’s game.

Registration at 10 AM - Camp from 10:30-noon

Additional tickets $9.50 each

Scan the code to sign up

Indy 500: The Indianapolis 500, often referred to as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," takes place annually in May. This iconic event, first held in 1911, is one of the oldest and most prestigious automobile races in the world.

Memorial Day Weekend: In the United States, Memorial Day weekend, which usually falls in late May, is traditionally associated with the start of the summer driving season. Many Americans take road trips and attend automotive events during this holiday weekend.

Monaco Grand Prix: The Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most famous Formula 1 races, is held annually in the streets of Monte Carlo, Monaco. This prestigious race usually takes place in late May and is known for its challenging circuit and glamorous atmosphere. 605.332.0421

The Mitchell Technical College’s Natural Gas Technology program will teach you the skills needed to install, maintain, operate and repair gas distribution systems and equipment for residential, commercial and industrial customers. As infrastructure ages and the need for gas services increases, companies are looking to hire now!

Why Mitchell Technical College's Natural Gas Technology program:

• Industry driven program and curriculum

• Hands-on training, instructor worked in the industry

• Technology driven program; cutting edge equipment

• Students recruited right out of the classroom by industry

• Graduates may find employment with public utilities or municipalities to install and maintain gas service, or in the construction industry which contracts with utilities for installation and maintenance.

Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College.

When designing and building a performance engine, it is important to look at all aspects of the engine. It is easy to bolt on all the shiny new components and believe that it “runs better” because of the design of the part or the advertised gain in the engine system. Imagine, if you will, installing an engine part that doesn’t directly build power but releases power to the drivetrain by eliminating wasted energy in the form of vibration and by decreasing crankshaft twist, vibration, and bearing scuffing.

In my years of engine building, I have seen many cases of premature bearing wear and crankshaft flex. Most people have a hard time believing that the crankshaft can flex and twist, but it absolutely does and this gets even more apparent and severe when the engine power is increased. You see, when the cylinder fires it sends a massive shock from the explosion against the piston, through the connecting rod, and to the crankshaft. This force will slightly twist the connecting rod journal in the direction of the rotation, and moments later the crankshaft will flex back the other way back into its original position. These pulses in a V-8 engine happen every 90 degrees so the erratic torsional twist of the crankshaft will resonate and rob energy away and will keep the engine from making power.

This torque and resonating frequency effect can be multiplied as the engine runs and causes component failure, premature bearing wear, and excess vibration that transmits into the cylinder block and valve train, which will rob power, and possibly break parts. To help to counteract and control this comes the harmonic damper.

Is it a damper or balancer? It’s one in the same in the “good old boy” racing crowd, but there is a difference. Harmonic damper refers to the method dampening the crankshaft vibrations caused from the combustion process. Harmonic balancer refers to the addition of an external weight to aid in the dynamic balance of the rotating assembly. Both terms describe the same part and they both aid in the control of harmonics. There are many options available with these components, but this is one area that is wise to invest in a quality product. OEM dampers are elastomeric style, which uses a rubber polymer between the inner hub and outer ring. These are widely available in performance versions as well. Some dampers are designed using a free-floating inertia ring and the housing uses a very thick silicone fluid that dampens the vibrations. If higher horsepower and engine RPM is intended, it is wise to use a SFI rated damper to eliminate the possibility of the damper coming apart and damaging things that it may come into contact with. Other options to consider is construction material, diameter, and weight which all can affect engine performance.

At Sehr Performance, we look at many different factors that will increase power and reliability in your engine. We care about your project just as much as you do, so if you want to get the most out of your dollar, come on down and see us and you can experience the ‘Extra Mile” that we always provide in all that we do.

• DIAMOND WASH, CERAMIC & HAND MOP

• EXTERIOR WIPE DOWN & SPRAY WAX

• EXTERIOR GLASS CLEAN

• RIMS CLEAN & TIRE SHINE

• DOOR EDGES WIPE DOWN

• INTERIOR GLASS CLEAN

• INTERIOR VACUUMED & MAT CLEAN

• ALL INTERIOR WIPE DOWN (DOOR PANELS, CENTER CONSOLE & DASHBOARD)

• FREE AIR FRESHENER EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR FULL SERVICE AVAILABLE 9AM - 5PM

Simple Tips for Keeping Your Wheels Clean as a Whistle for Increased Longevity and Performance

Proper cleaning of your wheels is one way of ensuring prime performance for the long run. For routine cleaning, using just a mild soap and water solution will be enough. However, when you want to carry out thorough cleaning, you need to know the type of finish used on your wheels so that you do not cause damage to them.

Different finishes require different types of cleaners, so you need to know what kind of finish your wheels are made of.

To properly clean your wheels and keep them in tip top shape, here are some key pointers to keep in mind:

•Park in the shade. Don’t allow the sun to dry the soap faster than you can rinse it off, and remember to turn off the engine to cool the metal and the brakes around the rims. Don't let abrasive tire cleaners come into contact with your wheels, and try not to spray cold water on hot wheels. Using a mild soap and water, lather your wheels sufficiently.

