Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Ferruccio Lamborghini

The JASPER 4-Speed Transmission played a key role in the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series with ten victories for the year.  With driver changes and team mergers affecting
the NASCAR landscape, six full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams and two NASCAR
Nationwide Series teams ran the JASPER 4-Speed during the 2009 season on a full time
basis.

The Sprint Cup teams that ran the JASPER 4-Speed are three Toyota teams of Joe Gibbs
Racing (#11 driven by Denny Hamlin, #18 driven by Kyle Busch and #20 driven by Joey
Logano); the two Toyota teams of Michael Waltrip Racing (#00 driven by David
Reutimann and #55 driven by Michael Waltrip); and the #47 car of the JTG/Daugherty
team driven by Marcos Ambrose.

The JASPER 4-Speed Transmission also ran full time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series
entries of Michael Waltrip Racing and Penske Racing.  Michael Waltrip drove the #99 car
for his team while Justin Allgaier piloted the #12 car for Penske.

Penske NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Kurt Busch in the #2 car, David Stremme in
the #12 car and Sam Hornish, Jr. in the #77 car also ran JASPER differentials
this past season.

The NASCAR Driveline Division at Jasper Engines & Transmissions has developed a single
rail shifter design that will be available in 2010.  The single rail design offers the advantages
of less weight and fewer moving parts.  In addition, all of the shift linkage except for the
main shift rail will be internal, keeping these parts away from any outside debris.

(Click on the following link for JASPER 4-Speed Weekly Performance)
http://www.jasperengines.com/racing.php

JASPER has expanded its domestic late model engine lineup from GM, Ford and Dodge.

Available on exchange is the 5.7L Dodge HEMI V8. This engine is available for the following 2006-2008 applications:

• Dodge Ram Truck (with or without MDS system)

• Dodge Charger & Magnum
• Chrysler 300 RWD & AWD
• Jeep Commander & Grand Cherokee
• Dodge Durango
• Chrysler Aspen

From GM, JASPER has available on exchange the 3.4L OHV V6 for the 2005 & 2006 Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. Also available is the GM 5.3L Gen IV V8 engine for the following applications:

• 2007-2009 Chevy/GMC Truck & SUV
• 2007-2009 Chevy Trailblazer/GMC Envoy & Buick Rainier
• 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix

JASPER has available on exchange the 4.0L SOHC Ford V6 engine for the following 2005-2008 applications:

• Ford Mustang
• Ford Ranger
• Ford Explorer
• Mercury Mountaineer
• Mazda B4000

Each of these remanufactured engines carries JASPER’s three year 100,000 mile nationwide transferable parts and labor warranty. A full warranty disclosure is available upon request.

Log onto www.jasperengines.com or call 1-800-827-7455 for more information on these and other products from JASPER.

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: In 1998, dual front air bags were mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Knowledge is power.  And, nowhere is that statement more evident than in the automotive service world, where experienced, trained techs have the ability to accurately diagnose complex vehicle problems, fix vehicles right the first time, ensure customer satisfaction and attract repeat customers - all key elements required for a successful, profitable shop.

Most experienced techs obtained their knowledge through lots and lots of training.  Whether it was formal or informal, on-site or off-site, at home or at the shop, it represents a dedication to learn the skills necessary to work on vehicles systems required by their jobs, and a commitment to keep their skills up to date to ensure they deliver automotive service excellence.

With the goal of providing you with ideas on what to look for when selecting training programs for your techs.  Babcox Research asked a sample of shop owner readers for their input on the topic.  Some of those responses are listed below.

10 Things to Look For When Selecting Training Programs for Your Techs

1. Assess the quality and reputation of prospective training programs to be sure your techs will be getting good information and not  sales pitches (i.e. at manufacturer clinics).

2. Training programs with hands-on training can be the most beneficial.

3. Look for programs that are comprehensive and offer training materials that are easy to understand.

4. Seek out programs that offer more than just the basics, things like troubleshooting and driveability diagnostics.  One reader says, “I look for training to solve current problems we are encountering in the shop and issues that will arise soon.”

