MSA BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS!

MSA Black Friday Sale

That's right!  MSA will be doing Black Friday specials this year.  We normally didn't in the past, but with some requests, we decided to give it a try.  SO...here's a link.  Enjoy!

FRS A-Pillar 2 and 3 Gauge Pods are now available.

MSA FRS A-Pillar 3 Gauge Pod (2 Gauge also available)

MSA has long been known for the quality of work it provides.  We have made pods in the past for various customers, but never offered them to the general public.  Since we used the factory pillars, we didn't think anyone would purchase the product being we have to charge for the factory pillar as well.  After some interest in the Genesis Coupe community, we gave it a try in the form of a core charge, and it was a success!

Why our pillars?

We use the existing factor pillar still.  This insures perfect fitment.  This also ensures that any pillars do not interfere with the function of the airbag system.  There is absolute no drilling or modifications required to our pillars. 

Our pillars are sprayed with a durable texture coating for longevity and durability.  We will gladly stand behind it and out of hundreds, we have only had one with any issues.  It was quickly taken care of and we covered the freight.  

You're pillars are expensive!

Actually, most people don't consider what goes in it.  First, the pricing includes shipping (about a $15 value) AND to make it easier to send the core back, we cover the return shipping as well (another $15 value).  Also, depending on if you ordered the set or just the driver's side, there is a $50 and $30 core charge, respectively.  This is refunded to you when we receive your factory pillar using the included return label.  That considered, that's $80 and $60 in shipping and money that's being returned to you.  So the charge for the pillar is $215 for a 3 gauge set and $165 for the driver's side 3 gauge only.  The 2 gauge pods are $10 less.  Each pillar takes us roughly 6 hours to make from start to finish.

We guarantee these to snap right in.  No warping or screwing in cheap machine screws.  The only modification that might be required is making a larger hole for the gauge's wiring or leads.

CLICK HERE to view the product page.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

Your Car 101 (Series) - BEWARE of the Impact Gun...when having others wheels on.

More and more these days, people are beginning to do it correct.  However, there are still some shops that continue to use an impact gun without reservations.  Let me explain.

Be Cautious.  Ask Questions.

Impact guns have a lot of power behind them.  Enough power to brake wheel studs, tighten through if the lug nuts aren't put on correctly or even break wheel studs.

All too often have I observed tire shops who put the wheel on the car and just start synching the lug nuts down on the wheels.  Although, most still do follow the "star" pattern, there are still the possibilities of cross threading or tightening the lug nuts waaay too tight.  (Each wheel, whether a 4 lug, 5 lug, 6 lug, etc... has a specific pattern that optimizes the changes of centering a wheel correctly.  Cross threading is where a nut is put onto a bolt slightly sideways thus flattening out the threads...rendering it useless.) 

Another problem is just plain over tightening.  Have you ever or seen someone struggle with taking lug nuts off with their spare tire kit?  Over-tightening can make it almost impossible to remove a tire without using an impact gun again. 

Today's Tech

These days, a lot more dealerships and tire shops are becoming more conscious of the torque (the amount of force applied to tighten) being applied.  The simple fact is that in the past, you did risk the change of breaking the wheel studs.  But today, over tightening has a higher chance of breaking than before. 

There are two different types of tools they can use.  First is a torque wrench.  Basically, lug nuts should be put on by hand initially (prevents cross threading), then with an impact on LOW torque, and in the correct pattern.  Once on the ground, a torque wrench can be set to the factory setting so that lug nuts do not get over tighten.  A torque wrench clicks and stops, telling the technician that this is as tight as the lug nuts need to go on.  A torque wrench should always be used when the vehicle is on the ground.

Second is to use what's called a torque stick.  Torque sticks are basically extensions that are manufactured to twist at a predetermined torque.  The technicians has to pay attention to the stick and the lug nut to make sure it's not accidentally overtightened.

They both work.  A tire shop should already have a reference guide to the torque settings of each vehicle and should always torque vehicles rather than just "throwing" wheels on with an impact gun.  Good luck!

Note: This series has been moved to: YourCar-101.blogspot.com/

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com

How about a free hat?

MSA is giving away one of their limited run Mesh Fitted hats.  Just "like" our Facebook page and comment with your guess at the number.  Or click on the link below. 

Direct Link

Fall Team Bash 2012

MSA's 89 S13 Drift Car "Kim" - Photo Courtesy of JC Photography

What a great event indeed!  Thanks to Luke and several others that coordinated this second annual event.  Many car enthusiasts from Arkansas and the surrounding states showed up to do what we do best - enjoy cars.  The weather was perfect.  The car count was perhaps 200+.  

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc.

SEMA Show 2012

Boondock Bumper's 2008 Ford F150.

As always, the SEMA show this year didn't let me down. This is our 7th year to attend this massive trade show for the automotive enthusiast. It's one of the few places I know that you could get numb to seeing R8's, Lamborghini's, and Ferrari's.

MSA spent a lot of time this year focusing on seminars and manufacturers. We locked in our WD status with McGaughy's suspension, furthered our relationships with current manufacturers and suppliers, and learned everything we could to make sure MSA stays the most knowledgeable and forward thinking shop in our state and perhaps the region.

Looking forward to seeing what next year holds. But for now, it's good to be home.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | MSAStore.com