You may have noticed that HOT ROD Professional has morphed into Performance Technician. What does that mean? Initially, it means a renewed commitment to a wider variety of performance-related topics of interest to you, our tech-savvy readers.

Vehicle technology, systems relationship management, and control are redefining the evolving parameters of power and performance. Creating power and controlling the transfer of power from the engine to the ground requires the correct tools, an understanding of component capabilities, and an extremely good sense of the balance among vehicle systems. The consequences of not “getting it right” can be profound, devastating, and expensive. In addition to subject matter that is just plain fun to read, we will attempt to provide you with the product and procedural knowledge that we hope will help you to make the right choices.

Research tells us that as a working tech, part of your customer base may be interested in power enhancements; or you may have an interest just because it fits with your “weekend warrior” activities. In either case, we’ll deliver a diet of articles and information that we hope will satisfy your level of interest and curiosity.

You also told us, however, that you are faced with “performance”-related diagnostic and repair issue every day on the job. The OEMs are particularly sensitive to some of the more recent definitions of performance that include the efficient operations of inter-dependant vehicle systems. So expect to see articles from (among other sources) the OEMs on the PT website that provide their recommendations for proper diagnostic/repair procedures.

We intend to cater to readers who have a deep understanding of vehicle systems, including electronic engine management, internal combustion principles, EFI, ignition systems, emissions controls, brakes etc.

Which brings us to execution. As the old song says, “Nobody does it better.” Our staff is led by a pair of seasoned veterans: Editor, Bob Freudenberger, and Executive Technical Editor, Greg McConiga.

Bob is one of the most experienced mechanical minds in this business. He commands an intuitive understanding of vehicle power and performance that he began honing as a youngster, when his imagination was occupied with cramming big OHV V8s in ’53 Chevy and ’54 Ford coupes, and doing some strange things such as powering VW Beetles with two-stroke outboard engines. His instincts only became sharper with 40+ years of experience. Bob, therefore, has an innate appreciation for what is fluff and what is real meat, and manages the flow of information that makes it to these pages. We are fortunate that he is willing to put his knowledge and experience on the table to ensure the success of Performance Technician.

Greg decided that after intensive training in the sciences and technology (including metallurgy) and five years as a nuclear sub engineer for the U.S. Navy, he was far more interested in working on cars than in patrolling under ice caps. So, he became an auto tech, service manager, and an engine builder for a drag racing team. That led to a very successful business of building high-performance street and track engines for professional racers and weekend warriors alike. The fact that he’s also one of the most honorable people I’ve ever met, and an excellent writer with a flair for humor and irony is a blessing for all of us.

We also are fortunate to have a number of contributors who give us guidance and content in specialized areas of power and performance. We will be posting bios on the PT site in the very near future.

Christopher Ayers, Jr., Publisher and Editorial Director

What’s the takeaway? Just that Performance Technician will take the best of what we created in HRP and give it a boost. Between Performance Technician magazine and host website, you’ll see some highly-technical content, a regular diet of technical repair information for imports and domestics, training info, and some general interest items you told us you would like to see. We welcome your suggestions, so please feel free to contact me via email, phone, or the “contact us” form on this site.

Chris Ayers, Jr.,
E: [email protected]
P: 330.620.3929