Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. 

     

Recommended Posts

Posted

The more time I spent behind the counter, the more I noticed the diversity of customers coming into the store from one day to the next. My theory is that cars are a uniting force in our world. Put simply, they may be the one thing we all share in common. To some of us, cars are simply a way to “get from point A to point B.” Then there are the enthusiasts who look at their car not only as transportation, but also as an extension of their passions, and sometimes, their personalities.

I’d say that I fall into the second category. I love cars for a number of reasons. The snarling sound of a European V-8 compared to the rumble of an American V-8 – both are music to my ears! I also tend to make at least some sort of modification to every vehicle I own. It may not be a big upgrade, but something to either add a bit of my own style, or a touch of added convenience.

I’m not the type of person who is only interested in horsepower, but I know when a car feels like it’s lacking in that department. However, there are customers out there who want to boost horsepower as much as possible, and they’re willing to shell out some serious cash to make it happen! It’s probably safe to say that you’ve had at least one experience with a customer who is looking to boost their car’s horsepower, even just a little bit.

Let’s take a look at what sort of parts this type of customer could be interested in, and what you can do to make the sale.

Air Intake

High-flow performance filters are a common upgrade. These filters come in a variety of colors. The color is from a dyed oil that’s soaked into the element. The elements typically are a cotton weave, held in place by a wire mesh. The weave is looser than a standard paper air filter, which allows a greater volume of air to pass through. Since the loose weave can’t filter out the smaller particles, it’s soaked in oil, and the particles will, in turn, stick to the oil. Dye is used in the oil so there’s an easily noticeable contrast between the oil and the element, allowing you to ensure that all areas are saturated.

These types of filters can flow more air, and drivers may be able to feel a small change in performance. But they do require regular cleaning and re-oiling to maintain their level of performance. You can be confident about selling them and touting the increased flow, but I do warn people that when they clean and oil them, be sure to heed the instructions, and don’t over-oil them. There always have been “rumors” of these types of filters damaging mass airflow sensors, but they’re largely unfounded, and over-oiling them is the only thing that could possibly contribute to this.

At the higher end, the customer may choose to install a new intake system. An intake system swaps out the factory air box for a heat shield, or a redesigned air box for better air flow.

Power-Adders

This next category steps things up a notch. Power-adders are upgrades that are designed to add horsepower, or possibly free up ponies that are being lost along the way.

Thanks to the widespread use of turbocharging in modern-day engines, there are plenty of tuning possibilities with these forced-induction engines. Bigger, more efficient intercoolers will help to keep those intake-air temps low. Cooler intake air is denser air, and this means better power and efficiency.

There are plenty of opportunities to maximize airflow and efficiency in a turbocharged application. Small gains can be seen by upgrading the charge pipes that carry the charge air from the turbocharger to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the intake manifold. The small, restrictive stock turbo inlet pipe can be swapped out for an upgraded cast aluminum for better air flow. These may be small gains, but they will start to add up. For the best possible power gains, they may want to consider having the ECU tuned by an aftermarket tuner.

High-End Upgrades or Retrofits

Our final category comes in at the highest price point, but some of them can bring tremendous power gains.

The exhaust system is responsible for carrying away exhaust gases after combustion. The real problem – at least in a car enthusiast’s eyes – is that stock exhausts are quiet. An upgraded downpipe can make a huge sound difference on a turbocharged engine. Aftermarket headers can have a similar effect on naturally aspirated engines. And a cat-back exhaust system (from the catalytic converter back) can benefit any vehicle with a livelier exhaust note. But it’s wise to urge your customers to always adhere to local ordinances and emissions regulations.

We already talked about modern engines that are turbocharged from the factory, but what if their vehicle isn’t turbocharged? Well, it’s possible, of course, to retrofit a turbocharger or supercharger onto a naturally aspirated engine, but that brings a whole new level of complication and cost.

And let’s not forget our customers with supercharged engines, such as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. There are a number of vehicles out there with supercharged engines. One of the easiest ways to gain power in these applications would be by installing a new supercharger pulley. This smaller-diameter pulley causes the supercharger to spin faster, increasing the amount of boost it can generate. After this, the crankshaft pulley can be replaced with a larger one, increasing the amount of overdrive to the supercharger. Speaking from experience, with both of these pulleys and the required ECU tune on a 2013 Audi S4, the difference is night and day! The car went from being quick to snapping your head back into the headrest.

