The new BTE / Memphis Performance catalog is on its way to the presses and then to your mailbox. If you don't receive yours in the mail, call us and we will send you a copy of your own. (We will also post .pdfs online, too!)
Friday, June 21, 2013
The new BTE / Memphis Performance catalog is on the way!
The new BTE / Memphis Performance catalog is on its way to the presses and then to your mailbox. If you don't receive yours in the mail, call us and we will send you a copy of your own. (We will also post .pdfs online, too!)
BTE's new Racing Transmission Fluid is now available
BTE's new Racing Transmission Fluid is now available!
Developed and blended by Lucas Oil, this semi synthetic fluid is the best choice for all racing applications, from bracket cars to heavy duty turbo charged applications. A unique additive package not found in other ATF types eliminates foaming, increases shift quality, and keeps temperatures under control.
BTE's Racing Transmission comes in an easy to pour five quart bottle. It is available online direct from BTE and through our many dealers and transmission rebuilder shops.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Bogacki Picks Up First Victory of 2013 at Las Vegas Lucas Oil Series Event
Las Vegas, NV: After finishing the 2012 NHRA Lucas Oil season ranked 3rd nationally in both Super Comp and Super Gas, Luke Bogacki and his ThisIsBracketRacing.com/K&N Filters backed team entered the 2013 campaign with high hopes. After a slow start at the first two national events of the season, Bogacki appears to be hitting his stride. He followed up a runner-up Super Comp effort at the Phoenix LODRS with a Super Gas title at last weekend’s Division 7 LODRS in Las Vegas.
“It’s always a good feeling to get an event win, and this one is no different,” said an exuberant Bogacki. “Honestly, this was a race that I probably had no business winning. I wasn’t happy with our early season performances in either category, and as a result I made wholesale changes on both cars prior to the race in Vegas. The dragster really liked the new setup, but the Corvette did not. I definitely went in the wrong direction with it, and it was not consistent. I got extremely fortunate in several rounds, and I’ll take a little credit for doing a pretty good job behind the wheel at times as well. It just all fell together, and obviously it’s easier to have fun when everything clicks and win lights are coming on.”
Bogacki advanced through seven rounds of eliminations without the benefit of a red-light or a bye run. He opened eliminations by defeating Brian Fritz, then squeaked out a close victory over Randy Fabbro when his perfect 10.050 ET bested Fabbro’s scant 10.049 breakout. Bogacki went on to defeat Justin Strom, Don Anderson, Mike Wiblishouser, and Rick Cates to advance to the final round alongside Tanner Hiatt. There, Bogacki escaped a double breakout affair, with his .016 induced 10.042 besting Hiatt’s .013 and 10.031.
“Most of my rounds didn’t play out anything like I had pictured them,” admitted Bogacki, “and the final was no different. I thought I could run well under the index, and had every intention of taking the finish line, but I couldn’t get in front. In the end, that’s the only way I could have won. I just seemed to end up in the right place at the right time. Like I said before, I definitely went the wrong direction with the car, but I’ll learn from it and we’ll be better next week. The competition is so tough these days that if you’re not constantly working to improve then you’re going to get left behind. In that effort to get better we’ll occasionally misstep. I was just really fortunate to be able to take what could have and probably should have been a wasted weekend and escape with a victory. Hopefully we can use that to build some momentum going forward.”
In addition to the Super Gas victory, Bogacki advanced to the fourth round of Super Comp before losing to multi-time national and divisional winner, Tom Bayer. With the added NHRA points, Bogacki took the early lead in the Lucas Oil Super Comp standings.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Charlie and Jason at Charlie Stewart Race Cars for building me a great car,” said Bogacki. “Sometimes I get to making changes and make it look like it’s not a great car, but it is. It works really well. That car is safe, gorgeous, and a dream to drive. I also want to recognize the contributors and members on ThisIsBracketRacing.com, as well as our key marketing partners: K&N Engineering, Tinsley Drilling & Company, C.A.R.S. Protection Plus, Advanced Product Design, Product Development Group, JEGS, BTE, and Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels. I also want to thank my wife, Jessica. She’s due with our first child in May and she’s a little bummed about not being at the races herself. Her support and faith in me is incredible; I couldn’t do this without her.”
Bogacki will once again compete in Super Comp and Super Gas at this weekend’s NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at the same facility, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He’ll conclude his season-opening western tour with the Spring Fling Vegas bracket race the following weekend before returning home to Carterville, IL.
