Friddle: Saturn ceased production in October 2010.   In 2009 they were producing five different (final) models.  What was the name of Saturn’s first model, which debuted in 1985?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: The Chevrolet Volt is the commercial successor to what General Motors electric car?

Last Week’s Friddle: EV1

One such vehicle that made the trip was a rare 1930 Model A pickup owned by Michael and Denise Cannon of Rolling Prairie, Indiana.  The vehicle’s 3.3L (201 cubic inch) watercooled four-cylinder was remanufactured by JASPER about five years ago.  It was later discovered that many of the Model A’s that made the trip to the Convention had an engine remanufactured at some point by JASPER.

Model A engines were among the first products remanufactured when JASPER first opened in 1942.  The same can be said for the transmissions, after that division was started in 1957.  The ability to remanufacture both components remains today in our Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrain division, putting 50 plus years of experience into each transmission and over 60 in each engine.

“We still have the equipment necessary to pour the babbitted bearings in-house & cut them to the strict tolerances & specifications required to meet JASPER standards,” says Division Manager Alex Ernst.  “Replacement parts for the engine and transmission are still readily available.”

The Model A was the second huge success for the Ford Motor Company, replacing the iconic Model T.  Ford produced over 4.8 million Model A’s between 1927 and 1931 in many different body styles, including roadsters, coupes, sedans, pickups, panel trucks, station wagons, taxi cabs and top-of-the-line Town Car.

Friddle: The Chevrolet Volt is the commercial successor to what General Motors electric car?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: Which automobile company developed EcoBoost, turbocharged direct-injection, technology for improved fuel economy?

Last Week’s Friddle: Ford

Jasper Engines & Transmissions is excited to announce that they will offerfuel components on many popular complete diesel engine applications.

These components, including pumps, turbochargers and injectors, will be available for the following complete diesel engines: GM 6.5L and 6.6L Duramax, International 444 and 6.0L, Cummins ISB and Mercedes 2.7L.

“Anytime a customer inquires about any of these complete engines, we will offer to quote the fuel system components as well,” says Ryan Dooley, JASPER Diesel Fuel Room Manager.

“We feel this is a great opportunity for our installers to purchase remanufactured diesel fuel components at the same time they purchase the complete engine,” says Matt Weinzapfel, JASPER Diesel Division Manager.

A JASPER remanufactured complete diesel engine typically includes the block, head, crank, cam, rods, valve train, oil pump, oil pan & pickup tube, oil filter, oil cooler, inner & outer gear covers and finishing gaskets, based on application.

“We want to become that one-stop shop for the diesel engine installer, added Dooley.”

For more information on these and other JASPER remanufactured products, contact us at                 1-800-827-7455.

Friddle: Which automobile company developed EcoBoost, turbocharged direct-injection, technology for improved fuel economy?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: Which Japanese car company’s logo is of celestial influence?

Last Week’s Friddle: Subaru

Jasper Engines & Transmissions has the latest style GM 6.6L Duramax Running Complete Remanufactured diesel engine available for purchase. Until now, JASPER only offered the Duramax in the Complete format.

This engine covers the 2006, 2007 & 2008 Silverado and Sierra pickups, Savana & Express Vans, as well as the Topkick & Kodiak applications.

“This engine is unique from the earlier model Duramax diesel in that it has a larger water pump, different block, heads, crankshaft and lower compression pistons,” says Fred Ernst, JASPER Diesel Marketing Manager. “These changes have been implemented by the manufacturer to either improve the emissions, the durability, or the overall performance of the engine.”

The GM 6.6L Duramax Running Complete is a completely remanufactured JASPER diesel engine, and includes the turbocharger, fuel injection system, common rail system and injectors, EGR valve and cooler, intake and exhaust manifolds, water outlet, fuel filter, thermostat and housing, valve covers and glow plugs. The engine is liverun dynamometer tested to assure trouble-free engine performance.

This engine is covered by a two year parts and labor warranty. A full warranty disclosure is available at www.jasperengines.com.

Friddle: Which Japanese car company’s logo is of celestial influence?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: What was Jeep’s pickup truck version of the CJ7?

Last Week’s Friddle: Scrambler

Jasper Engines & Transmissions is now offering the late-model Cummins ISB 6.7 liter Common Rail Front Gear Train Complete engine for exchange. This JASPER remanufactured engine is currently available for the 2007-2010 Dodge 2500, 3500, 4500 & 5500 series trucks and the 2008 Sterling Bullet truck.

“We are breaking away from our traditional Complete Cummins format for this application and are including the oil pan, oil pickup tube & outer front cover,” says Fred Ernst, JASPER Diesel Marketing Manager.

This new product includes the block, head, crank, cam, rods, valve train, oil pump, oil pan & pickup tube, oil filter, oil cooler, inner & outer gear covers and finishing gaskets.

This engine is covered by a one year parts and labor warranty. A full warranty disclosure is available at www.jasperengines.com.  “We are moving forward with plans to also have this Complete engine available for a broader range of applications than the Dodge truck, both on and off highway, as well as the development of our Running Complete format,” added Ernst.  “Be watching & listening for that future announcement.”

Jasper Engines and Transmissions hosted “America’s Best” School Bus Training and Skills Challenge at the Jasper, Indiana, facility September 28 through October 1. The nation’s top school bus technicians and inspectors competed to become America’s Best Technician or America’s Best Inspector.

Participants competed in two separate competitions: one for technical diagnostic skills and the other for vehicle inspection skills. Both competitions included a written examination and multiple “hands-on” components.

The written exam was designed to evaluate technical diagnostic skills, which covered various aspects of school bus components, including: electrical systems, brakes, engines, suspensions, drive trains and body systems. All topics were relative to actual school bus applications. The examinations were administered by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

During the second session of the competition, technicians demonstrated their ability to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair various mechanical school bus components. Inspectors cycled through three stations, which required an examination of all vehicle components and systems to identify defects.

“Jasper Engines & Transmissions is pleased to have been chosen to host the 2010 America’s Best competition,” says Fred Ernst, JASPER Diesel Marketing Manager. “This gives us the opportunity to show our support for the NAPT organization and for their primary mission, which is the safety of the students they transport. JASPER is honored to have been asked to be a part of that mission.”

“Over the years, the America’s Best Training and Skills Challenge has been successful in raising awareness for school bus maintenance and safety,” said NAPT past-president Bill Tousley. “Not only does the competition help technicians share and learn best practices, but the information provided is valuable for continuous improvement and learning. We’re delighted to be holding the 2010 competition in Jasper.”

Friddle: What was Jeep’s pickup truck version of the CJ-7?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: What car first featured three-point seat belts?

Last Week’s Friddle: Volvo 122