EPIC

Engine Professional Industry Conference

December 11, 2024
Wednesday before the PRI Show
Indiana Convention Center, Room 231-233
​Indianapolis

$100 per person includes breakfast, lunch and
four technical seminars.

Every person from an AERA member shop will be reimbursed $100 after attending.


Exhibit at this one-day conference
Similar to our Tech & Skills Conferences, vendors will be supplied a 6-ft. table to display their products and literature. Limited to 20 tabletops, first come, first serve!


EPIC Technical Program

Identifying Engine Mechanical Failures Using Electronic Methods – Chris Hamann, Lakeland Auto & Marine
In this session, Chris will demonstrate how to determine if a gasoline engine has a mechanical concern or not without any disassembly – including removing any spark plugs. In extremely short order, we can determine if and what cylinder(s) have sealing and breathing issues along with identifying potential causes. Learn how to perform a relative compression along with a cranking vacuum test in literally minutes on just about any gasoline engine. Chris will discuss tooling, techniques, and diagnostic strategies during a few case studies.

Finding Performance in Surface Shape and TextureMark Malburg, Digital Metrology
Surface texture and geometry can make or break (literally!) the performance of engine components. We’ll look at case studies that show how surface texture, roundness, and waviness influence engine performance and durability. We’ll also talk about the measurement tools and techniques that machine shops, engine builders, and race teams can use to unlock better surfaces and performance—and see a real return on the investment.

The How’s and Why’s of Piston FAQs – Eric Grilliot, Mahle Motorsports
An in-depth look at common piston and ring knowledge, but from the perspective of how or why we derive those answers. Conversely, we often seek a black or white answer, when in reality, most performance applications operate in the gray. We’ll explore the exceptions and consider the input of both manufacturer and engine builder.

Reducing Warranty Risks with Reference to Repeatability – Ryan Thompson, Rottler Manufacturing with Chuck Lynch, AERA
Engines are a dynamic system consisting of many moving parts, each with a specific role. The surfaces we machine provide the road for these components to travel through their lifecycle, but what happens when these roads cross? Are we providing the proper geometry at the intersections of these parts in our engines? We take a closer look at the relationship and assumptions with picking datums, blueprinting engines, and the results of qualifying our work as a whole as it relates to reducing failures and minimizing warranty.