Bogacki’s winning ’63 Corvette Roadster was built by Charlie Stewart Race Cars in Azle, TX. The CSRC body features a K&N carbon fiber hoodscoop and paint from Todd’s Extreme Paint in Milan, MI. A Huntsville Engine & Performance 582 powers the car to the 9.90 (10.05 in Las Vegas) Super Gas index at speeds in excess of 160 mph. The powerplant features products from BRODIX Cylinder Heads, Wiseco pistons, Milodon, Dedenbear, J&J Engine Diapers, Jesel, Crane Cams, and Lucas Oil. Earl’s hose and fittings transport Renegade 116+ Racing Fuel through a K&N filter to the APD belt-driven fuel pump, and on to a 1050 cfm APD carburetor specifically calibrated for throttle stop racing. Burnt fuel is exhausted through a set of headers that Stewart built from a Hedman Hedders kit before they were coated by Nitroplate.
Power is put to the ground thanks to a BTE Top Sportsman powerglide transmission and converter, and a Moser Engineering rear-end assembly which includes 3rd member, axles, and brakes from the Indiana manufacturer. Mickey Thompson bead-lock wheels and 3183 racing slicks bolt to the axles and work with a set of Ohlins TTX-36 shocks to apply the torque to the race track. Bogacki monitors tire pressure thanks to a unique new air pressure monitoring system from AirTek. He controls the electronic functions with a K&R Pro-Cube Delay box and switch panel, a Dixie shift solenoid on a B&M Pro Bandit shifter, and a Dedenbear throttle stop; and monitors all of the critical functions of the machine with Auto Meter’s multi-function data logger dash. Additional components come from ISC Racer’s Tape, DragRaceResults.com, California Car Cover, Flo-Fast, American Race Cars, and Nitrous Express.
Friday, March 22, 2013
More TH400 high performance component parts from BTE
BTE is now underway at full speed in production of all new performance parts for TH400 transmissions. Our first new products that are available now include:
- BTE's Two Speed TH400 Valve Body Kit
- This kit converts your existing TH400 into a two speed variant, allowing the transbrake to operate in 2nd gear.
- TH400 Vasco Input Shaft
- Recommended for all applications over 750 horsepower, this VascoMax steel shaft includes a steel drum.
- TH400 Vasco Intermediate Shaft
- Recommended for all applications over 750 horsepower, this VascoMax intermediate shaft provides a strong backbone for any racing TH400.
These parts are available now. Shortly, we will have news about our TH400 gearsets and aluminum drums which are currently in production.
Friday, March 15, 2013
BTE TH400 "Grudge Winner" Two Speed Transmission
BTE's two speed "Grudge Winner" TH400 transmission is a great choice for x275 and other racing classes that have limited traction, high power output, and heavy vehicle weight. This transmission features an innovative transbrake valve body design to allow transbrake operation in second gear. This new feature effectively makes the transmission a two speed and moves the starting gear ratio to a much higher range than available in any powerglide. In some vehicles this is preferable to the ratios available in the powerglide transmission.
Our base Grudge Winner includes the following features:
- BTE's own billet aluminum transbrake two speed valve body
- VascoMax steel input shaft
- VascoMax steel intermediate shaft
- Billet aluminum intermediate drum w/ 36 element super sprag
- Cast aluminum deep pan
- High performance band and clutch pack
- 1.48 - 1.00 ratio gear set
- Heavy duty OEM case
- Dyno tested to ensure proper operation
Alternate gear ratios and aftermarket housings (as pictured) are available for additional cost. Contact BTE directly at 1-800-626-1828 to determine if the two speed TH400 is appropriate for your application.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Luke Bogacki’s New American Race Cars Dragster
Carterville, IL: Luke Bogacki debuted his new ThisIsBracketRacing.com backed American Race Cars Super Comp dragster at the NHRA Winternationals on February 14. Bogacki, who drove his previous American Race Cars built machine to a 2nd place finish in the 2010 NHRA Lucas Oil Super Comp Standings, and a 3rd place finish last season, is excited about the 2013 campaign in his new competition vehicle.
“It’s always good to have new equipment that’s on the cutting edge of technology,” Bogacki said. “I think most of us as sportsman racers are not under the assumption that a class like Super Comp requires the forward thinking of a professional category, but there are always technological advancements. The trick, for me, is updating equipment to take advantage of the constantly evolving landscape of technology, while at the same time using the knowledge and data that I’ve built up over the last decade as a platform. So in the end, a new car is always a combination of some new ideas and some tried and true components and principles.”
