Charles Navarro founded LN Engineering LLC while studying Computer Science at Northwestern University in 2002 along with his wife, Tammy Hellings, also a graduate of Northwestern with a degree in Chemical Engineering. LN Engineering formed a niche previously non-existent for precision performance aftermarket engine components specifically targeted toward addressing known issues and improving upon original equipment engine components for Volkswagen and Porsche models. LN Engineering is best known for its trademark Nickies air-cooled cylinders.

Used Oil Analysis Results and How to Understand Them

Used oil analysis should be part of your normal oil change routine. Not only will it give you a glimpse to the health of your engine, but it will also give you critical feedback as to how lubricants are preforming and changes you need to make to optimize oil and equipment performance. Session will cover sampling basics, reviewing results, and how to best integrate them into your maintenance program. Elemental analysis as it pertains to equipment health as well as factors affecting oil health will be discussed.

The son of former Karting World Champion and NASCAR driver Lake Speed, Lake Speed Jr. also has a history in both Karting and NASCAR. Lake Jr. began racing karts at 6 years old and has worked for NASCAR championship winning teams Melling Racing (Bill Elliott) and Joe Gibbs Racing (Tony Stewart). While working for Joe Gibbs Racing, Lake Jr. played a key role in the development and selection of lubricants for JGR as part of the team that started Joe Gibbs Driven racing oils. Over a 10-year period, Speed and the JGR engineering staff worked hand in hand with Lubrizol (the world's leading additive company) to develop cutting edge lubricants for JGR. Today, Lake Jr. is a member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers and is one of less than 300 people who hold both Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst certifications. Relying on more than two decades of hands on experience, Speed is a frequent speaker at industry and university technical events and seminars.

Direct Injection Engines & Low Speed Pre-Ignition - What you need to know to know about the unique needs of direct injection engines.

As of May 2018, the American Petroleum Institute (API) released an updated motor oil specification called API SN Plus. This updated specification is in response to OEM calls for improved protection against Low Speed Pre-Ignition problems. This seminar explains the phenomenon of Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), why it is unique to Direct Injection engines, and how both motor oil and fuel contribute to the tendency for LSPI to occur. This is critical information for any shop working on direct injection engines.

Chuck Lynch has been in the profession of engine building for nearly 30 years. Chuck has built his knowledge working in the capacities of Engine Machinist, Process Engineer, Quality Auditor, Field Service Technician, Custom Trainer and his current daily capacity at Technical Specialist for the Engine Rebuilder’s Association.

Honing by the Numbers

Discussion will cover not only the surface finish parameters but the other numbers that impacts how effective honing results are. We will cover bore distortion, abrasive size selection, applied pressure forces, speeds and feeds and how all of this can affect ring seal.

Gary Patterson has been developing engines for 25 years:

• A.Sc, Technical University of Nova Scotia (1991 – 1995)
• Adjunct Professor, Technical University of Nova Scotia (1994 – 1996)
• Combustion System development engineer, GM Powertrain (1996 – 1999)
• Combustion System Architect, GM Advanced engineering (1999 – 2003)
• Staff Development Engineer, GM Racing (2003 – 2008)
• Technical Specialist, AVL North America (2008 – 2015)
• Director of Engine Development, ECR Engines (2015 – present)

Dynamics in Racing Engines

Doug Sobotka started Excel Engineering in 2002 as an internal combustion testing facility focusing on needs of engine manufacturers. Today, Excel operates engines ranging from 9hp to 4200hp collecting exhaust emissions, detailed combustion information and operating long term durability tests. Excel has 28 engine test cells capable of providing many test data for many aspects of engine development.

His passion for developing engine related products is a driving force to provide these engine testing services.

Modern Engine Development Test Capabilities