Author: John Arnaud

Superchips and Edge Products in the House!

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By John M. Arnaud

Performance Corner and The AAM Group yesterday hosted sales and marketing leaders from two giants in the tuning industry: Powerteq’s Superchips and Edge Products. In the all-day collaboration, we discussed how Performance Corner’s marketing tools and services could help secure broader exposure for the companies’ leading-edge tuners.

For proof of visit, we all gathered at the end of the day for a group photo. The bright sun caused as many squints as smiles, but we got the shot!

Superchips and Edge Products Visit Performance Corner
Superchips and Edge Products Visit Performance Corner

Thanks to Bryce Castleton and Jim McGinn for making the trip out from Utah to see us. We loved having you and look forward to an exciting year ahead!

To give your vehicle a custom performance overhaul with an Edge or Superchips tuner, head on over to your local Performance Corner retailer, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Performance Corner network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Performance Corner® affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Performance Corner® Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of suppliers with whom it has a business relationship.

AAM HONORS RALPH ACCINNO AT ANNUAL MEETING

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Former Board Member Recognized for Invaluable Contributions

Thanking him for his years of service and support, Performance Corner parent company The AAM Group presented Ralph Accinno with a custom painting at a special dedication held during its recent Annual Membership Meeting. Accinno, retiring founder of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse in Rhode Island, provided many years of leadership on AAM’s Board of Directors and served as a tireless advocate for the group to affiliated vendors and other members.

AAM President Tim Odom commented, “We could not let Ralph leave AAM without a thank you. Among our members, Ralph was our most vocal supporter, and his endorsements always made a difference to AAM. He gave AAM meetings a unique character by way of his optimism, encouragement, infectious humor and even his occasional antics, which kept us on our toes. Fiercely loyal, Ralph set aside his own needs when the needs of the group or others were greater. I consider Ralph a personal friend, and I want to thank him personally for all he has done to mentor me in my role at AAM.”

L to R: John DeBalso (AAM Vice President of Purchasing and Vendor Relations), Ralph Accinno
L to R: John DeBalso (AAM Vice President of Purchasing and Vendor Relations), Ralph Accinno

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Performance Corner® affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Performance Corner® Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of suppliers with whom it has a business relationship.

To Oil or Not to Oil: (That’s Not Really the Question)

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By John M. Arnaud

Over the years, the air-filter experts at K&N have proven (in their in-house filtration test lab, no less) that the secret to increasing airflow to your engine without sacrificing protection lies in their exclusive air filter oil. This oil, which permeates a filter’s cotton fibers, grabs dust and other microscopic contaminants and keeps them from entering your system. Non-oiled paper filters don’t even come close.

So the question isn’t whether you should be using an oiled filter (you should); instead, you should be asking “How much should I use?” and “How do I apply it?” The answers to those questions depend on which delivery system you use: squeeze bottle or aerosol applicator. Read on for the scoop from K&N:

Squeeze Bottle

Apply the air filter oil evenly along the crown of each pleat, then allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes before touching up any light areas on either side of the filter.

 

K&N Squeeze Oil
K&N Squeeze Oil

Aerosol Bottle

Spray the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat, holding the spray nozzle about 3” away from the filter. Allow the oil to wick for 20 minutes, then touch up any light areas on either side of the filter.

 

K&N Aerosol Oil
K&N Aerosol Oil

Most K&N air filters are oiled at the factory, so reoiling shouldn’t be necessary until it’s time to clean your filter, usually at 50,000 or 100,000 miles, depending on your application. K&N’s Recharger kits contain everything you need to freshen up your filter, including filter cleaner and your choice of oil dispenser.

Head on over to your local Performance Corner retailer to pick up a K&N Recharger kit, or find a local affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are an aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Performance Corner network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Performance Corner® affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Performance Corner® Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of suppliers with whom it has a business relationship.

Small Business Week Salutes Big Dreams

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by John M. Arnaud

 

National Small Business Week starts next week (May 4–8), and Performance Corner wants to make sure our local retailers get all the credit they deserve.

