AERA Engine Builders Association

10/26/2026

Join us tomorrow at noon CST for a look at How to Read Heavy Duty Engine Bearing and Steel Piston Failures.

Jim Dettore of FAS will go over how to read wear patterns and damage on heavy-duty engine bearings and steel pistons to identify potential causes of failure. This technical webinar will cover key inspection clues, common failure modes, and how to use your findings to guide repairs and help prevent repeat failures.

Make sure to register even if you can't make the live presentation and we will send you a link to the recording to watch at your convenience.

Go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7901741926962383964?source=s

10/23/2026

This year's engine build for PRI 2026 is a Chevrolet 427 LS3 built by Jeff Baldwin, owner of Baldwin Racing Engines in Friedheim, Missouri. Includes FREE SHIPPING within the continental U.S. to transport the engine from the Indiana Convention Center.

The timing set for this years build is part # 4856T-9 from Melling Engine Parts The .250" seamless double-roller chain and billet steel camshaft sprocket is specifically calibrated for 4-sensor, 58x reluctor applications.

Thanks to the whole crew at Melling for your help!

If you want more information about the engine or would like to purchase a ticket to win, go to: https://aera.org/eref-engine/

10/23/2026

AERA would like to welcome all the New Members for September.

Terox Inc. - Salt Lake City, UT
Will's Performance - Beaumont, TX
SSC Automotive LLC - Troy, ID
Rector Repair - Wauneta, NE
Southside Cylinder Head Service, Engine Reconditioning Australia - Macgregor, QLD Australia
Bandera Performance Diesel - Bandera, TX
K & M Auto Repair - Brandon, MS
Texas Engine Machine - Llano, TX
Diesel Diagnostics LLC - Apache Junction, AZ
Casper College - Casper, WY

Welcome to AERA Everyone!

10/22/2026

The AERA Technical Committee addresses common issues in 2025-2026 GM 2.0L engines, particularly the ticking noise linked to valvetrain debris. Proper head gasket selection for Navistar 2.8L diesel engines is crucial based on piston protrusion measurements. Visual inspection techniques are vital in identifying mechanical failures early. Don't miss our upcoming EPIC conference on December 9! To view the full technical bulletins and learn more check out our newsletter here:
https://conta.cc/4ssjHT6

Email from AERA Images not loading? View online Ticking Noise on 2025-2026 GM 2.0L (LSY & LK0) Engines The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information on ticking noise 2025-2026 GM 2.0L

10/22/2026

Join us on Tuesday October 27 at noon CST for a look at How to Read Heavy Duty Engine Bearing and Steel Piston Failures.

Jim Dettore of FAS will go over how to read wear patterns and damage on heavy-duty engine bearings and steel pistons to identify potential causes of failure. This technical webinar will cover key inspection clues, common failure modes, and how to use your findings to guide repairs and help prevent repeat failures.

Make sure to register even if you can't make the live presentation and we will send you a link to the recording to watch at your convenience.

Go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7901741926962383964?source=s

10/21/2026

Our friends at Moroso Performance Products stepped up huge for us on this year’s engine build for our Chevrolet 427 LS3 engine that we are giving away at the 2026 PRI Show.

Moroso supplied the oil pan part # 20136, dry sump system part # 22384, valve covers part # 68471, and the spark plug wires. All of their components are top quality and we can't thank them enough for helping us bring this engine build to another level.

Make sure to check them out at the 2026 PRI Show in booth # 4409.

For more information on the engine or to purchase tickets to win, go to: https://aera.org/eref-engine/

10/20/2026

Throughout the year, AERA will be awarding all members a chance to win products from our Associate Members. All you need to do is be a member of AERA in good standing to be eligible.

All members who join or renew between October 1 – December 31 will have a chance to win PRW POWER'S ELITE SERIES STAINLESS STEEL ROCKER ARMS

The winner can pick their application choice from prwpower.com. Engineered with cutting-edge technology, these rocker arms feature Direct Oil Feeding, Nose Roller Axel, which is precision machined for a tight-fit smooth motion, and Black E Rocker Bodies, combining to deliver superior power, smoother operation, and unmatched durability under the most demanding conditions.

A big thanks goes out to the folks at PRW Power for your help.

For more information go to: https://aera.org/giveaways/

10/19/2026

The EREF Engine Giveaway is a direct fundraiser to benefit EREF. All proceeds go directly to the scholarship and grant program. Take a chance to win a custom engine while helping our efforts to train and educate engine machinists.

Completing the rotating assembly are Total Seal Piston Rings part # CRG2012.5 with a ring package of 1.5mm top rings, 1.5mm second rings, and 3.00mm oil rings. The piston ring end gaps were set at .018" top, .020" second ring, and .015" for the oil ring.

The folks over at Total Seal always have our back and we greatly appreciate all your help!

For more information or to purchase a ticket to win this engine, go to: https://aera.org/eref-engine/

10/16/2026

This year’s engine build for PRI 2026 is a Chevrolet 427 LS3 built by Jeff Baldwin, owner of Baldwin Racing Engines in Friedheim, Missouri.

The RaceTec pistons part # 103150 feature an inverted dome design with a 7.5cc dish and a 1.105 compression height, helping achieve the desired compression ratio.

We would like to thank the crew at RaceTec Pistons for all of your help on this project.

If you would like more information on the engine or to purchase a ticket to win, go to: https://aera.org/eref-engine/

10/15/2026

AERA is dedicated to keeping engine professionals informed. Check out our latest insights on connecting rod bolt torque for Caterpillar C175 engines and head gasket selection for Nissan YD25 engines. Plus, don't miss your chance to save 20% on engine bags and tubing! Join us at the Engine Professional Industry Conference for expert sessions and networking opportunities. Follow the link below to view the full technical bulletins and more:
https://conta.cc/4dFx2Bl

Email from AERA Images not loading? View online Connecting Rod Bolt Torque Caution for Caterpillar C175 Engines The AERA Technical Committee provides the following caution regarding connecting rod bol