The racing movie that best describes my business in 2008 was:
The Fast and the Furious: 16.67%
Cannonball Run: 33.33%
Six Pack: 50%
If you attended the PRI Show in Orlando last week did you think the show was:
Positive and exceeded your expectations: 27.78%
Below expectations: 16.67%
About what you expected: 55.56%
Do you think grassroots racing will suffer as a result of the economy?
Yes. Even racers will have trouble justifying the cost.: 50%
Maybe. If gas prices stay low they might think it's a reasonable expense.: 18.75%
Not a chance. Racers will ALWAYS find a way to feed their habits.: 31.25%
Should the government give the auto industry a bailout?
We need the manufacturers to be healthy: 26.5%
They got themselves into it they should get themselves out: 56.41%
I'll take a bailout: 17.09%
What do you recommend to your customers as the most beneficial performance upgrade?
Valvtrain components: 13.27%
Cylinder Heads: 61.22%
"Bottom End" components: 4.08%
"Power Adders": 16.33%
Other: 5.1%
When you need to hire additional personnel do you look for:
Students from a local vo-tech or college training program.: 65.52%
The best technician/machinist from your biggest competitor.: 27.59%
The first guy who answers the "Help Wanted" sign.: 6.9%
Has the recent banking crisis affected your business' ability to operate "normally?"
Yes: 57.45%
No: 21.28%
Too soon to say: 21.28%
Which of this year's upcoming industry events do you plan to attend?
SEMA: 45%
AAPEX: 5%
PRI: 35%
AETC: %
At least two events: 15%
What is the most profitable part of your business?
Heavy Duty Diesel: 25%
Restoration: 11.54%
High Performance: 50%
Small Engine Repair: 13.46%
Where do you buy your shop tools?
Wagon jobber: 3.03%
Local hardware or department store: 12.12%
Discount retailer: 9.09%
Internet: 15.15%
Local Auto Parts Store: 9.09%
Engine tool and equipment manufacturers or WDs: 51.52%
When a customer brings parts in do you:
Send him away with a verbal tongue-lashing: 5.63%
Refuse to use the parts but continue to build the engine: 7.04%
Use the parts but have the customer sign a "no complaints" form: 53.52%
Build the engine, thankful to have the business: 33.8%
What do you feel is the single biggest competitor to your machine shop services or rebuilt engines?
Used engines being installed: 31.37%
Low financing rates on new cars: 5.88%
Better quality new engines from OE: 31.37%
Retail engine sales: 25.49%
Low financing rates on used cars: 5.88%
What percentage of your business is niche market oriented?
1-10%: %
11-20%: 8.33%
21-30%: 25%
31-40%: 8.33%
More than 41%: 58.33%
What areas do you plan to expand into most in the coming months?
Sport Compact "Tuners": 20.37%
American Muscle: 29.63%
Heavy-Duty Diesel: 12.96%
Industrial Engines: 5.56%
Small Engines: 22.22%
Other specialized niche: 9.26%
Which engine have you rebuilt the most in the last 12 months?
Small Block Chevy: 35.03%
Ford 302: 14.65%
Big Block Mopar: 6.37%
Honda B18: 7.64%
Briggs & Stratton: 7.64%
Harley V-Twin: 3.18%
Heavy-Duty Diesel: 8.92%
Other: 16.56%
Which alternative fuel do you think is the most viable for the U.S.?
E85: 25.86%
Ethanol Blend: 5.17%
Bio-Diesel: 14.94%
Hydrogen: 33.91%
Electricity: 12.64%
"Horse" Power: 4.6%
Other: 2.87%
Which of these issues are you worried about the most?
High Gas/Energy Prices: 54.22%
Healthcare Costs: 13.25%
Slowing Economy: 28.92%
No Worries: 3.61%
How often do you change the oil in your personal vehicle?
Every 3,000 miles religiously: 40.56%
You have to change that stuff?: 9.79%
3,000 - 6,000 miles: 39.16%
6,000 - 10,000 miles: 10.49%
I believe E85 is:
A viable alternative fuel and I'm actively building engines for it.: 17.02%
Driving up the cost of many other items with no real obvious benefits.: 72.34%
Going to replace gasoline when flying cars come on the scene.: 10.64%
How many business associations do you belong to?
One: 27.78%
Two to three: 33.33%
Four or more: 5.56%
None: 33.33%
Which business topic would you like us to cover more?
Marketing/Sales: 9.52%
Niche Markets: 14.29%
Management Tips: 9.52%
Education/Training: 66.67%
What is your favorite feature of our redesigned website?
User Gallery: 15.38%
Issue Archive: 7.69%
Tech Center: 61.54%
What redesign?: 15.38%
What internet connection do you have in your shop?
Cable: 23.53%
DSL: 58.82%
Dial-up: 14.71%
What Connect?: 2.94%
How long have you been a subscriber to Engine Builder magazine?
Less than 1 year: 19.05%
1-2 years: %
3-7 years: 23.81%
8 or more: 57.14%
Which of these would be your next major purchase?
Dynamometer: 50%
CNC Machine: 50%
Cleaning Equipment: %