Since the early 60s, Small Business Week has recognized this nation’s independent businesses, which generate two out of every three new jobs in this country and help to power our economy from coast to coast. Beyond the numbers, however, small businesses represent a core American truth: the prosperity available to those willing to follow their passions through hard work and determination.

Though Small Business Week is a time to soak in the kudos, it’s also a terrific opportunity to engage your customers and promote your business throughout your local area. Here are some ways you can do just that:

  • Participate in any activities sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce.
  • Talk up Small Business Week and the importance of supporting local businesses with your customers via social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
  • Extend special discounts or promotions to your customers to thank them for their support.
  • Announce and host an open house in your store to celebrate the occasion. (Email is a great way to communicate a last-minute event!)
  • Partner with a local performance or automotive club to share your expertise on a particular subject or host a workshop. For example, you might demonstrate how to perform an installation or talk about exciting new products.

Performance Corner would like to congratulate all of our entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the courage, grit, and determination required to pursue their dreams and help us grow the industry we all love.

Aftermarket junkies: Head in to your local accessories retailer next week to share your support and appreciation. Or find one using our dealer locator.

Aftermarket retailers: If you would like to become part of the nationwide Performance Corner network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Performance Corner® affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Performance Corner® Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of suppliers with whom it has a business relationship.

CURT’s TruTrack™ Hitch Is One Heavy Hitter

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by John M. Arnaud

The weight-distribution trunnion hitch just got served. CURT Manufacturing, a leading producer of towing products, today announced its new TruTrack™ hitch (17500), which offers advanced design features that deliver the smoothest, safest ride on the market.

CURT TruTrack Hitch
CURT TruTrack Hitch

The TruTrack resists trailer sway in a couple of different ways. First, whereas most traditional weight-distribution hitches use regular spring bars to connect to the trailer frame, the TruTrack features a pair of trunnion-style spring bars and heavy-duty, adjustable support brackets, which are set at fixed positions by the user and hold the spring bars in place, both vertically and laterally.

Second, the TruTrack uses an integrated spring/cam system instead of standard pins and bolts. This CURT innovation builds up pressure to actively stop sway and then relaxes to make smooth turns. Hardened components achieve longer life, while a hex castle nut enables easy adjustment and fits most industry-standard couplers.

Another big benefit of the TruTrack system is the installation: instead of relying on a pile of washers and pins, this CURT weight-distribution hitch uses a pair of interlocking nuts and preset holes that offer specific angles and on-the-fly adjustment—no more tilt-angle guesswork or disassembling the hitch head.

Stop into your local Performance Corner retailer to check out the newest addition to CURT’s towing lineup. Or find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are an aftermarket accessory retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Performance Corner network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Performance Corner® affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Performance Corner® Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of suppliers with whom it has a business relationship.

MSD Completes Mallory Merger

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mallory-msd-merger

One good M deserves another.

Following the January 2015 acquisition of ACCEL Performance Group (maker of Mallory Ignition, Mr. Gasket, Hays, QuickTime, and others) by MSD Performance, the MSDP Group completed the planned merger of the Mallory and MSD lines to create the top ignition company in the automotive aftermarket.

As of March 31, the Mallory product line will no longer be produced; all Mallory products will be manufactured exclusively under the MSD brand. MSD will, however, continue to produce and service Mallory distributor replacement parts such as points, rotors, caps, and more than one hundred other items. In addition, MSD will continue repairing Mallory products and honoring all original Mallory warranties. Retailers, installers, and customers should direct Mallory warranty inquiries to MSD’s toll-free number: (800) 246-0270.

Mallory and MSD together bring more than a century of ignition innovation and expertise. The MSDP Group remains committed to leveraging the two brands’ combined resources to keep igniting their loyal customers.

Your Performance Corner retailer will be happy to help you find your favorite ignition part. Find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

If you are a performance aftermarket retailer who would like to become part of the nationwide Performance Corner network, please join us today!

Ready to buy? Need help with the install? To find your nearest Performance Corner® affiliate, see our Store Locator. Or join the conversation at the Performance Corner® Facebook page!

Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of suppliers with whom it has a business relationship.