Bogacki’s new ride is a 240” swing-arm model from American Race Cars in Millbury, OH.
“This is my first 240-inch car, my past dragsters have always been 235” Bogacki said. “Mark (Horton, of American Race Cars) has been trying to talk me into a longer car for a couple years, and after seeing some scale figures from one I finally gave in.”
The chassis features Mickey Thompson Wheels and Tires, including the company’s popular 3183 (33.5 x 16.5-16) racing slick. Bogacki monitors air pressure thanks to the innovative AirTek pressure control system, which he’ll stock on his trailer in 2013 and beyond. Moser Engineering components make up the entire rear end assembly, as Bogacki will rely on a Moser M9 housing, complete aluminum 3rd member, 40-Spline axles, and Moser’s new line of Performance Drag Brakes. Suspension demands are handled by a single Ohlins TTX-36 series shock and spring.
The machine is powered by a brand new all-aluminum 582 cubic-inch Huntsville Engine.
“The guys at HEPC are building me a new 632-inch engine with the BRODIX SR20 heads,” explained Bogacki, “but it wasn’t ready in time for Pomona. We actually built this 582 for my Charlie Stewart Race Cars ’63 Corvette Super Gas car, but I slid it over in the dragster to start the season. I’m actually very impressed with it; I ran 8.89 at 177 mph in Pomona. Nonetheless, I plan to swap out and install the SR20 engine following this introductory western swing.”
The 582 cubic inch motor currently in the car features a BRODIX aluminum block, a set of BRODIX Head Hunter cylinder heads, and BRODIX manifold. Bogacki enlisted Nitroplate to coat the intake manifold, valve covers, and accessories in their low-temp black finish. A Crane Cams camshaft and lifters operate Jesel shaft rocker arms and rotates thanks to a Jesel Belt Drive system. Wiseco pistons provide necessary compression (roughly 15:1), which is then exhausted by a set of Hedman Hedders coated by Nitroplate. A Milodon oiling system pushes Lucas Oil 20w/50 race oil through a K&N oil filter, while the J&J Performance engine diaper surrounds the bottom end should disaster strike. Bogacki cools the engine thanks to a Dedenbear remote water pump, water header, and expansion tank (also coated by Nitroplate) which are plumbed using ANO-Tuff hose and fittings from Earl’s Performance Products.
Luke will pump Renegade 116+ Racing Fuel into the tank thanks to a Flo-Fast management system. The sleek Earl’s black ANO-Tuff components carry Renegade racing fuel to a belt-driven APD fuel pump with a built-in bypass regulator, and then on to an APD 1050 carburetor that is built specifically for throttle stop applications. Currently, an electric Dedenbear throttle stop controls the air/fuel mixture entering the motor, which allows Bogacki to hit the 8.90 Super Comp index.
“With all of the new developments in throttle stop technology, I’m very excited about testing some new products this year,” beamed Bogacki. “We’ll start off with the tried and true Dedenbear electric stop that I’ve had great success with in the past. At some point early in the season, however, we’ll be testing a new Dedenbear stop, and I’ll be working with John Kyle of APD to test his new line of carburetors with the throttle stop built in. I’m really looking forward to see what we come up with on those items, because I really like the ingenuity and forward thinking that went into both of them.”
Power from Bogacki’s Huntsville Engine & Performance 582 cubic inch powerplant is transferred through a BTE 10” torque converter and BTE Top Dragster powerglide transmission. Bogacki has depended exclusively on BTE products for nearly 15 seasons.
In the driver’s compartment, Luke will once again rely on the Auto Meter Multi-Function Data Logger for his in-dash display and download needs. Within the Auto Meter MFDL, he monitors basic functions like oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, fuel pressure and vacuum. He also keeps a close eye on readings that he says play a big part in dialing his combination to the 8.90 index.
“The 02 sensor is probably my biggest tuning aid, particularly on the throttle stop,” Bogacki said. “We also play close attention to the driveshaft rpm, transmission temperature, and the built-in G-meters. This is information that the average racer without the Auto Meter MFDL system doesn’t have access to; but it has really sped up my learning curve over the years, particularly in ‘super’ class competition.”
Bogacki will also continue to use a K&R Performance Engineering Pro-Cube Delay Box and K&R Severe Duty Switch Panel to control all of the electronic functions of the new machine. He’ll select gears thanks to a B&M Stealth Pro-Bandit shifter controlled by a Dixie Racing Products electric shift solenoid.