These are just a few examples of upgrades that can be used to boost horsepower. I would urge you to spend some time looking through your catalogs and familiarizing yourself with the offerings inside. Chances are you’ll have an opportunity to sell upgraded parts to a customer soon!

The post

link hidden, please login to view
appeared first on
link hidden, please login to view
.

link hidden, please login to view

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Similar Topics

    • By APF
      When selecting parts for a car repair, it pays to know the differences between original and aftermarket parts. Whenever possible, get estimates for both.

      Choosing between original and aftermarket car parts — and even used parts of either type — is all about squaring your priorities with your budget.
      You’ll have different options depending on the part and the shop. And the best choice will depend on whether you’re trying to keep repairs cheap, restore your car’s appearance after a wreck or soup up your ride.
      » SIGN UP:  link hidden, please login to view
      Before we get into that, here are the key differences:
      Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts match those that came with your car, and are of the same quality as its original parts. They’re also the most expensive. Aftermarket parts are cheaper, and made by other manufacturers — often several, giving you more options. Used parts may have a bit of wear and tear, but should be inspected or rebuilt to ensure they’ll work. These are the cheapest option. Choosing between aftermarket and OEM parts
      Your decision will depend on the type of repair and the quality and price of the parts. Always look for parts that come with a warranty, even if they’re OEM, so you’ll be protected in case they fail.
      Auto body repairs
      Some aftermarket parts may be OK for 
      link hidden, please login to view, but others won’t be as good, says Michael Calkins, manager of technical services at AAA. “There’s a lot of variation in quality.” For example, he says, aftermarket parts often don’t have the same level of rustproofing as original parts, fit and finish don’t match, or panels don’t align properly. If OEM parts are used in auto body repair, the car should look and work exactly as it did before the damage, because everything will match up. OEM parts are also crash-tested, unlike many aftermarket parts.
      Aftermarket parts come at varying price points and levels of quality, but because they are cheaper, insurance companies often prefer them. If you want OEM parts but are dealing with an insurer that wants the shop to use aftermarket parts, ask to pay the difference.
      “There’s also the option of used parts, depending on the age of the vehicle,” Calkins says. “It may be cheaper than an aftermarket part but still have all of the original quality.”
      Mechanical repairs
      A used part, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, can really save money on repairs under the hood, so long as it’s inspected first and warrantied. And some aftermarket companies reverse-engineer their products to be even better than OEM versions.
      For example, many car buffs will tell you that you can get heavy-duty shocks and struts or brake pads that are made of stronger materials. Scan some reviews online, or talk with your mechanic if you’re not sure whether an aftermarket part could be an upgrade.
      Adding some extras
      If you’d like to modify your ride by adding something like a backup camera or back-seat TV screen, you’ll probably be looking for aftermarket parts. Certain aftermarket upgrades could increase 
      link hidden, please login to view. This is especially true for improvements like a better sound system or alloy wheels, rather than mechanical repairs. Who provides OEM or aftermarket parts?
      The options you’ll have for parts depends on the nature of the repairs and what type of shop you take your car to:
      Dealership repair shops will offer only OEM parts — they have no reason to offer a cheaper product from a competitor link hidden, please login to view may be able to offer you a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts Independent garages that specialize in your type of vehicle will likely have both, but with quicker access to OEM parts, including used OEM parts, which can really save you Auto body shops can offer both, but if your collision repair is part of an insurance claim, the insurer will likely prefer aftermarket parts to save money Depending on the job, the cost of OEM versus aftermarket parts varies. Whenever you’re given the choice, ask to see estimates for both so you can weigh your options.
      Source: 
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Mantas
      Hello, 

      We are looking for new suppliers/customers to expand our business. As an alternative sourcing partner that operates in Europe, we can offer very competitive pricing for a wide range of brands, including Bosch, Mann, Filtron, Febi and more. If you would like to receive our offers please send me your email and I will get in touch with you.