5. A class that covers new automotive technology, current TSBs, and how systems work and affect other systems.

6. Look for a program that starts with an assessment of the technician’s knowledge of the subject area so the class can be tailored to their skill level.

7. ROI - In your “cost versus benefits” evaluation, consider the training programs’ content, scheduling/availability and distance from your shop to get the most value for your money.

8. Find shorter training programs; longer programs can drag on and lose the technicians’ attention.

9. Relevant, “real-world” courses that impart information that can be applied in the shop right away.

10. Targeted training programs that apply to vehicles in which you specialize at your shop.

Reprinted with permission of Babcox Publishing, Underhood Service June 2009.

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: The Nissan/Datsun 240Z (S30) was released in America on October 22, 1969.

February 9 - Strategies for Gas Engine Diagnostics - Memphis, TN

February 10 - Strategies for Transmission Diagnostics - Memphis, TN

February 11 - Strategies for Diesel Diagnostics - Memphis, TN

February 16 - Strategies for Gas Engine Diagnostics - Nashville, TN

February 17 - Strategies for Transmission Diagnostics - Nashville, TN

February 18 - Strategies for Diesel Diagnostics - Nashville, TN

February 23 - Strategies for Transmission Diagnostics - Greensboro, NC

February 24 - Strategies for Diesel Diagnostics - Greensboro, NC

“Building Quality Associates Through A Unique Learning Environment”

This is the mission statement of the newly established Transmission DOJO at JASPER’s Crawford County facility.  Although it’s been operational for over a year, the DOJO has undergone a facelift to better serve our customers, and our Associates.

Just what is a DOJO? Good question!  The DOJO is an off-line learning center designed to provide new and existing Associates the opportunity to learn not only about their job, but also the skills necessary to STRIVE and THRIVE in the JASPER culture.  In addition, the DOJO is used for specialized quality training, as well as re-certification training.  Led by Master Instructor, Lauralee Peppers, Associates are able to learn a process in a one-on-one environment, away from the distractions of the production area.  Associates follow a standard curriculum.  Because the training is one-on-one, JASPER can provide a specialized learning experience specific to individual’s needs.

During the first two weeks, Associates will learn:

• Disassembly, Sub-Assembly and Final Assembly       
• Basic Transmission 101
• Safety Requirements/JSA
• All parts for the specific transmission by name and function
• All tools to perform the job by name and function
• History and Culture of Jasper Engines and Transmissions
• Quality Objectives
• Tour of department and product flow
• Job Instruction Training
• Basic elements of the Jasper Production System (JPS), including:
• - Philosophy
• - 5S
• - Standard Work
• - 8 Wastes
• - Problem Solving/A3
• Continuous Improvement Program
• All computer functions
• And much, much more

As in any classroom, Associates are also given homework, pop quizzes and go on in-house field trips to better enhance the learning experience.  In the Associates’ third week, they focus on the specific job for which they were hired.  They also work toward meeting cycle times.  In addition, some Associates are moved to a transmission POD, within the production area, to give them more of a “real life” experience.  Throughout the DOJO experience, Associates are encouraged not only to Do It Right, but to Have Fun, as well.  This is evidenced by the requirements for graduation from the DOJO.

Before moving onto a full-time role, Associates will be expected to accomplish the following:

• Must be able to repeatedly perform the process, based on the standard work
• Must be able to train another Associate on the process
• Must pass a written general knowledge, parts and standard work test
• Must complete a book review on “Joe’s Garage”
• Must complete a technical research question
• Must complete a JPS skills check-off list and display application of learning
• Must submit a minimum of two (2) Continuous Improvement ideas

Once an Associate completes these steps, they can proudly say, “I Got My MOJO at the DOJO.”

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: The wood-bodied 1941 Chrysler Town & Country “Woody” was constructed of what two types of wood?