The carbon-fiber hoodscoop, mounting tray, and air filter come from K&N Engineering. The professionals at Todd’s Extreme Paint handled the body work and paint of the new machine, as they have the last several of Bogacki’s competition vehicles. The majority of components used on the car were purchased at JEGS.com, and Bogacki also leaned on Nitrous Express, ISC Racer’s Tape, and Charlie Stewart Race Cars for small products and assistance.
“It’s always good to have new equipment that’s on the cutting edge of technology,” Bogacki said. “I think most of us as sportsman racers are not under the assumption that a class like Super Comp requires the forward thinking of a professional category, but there are always technological advancements. The trick, for me, is updating equipment to take advantage of the constantly evolving landscape of technology, while at the same time using the knowledge and data that I’ve built up over the last decade as a platform. So in the end, a new car is always a combination of some new ideas and some tried and true components and principles.”
Bogacki’s new ride is a 240” swing-arm model from American Race Cars in Millbury, OH.
“This is my first 240-inch car, my past dragsters have always been 235” Bogacki said. “Mark (Horton, of American Race Cars) has been trying to talk me into a longer car for a couple years, and after seeing some scale figures from one I finally gave in.”
The chassis features Mickey Thompson Wheels and Tires, including the company’s popular 3183 (33.5 x 16.5-16) racing slick. Bogacki monitors air pressure thanks to the innovative AirTek pressure control system, which he’ll stock on his trailer in 2013 and beyond. Moser Engineering components make up the entire rear end assembly, as Bogacki will rely on a Moser M9 housing, complete aluminum 3rd member, 40-Spline axles, and Moser’s new line of Performance Drag Brakes. Suspension demands are handled by a single Ohlins TTX-36 series shock and spring.
The machine is powered by a brand new all-aluminum 582 cubic-inch Huntsville Engine.
“The guys at HEPC are building me a new 632-inch engine with the BRODIX SR20 heads,” explained Bogacki, “but it wasn’t ready in time for Pomona. We actually built this 582 for my Charlie Stewart Race Cars ’63 Corvette Super Gas car, but I slid it over in the dragster to start the season. I’m actually very impressed with it; I ran 8.89 at 177 mph in Pomona. Nonetheless, I plan to swap out and install the SR20 engine following this introductory western swing.”
The 582 cubic inch motor currently in the car features a BRODIX aluminum block, a set of BRODIX Head Hunter cylinder heads, and BRODIX manifold. Bogacki enlisted Nitroplate to coat the intake manifold, valve covers, and accessories in their low-temp black finish. A Crane Cams camshaft and lifters operate Jesel shaft rocker arms and rotates thanks to a Jesel Belt Drive system. Wiseco pistons provide necessary compression (roughly 15:1), which is then exhausted by a set of Hedman Hedders coated by Nitroplate. A Milodon oiling system pushes Lucas Oil 20w/50 race oil through a K&N oil filter, while the J&J Performance engine diaper surrounds the bottom end should disaster strike. Bogacki cools the engine thanks to a Dedenbear remote water pump, water header, and expansion tank (also coated by Nitroplate) which are plumbed using ANO-Tuff hose and fittings from Earl’s Performance Products.
Luke will pump Renegade 116+ Racing Fuel into the tank thanks to a Flo-Fast management system. The sleek Earl’s black ANO-Tuff components carry Renegade racing fuel to a belt-driven APD fuel pump with a built-in bypass regulator, and then on to an APD 1050 carburetor that is built specifically for throttle stop applications. Currently, an electric Dedenbear throttle stop controls the air/fuel mixture entering the motor, which allows Bogacki to hit the 8.90 Super Comp index.
“With all of the new developments in throttle stop technology, I’m very excited about testing some new products this year,” beamed Bogacki. “We’ll start off with the tried and true Dedenbear electric stop that I’ve had great success with in the past. At some point early in the season, however, we’ll be testing a new Dedenbear stop, and I’ll be working with John Kyle of APD to test his new line of carburetors with the throttle stop built in. I’m really looking forward to see what we come up with on those items, because I really like the ingenuity and forward thinking that went into both of them.”
Power from Bogacki’s Huntsville Engine & Performance 582 cubic inch powerplant is transferred through a BTE 10” torque converter and BTE Top Dragster powerglide transmission. Bogacki has depended exclusively on BTE products for nearly 15 seasons.
In the driver’s compartment, Luke will once again rely on the Auto Meter Multi-Function Data Logger for his in-dash display and download needs. Within the Auto Meter MFDL, he monitors basic functions like oil pressure, water temperature, voltage, fuel pressure and vacuum. He also keeps a close eye on readings that he says play a big part in dialing his combination to the 8.90 index.