•Rinse thoroughly. Depending on the coating on your wheels and the amount of dirt, you may choose to use a pressure washer. Next, use cleansers that contain no additives like bleach and add a few drops of the cleanser in a large bucket of water and properly mix it.

•Apply polish. Choose a suitable polish and evenly polish all tires. For clear-coated wheels, use a polishing cleaner that is provided by the manufacturer. Polish enhances the shine of the glossy rims after washing and it’s easy to apply using a rag applied in a circular motion until the whole area is evenly coated.

•Don’t forget the wax. Finally, if you have chrome-plated wheels, wax them until the wax is completely rubbed in and is not noticeable. If you have clear coated wheels, you may leave out this step. The wax will create a layer between dirt, debris, oil and even the rims, making it easier for you the next time you clean your rims and it also prevents surface corrosion.

Following these simple steps will help you to maintain the look and function of your tires. Performing routine maintenance will help to keep your wheels running for longer and save you money down the road.

(605) 996-7709

115 S. Minnesota Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 336-2575

4515 N. Cliff Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 336-0800

2101 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 339-3334

2320 6th Ave. SE Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 225-2352

2704 Fox Run Pky. Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 665-4406

421 W. Sioux Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 224-8643

The Evolution of Sioux Falls’ “Spring Fever Car Show and Cruise“

From just 42 cars in the beginning to nearly 700 taking over the Sanford Field House parking lot, the Spring Fever Car Show and Cruise has grown steadily and significantly.

Jesse Jansen, Stephan Newell, and Chris Mitchell have worked together in conjunction with local sponsors and volunteers to continue to expand the Sioux Falls car community and build the opportunity for connection within it. What started as a small meet up in 2015 has turned into using their love of cars to create an event that is family-friendly and accessible to everyone from car enthusiast to novice fan.

“I wanted more in Sioux Falls. I think the car community in Sioux Falls is great, but there is not a whole lot for people to go out and do on the weekends. I thought it would be great for people to have something to bring to their whole family to,” Jesse shares. Stephan echoes Jesse’s thoughts saying, “We wanted to have a family-friendly event with plenty of things for the kids to do.”

Jesse and Chris originally started the Spring Fever event back in 2015, and Stephan joined in 2022 after Chris took a step back after the Covid pandemic in 2020. “I reached out to Jesse and Chris with my vision and explained what I wanted to do,” Stephan explains. “We could revive Spring Fever, or start a new event in Sioux Falls, and we ended up combining forces to build up Spring Fever. I stepped in to help continue the show.”

The threesome did just that working together to add new ideas to bolster the event. “We make decisions together,” Stephan adds. “We are a team.”

After their initial meet up of 42 cars in a local parking lot, they realized that their car meet up and cruise was going to be something more than just that. They knew that the event was going to need more space to accommodate all those interested in bringing out their cars. As a result, the car show found a temporary home in the parking lot of Avera in Sioux Falls for the next three years.

Spring Fever has grown in attendance, but also in the variety of cars, family activities, and the location for those coming out to take part. From Rapid City to Denver to Omaha, car enthusiasts from all over the region have made their way to

that went to the Sanford Health Foundation to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network cruise after holding free will donations at the event.

After significant growth, the group knew once again that they would need to find another location to handle the steady growth and increased number of vehicles that wanted to take part in the car show and cruise. Eventually, they settled on the Sanford Field House parking lot.

“I never expected it to be this big,” Jesse says. “Looking back on how far we have come is incredible.”

Over the years Jesse has enjoyed learning from friends in the car community. From finding advice and learning how to continue to grow and advance their event, he says the support from others in the community and around the region is invaluable.

“We want to help the community, “Stephan shares. “We don’t just focus on one generation at Spring Fever. We want the older guys to bring their classic cars, too. We treat them as VIP’s, which allows for extra room for spectators to maneuver around the cars when viewing them. All generations are welcome. We couldn’t have the love for cars that we have without the guys that came before us.”

The committee looks forward to seeing what continues to grow and get better throughout the years. The 2024 event will be held at the Sanford Field House parking lot in Sioux Falls, on June 1st from 5 to 8 p.m. Vendors showing cars may arrive at 4 p.m. and the general public is welcome from 5 - 8 p.m.This year’s show brings awards, food trucks, face painting for the kiddos, bouncy houses and much more. Stephan credits the addition of event sponsors for the ability to add new and exciting things to the show, and Spring Fever is thankful for their support that makes it possible for them to continue to grow bigger and better every single year. “Our sponsors really help us to grow. We started out with eight sponsors in 2023, and we have already grown to 18 for this year’s event,” shares Stephan.

As for continuing to grow their community and giving back, proceeds from the 2024 event will partially go back into the show and will also benefit Hungry Hearts in Sioux Falls, a local non-profit that ensures that Sioux Falls students have access to a hot lunch at school.

“We couldn’t do this without our volunteer support from the community, friends and family,” Jesse says. “I’ve made so many friends through cars throughout the years and a few of them have been my best friends. I feel Stephan has the same passion we do going forward in showing new things and making it better and better every year.”

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I have a 2016 Ram truck with a Cummins engine. This truck is used for pulling my boat and camper and during the week I pull a skid steer loader and an excavator to my construction sites, so it never stops pulling.

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