Category: News

B&M New Differential Covers for Chrysler, GM, and Chevy

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The B&M Cast Aluminum Differential Cover was designed to strengthen the rear end by preventing case distortion, ring gear and cap bearing deflection. Constructed of A356.0-T6 aluminum, this rugged unit dissipates heat much faster than the stock factory unit to prolong the life of your ring and pinion gears. To increase durability and aesthetics without compromising heat dissipation, the cover has been coated with a U.S. military-grade (MIL-A-8625) black anodized finish. Additional features include an engraved B&M logo, added fluid capacity for better cooling, magnetic drain plug for catching ferrous metal particles, complete hardware, installation instructions and a one-year warranty.

 

New Part Numbers:

11306 – Differential Cover Chrysler 9.25″ Cast Aluminum

71501 – Differential Cover GM 10.5″ 14-Bolt Cast Aluminum

71505 – Differential Cover GM 9.5″ 14-Bolt Cast Aluminum

71504 – Differential Cover Chevy 8.875″ 12-Bolt Truck Cast Aluminum

 

B&M 11306
B&M 11306

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

Welcome the Omix-ADA Family to Performance Corner!

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When the road gets rough, Performance Corner gets tougher.

On behalf of all our manufacturers, retailers, installers, and distributors, Performance Corner extends a warm welcome to Jeep accessories standout Omix-ADA and two of its divisions, Alloy USA and Rugged Ridge.

OMIX-ADA
OMIX-ADA

Headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, Omix-ADA, Alloy USA, and Rugged Ridge bring a wealth of market expertise and a rock-solid reputation to the Performance Corner brand. Ready to meet our newest partners? Here are some fast facts:

Omix-ADA

  • More than 20 years in the Jeep accessories business
  • More than 12,000 active SKUs for 1941-and-up Jeeps
  • Products include OE replacements, hard parts, axles, body tubs, and more
  • 5-year limited product warranty
  • Omix-ADA supports a variety of charitable organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, the Boy Scouts of America, the Breast Cancer Research Association, Children’s Heathcare of Atlanta, and SEMA Cares
Alloy USA
Alloy USA

Alloy USA

  • Focuses on heavy-duty drivetrains
  • Chromoly and performance axles for Jeeps, trucks, and muscle cars
  • Ring and pinion sets and ball-joint kits for Jeep
  • Other products include SYE kits, differential cable lock kits, axle tube seals, U-joints, wheel spacers, and slotted brake rotors
  • 10-year limited warranty on axles; 5-year limited warranty on everything else
Rugged Ridge
Rugged Ridge

Rugged Ridge

  • Innovative accessories for Jeeps (1976 and up), trucks, and SUVs
  • Heavy support for JK Wranglers
  • Product highlights include modular bumper systems, snorkel and flare kits, and all-terrain floor liners
  • Floor liners are covered by a limited lifetime warranty; everything else gets 5-year coverage
  • Sponsors the Trail Access Program, which provides monetary grants intended to preserve natural spaces and maintain recreational access to the outdoors

Omix-ADA embodies what being a Performance Corner partner is all about: first-rate products, years of industry experience, and generosity of spirit. Stop into your local Performance Corner retailer to support our newest manufacturers. Or find your closest affiliated store using our dealer locator.

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

T-Rex X Metal- Series

Welcome T-REX Grilles to Performance Corner!

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Performance Corner has added a new member to its industry-best lineup, and these guys define “leading from the front.”

T-Rex Tourch Series
T-Rex Torch Series

T-REX Grilles is a Corona, California–based manufacturer of truck grilles on the cutting edge of looks and performance. With several grille lines to choose from, including Billet Series, X-Metal Series, and the exciting LED-integrated Torch Series, T-REX Grilles has an application for every taste. In addition to its wide-ranging catalog of premium grilles, T-REX Grilles produces vents, hood scoops, and a variety of related accessories to top off your truck.

The company stands behind its products, boasting a knowledgeable sales and service staff; CAD-enhanced design and engineering; precision manufacturing techniques; rigorous testing protocols; and several endurance-tested finishes, including powder-coated, electro-polished, and chrome-plated.

Stop into your local Performance Corner retailer to check out what T-REX Grilles has to offer—we think you’ll be as impressed as we are. 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 Total Truck Centers network, please join us today!

Pack It In, Lock It Up: New Dee Zee Tool Box Delivers

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If you’re weighing tool box options for your pickup, Dee Zee has a feature-packed proposition you won’t be able to pass up.

Well known for manufacturing a wide variety of truck accessories, including bed rails, running boards, bed mats, grille guards, mud flaps, and more, Dee Zee also produces a lineup of tough, good-looking tool boxes. With its new Padlock Tool Box, Dee Zee is offering a veritable fortress for your truck bed.

DeeZee Toolbox
DeeZee Toolbox

Made from a single sheet of aluminum with full seam welds, the Padlock Tool Box features 20% thicker aluminum—you’ll see and feel the difference immediately.

Inside, a patented security mechanism nests a padlock into the side of the box, making it impossible to reach the shackle with bolt cutters. You can choose your own 1” shackle lock or even use your own truck key with a BOLT Padlock. This sophisticated mechanism learns the pattern of your truck’s ignition key—which now opens your tool box! (Padlocks sold separately.)

How does this make this box more secure? By requiring 2.5 times more pry force to open the lid compared to standard tool box latches. The patented slide surrounds heavy-duty striker bolts to keep the lid closed with a single moving part. The lid strikers are integrated into the lid to avoid weakened weld points. No more parts wearing out—and most importantly, no more intruders into your tool box, including rain.

 

Other Features

  • Internal bends add superior body strength.
  • Automotive-grade rubber bulb seal resists the elements.
  • Dampened gas shocks hold the lid open 90 degrees.
  • Full-length hidden hinge.
  • Double V-pan lid stiffener creates strength and rigidity.
  • Customizable metal tool tray keeps smaller items organized.
  • Available in Deep and Wide models for extra storage space.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Stop into your local Performance Corner retailer to check out Dee Zee’s new Padlock Tool Box in person and see the difference. Or find your closest 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!