“The 02 sensor is probably my biggest tuning aid, particularly on the throttle stop,” Bogacki said. “We also play close attention to the driveshaft rpm, transmission temperature, and the built-in G-meters. This is information that the average racer without the Auto Meter MFDL system doesn’t have access to; but it has really sped up my learning curve over the years, particularly in ‘super’ class competition.”
Bogacki will also continue to use a K&R Performance Engineering Pro-Cube Delay Box and K&R Severe Duty Switch Panel to control all of the electronic functions of the new machine. He’ll select gears thanks to a B&M Stealth Pro-Bandit shifter controlled by a Dixie Racing Products electric shift solenoid.
The carbon-fiber hoodscoop, mounting tray, and air filter come from K&N Engineering. The professionals at Todd’s Extreme Paint handled the body work and paint of the new machine, as they have the last several of Bogacki’s competition vehicles. The majority of components used on the car were purchased at JEGS.com, and Bogacki also leaned on Nitrous Express, ISC Racer’s Tape, and Charlie Stewart Race Cars for small products and assistance.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
2012 Review and 2013 Preview
We're into our final weeks of 2012, and as we look forward to the coming year, we reflect on the past one.
The loss of one of our founders, Paul Barrentine, in the first weeks of January was a difficult event. Since the beginning, he helped build our company and watched over its growth. As a result, we've all needed to grow to attempt to fill the large area of responsiblities that he held. In 2013, I think we are all ready to make him very proud.
We contined to have a lot of success with our wide range of transmission and torque converter products in 2012. We shipped more transmission hard parts in 2012 than ever before to our end user racers, performance transmission re-builders, and other companies in our industry. Our new powerglide valve bodies, oil pumps, and all new Opel style 8" torque converters, continued to win races all around the world, and do it using 100% new manufactured parts. Unlike so many of our competitors, we make most of our products in our Mississippi manufacturing facility. Thank you to everyone for trusting us with your racing needs.
Congratulations to all of the racers who used our products in 2012 and found themselves in the winner's circle. There are literally too many to list in this blog posting. But we thank all of you, and we look forward to helping your racing teams in years to come. In addition, we want to congratulate all of the racing series with which we have long term partnerships: The BTE World Footbrake Challenge, The Hunstville Engine King of the Coast Series, The Ohio Crankshaft Nationals, and many other weekly programs at hometown tracks across the country.
We're laying the ground work for the 2013 season at this very moment. Our gear hobbers and CNCs are running at full speed to produce new TH400 shafts, gears, and other parts. We will continue to produce our wide selection of powerglide parts, but be ready for some new housing and gear set options before the summer arrives!
We at BTE / Memphis Performance wish everyone a happy holiday and a successful new year. Thank you for supporting us. We will see you all in 2013!
The loss of one of our founders, Paul Barrentine, in the first weeks of January was a difficult event. Since the beginning, he helped build our company and watched over its growth. As a result, we've all needed to grow to attempt to fill the large area of responsiblities that he held. In 2013, I think we are all ready to make him very proud.
Dad and I
We contined to have a lot of success with our wide range of transmission and torque converter products in 2012. We shipped more transmission hard parts in 2012 than ever before to our end user racers, performance transmission re-builders, and other companies in our industry. Our new powerglide valve bodies, oil pumps, and all new Opel style 8" torque converters, continued to win races all around the world, and do it using 100% new manufactured parts. Unlike so many of our competitors, we make most of our products in our Mississippi manufacturing facility. Thank you to everyone for trusting us with your racing needs.
Luke's Bogacki's Super Gas roadster
Congratulations to all of the racers who used our products in 2012 and found themselves in the winner's circle. There are literally too many to list in this blog posting. But we thank all of you, and we look forward to helping your racing teams in years to come. In addition, we want to congratulate all of the racing series with which we have long term partnerships: The BTE World Footbrake Challenge, The Hunstville Engine King of the Coast Series, The Ohio Crankshaft Nationals, and many other weekly programs at hometown tracks across the country.
We're laying the ground work for the 2013 season at this very moment. Our gear hobbers and CNCs are running at full speed to produce new TH400 shafts, gears, and other parts. We will continue to produce our wide selection of powerglide parts, but be ready for some new housing and gear set options before the summer arrives!
We at BTE / Memphis Performance wish everyone a happy holiday and a successful new year. Thank you for supporting us. We will see you all in 2013!
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