      Thanks,
      Mantas
    • By Counterman
      MAHLE showcased its full-service portfolio of products at AAPEX. The company said it aims to position itself as a “one-stop shop” for technicians, shop owners and drivers. Key offerings highlighted at this year’s AAPEX show included
      link hidden, please login to viewgaskets, engine components, filters and thermal management solutions as well as the company’s battery diagnostic systems, A/C units and latest shop equipment. “Our goal is to further expand MAHLE Aftermarket’s leading role in the global market with attractive offers for repair shops and trade,” said Eduardo Spilla, general manager,
      link hidden, please login to viewAftermarket North America. “We are particularly focused on electrification, digitalization, and sustainability in order to help create the future of transportation and do our part in providing high-quality solutions to customers around the world.” More information on MAHLE can be found online or by contacting MAHLE local sales representatives.

      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By abiztime
      what's the top brake disc aftermarket services in US?
    • By Counterman
      “Humans think AI is going to replace them,” says Mike Mohler, executive vice president and chief purchasing officer with the Automotive Parts Service Group.
      “It won’t. Somebody using AI to be better than you will replace you.”
      The integration of artificial intelligence in the aftermarket is more advanced than many people might realize, according to Mohler. It’s already yielding impressive results for those who are using it effectively. The primary challenge is not just the availability of data, but the effective use of that data to drive actionable insights and decisions. Mohler cites a report from Accenture showing that AI-driven price optimization can result in a 5% increase in gross margin and a 15% boost in revenue.
      “You look at some of our competitors, and they’re able to post comparatively outrageous profit margins,” says Mohler. “They’re using AI for logistical prowess. They’re using it for customer service. They’re using it to get the right pricing in play.”
      The ability to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis is a major advantage of AI. Data scientists in the aftermarket industry are increasingly using the technology to turn large sets of data into actionable insights. This includes identifying market trends, customer preferences and operational inefficiencies. The application of AI in this area can lead to better strategic planning and improved business outcomes. Mohler says those applications can have a significant impact on profitability.
      “Let’s say the average WD would have a 25-45% gross profit margin, given their business model. Some competitors are posting 58%. AI is going to be the tool to help them catch up. We’ve got to get to 53% minimum, I think. That’s a rarefied position, but it’s been tested by some of the smartest people that I know, and it should be achievable when we’re planning and we’re hoping that it is,” Mohler explains.
      A Customer Experience Revolution
      AI’s application extends to customer service as well. Chatbots and virtual assistants are now commonplace, offering customers quick and efficient service. These AI-driven tools have evolved to the point where they can engage in conversations that are increasingly indistinguishable from human interaction.
      “I wonder how many people know that they’re talking to a chatbot when they’re talking to a chatbot?,” asks Mohler.
      Navigating the Risks
      Despite its advantages, AI’s integration into the aftermarket raises several concerns. Cybersecurity is one of them, as increased reliance on data systems introduces new vulnerabilities.
      “We have employees with access to the internet at a thumb’s notice, and if we’re not careful, they can mistakenly click on something that could disrupt our business for months,” Mohler explains.
      Mohler also expresses concerns about protecting intellectual property. Misuse of data or inadequate protection against competitive eavesdropping could undermine trust and impact the industry’s integrity.
      “Once the data hits the public domain, how do we protect it and how do we make sure that it’s not being used against us? How do we know that we’re not enabling our competitor who’s able to electronically eavesdrop on one another like never before?,” asks Mohler.
      Envisioning AI’s Next Steps
      Mohler stresses that AI’s influence on the aftermarket is only in its infancy. Over the next 5-10 years, he envisions an advancement from a basic understanding of AI as an algorithmic tool to more specialized applications tailored to industry-specific needs.
      “So my thought would be that companies would have their own internalized GPTs and industries would have their own internalized GPTs. My hope is also that we will become as skilled at selling to disembodied customers via e-commerce as we are at selling to them when they’re across the counter from us or in our stores,” Mohler says.
      Mohler references the seven stages of AI when looking ahead to the technology’s impact on the aftermarket.
      “When it comes to supply chain, when it comes to logistically moving products around, when it comes to optimizing sale price, optimizing customer service, my hope is that we will be a little closer to stage seven. Right now, we’re really at stage one and a half, maybe two,” says Mohler.
      As the technology evolves, moving beyond its current capabilities, AI’s exact impact on the aftermarket, and countless other industries, will be even more profound. Companies that invest in AI and adapt to its changes will be well-positioned to thrive in the future of the automotive aftermarket.
      “It’s incumbent upon us to understand AI and to become data scientists ourselves, because everybody’s got access to the data. Whoever can use the most disparate sources for the best outcomes is going to win in my overall view of it,” says Mohler.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view

×
  • Create New...