Abstract: A vehicle step assembly which easily mounts to and removes from a motor vehicle and includes a main body portion and a pair of mounting brackets. The main body portion defines a step surface. The assembly further includes fasteners for attaching the main body portion to the mounting brackets as well as the brackets to the vehicle body or frame. The brackets attach to the vehicle through a downwardly facing tab and removable fasteners. The fasteners secure the bracket to the body or frame. The downwardly facing tabs help to carry and allow for easy installation and removal.

Abstract: A method for attaching a clutch pedal assembly to a vehicle with a brake pedal assembly for a manual transmission conversion from an automatic transmission application including extension of a brake support shaft laterally from an existing brake pedal assembly and through a clutch pedal supporting bushing and then further outward into engagement with a wall of the vehicle. Specifically, the outward end of the support shaft is insertably extended through a hole in the wall of the vehicle for supporting that end portion of the shaft. The method further includes utilizing a metal cutting edge or tip on the outward end of the support shaft such that rotation of the support shaft can drill the support hole in the vehicle wall.

Abstract: A phantom image is temporarily displayed on a body panel of a motor vehicle. The image appears under certain weather conditions and then vanish after a few moments. The image is created when a temperature dependent substance material is present on the body panel and a heat source is applied to the opposite side of the panel with an intervening insulated area in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The secondary wide open throttle induction system according to the invention includes a throttle body for use in an engine intake manifold having a primary intake and at least one secondary intake. The throttle body device associated with the secondary intake. The throttle body includes a channel having an inlet and an outlet, a throttle plate disposed within the channel, and a throttle control coupled to the throttle plate. The outlet is adapted to connect to a secondary intake in the engine intake manifold. The throttle control regulates the throttle body.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a crankshaft without the use of a signal from a dedicated crankshaft position sensor. The method includes the steps of providing a pulse sensor for generating a signal in response to the transmission of vibrations through the engine block; evaluating the signal generated by the pulse sensor to identify a series of combustion events, the series of combustion events being made up of a series of individual combustion events occurring in the plurality of cylinders, the individual combustion events taking place in a predetermined order; and evaluating the series of combustion events to identify a reference crankshaft position by correlating at least one of the individual combustion events to an associated one of the plurality of cylinders.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly which easily mounts to and removes from a motor vehicle and includes a main body portion and a pair of mounting brackets. The main body portion defines a step surface. The assembly further includes fasteners for attaching the main body portion to the mounting brackets as well as the brackets to the vehicle body or frame. The brackets attach to the vehicle through a downwardly facing tab and removable fasteners. The fasteners secure the bracket to the body or frame. The downwardly facing tabs help to carry and allow for easy installation and removal.

Abstract: An intake manifold with vacuum storage for a vehicle engine defined by an integrally formed enclosure assembly for the manifold and for the vacuum storage. The intake manifold portion of the enclosure assembly defines a plenum space and a plurality of branch runners fluidly connected to an air inlet for providing air flow into the associated engine. The vacuum storage portion of the enclosure assembly defines a storage space for vacuum. A passageway extends between the plenum space and the vacuum storage space and a check valve is provided therein to allow air flow from the vacuum storage space into the plenum space to block air flow from the plenum space into the vacuum storage space.

Abstract: A power steering fluid reservoir is provided which is formed integrally with an intake manifold. The intake manifold includes an inlet channel for allowing ambient air into the manifold. A plenum is fluidly connected with the inlet channel and the plenum provides a gaseous reservoir. A plurality of runners are fluidly connected with the plenum for distributing air to the cylinders of an engine. Integrally formed with the inlet channel, plenum, and runners is a power steering fluid reservoir. The power steering fluid reservoir is fluidly separated from the intake plenum by a common wall. The common wall allows for continuous cooling of the power steering fluid by an induced flow of ambient air through the plenum.

Abstract: A hood for closing an engine compartment of an automotive vehicle having at least one component in the compartment which it desired to subject to a flow of cooling air. The hood has an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel is shaped to form a channel. The outer panel overlies the channel to form a duct. The duct has an air inlet and an air outlet downstream from the air inlet. During forward motion of the vehicle, air will enter the air inlet and flow through the duct, exiting at the air outlet to subject the component to a flow of cooling air.

Abstract: A tool for visually indicating the relative crankshaft and piston position at top dead center for an internal combustion engine of the type having a threaded opening for a spark plug positioned above the piston's top surface. The tool consists of a base which has threads for attachment in the spark plug opening, an outer tubular member supported by the base to allow it to slide upward through the base in response to urging of the top of the piston moving toward the base but otherwise being frictionally secured to the base, and an inner member equal in the length dimension to the outer member and supported by the outer member in a manner allowing it to initially move upward with the outer tubular member as urged by the piston but also allowing it to move with the piston away from the base and the outer member whereby changes in the alignment of the exterior ends of the members indicates piston movement past top dead center.