SCAT

Innovation for the automotive aftermarket industry

News

Shop Talk with Steve Brulé

by

 

The AFR and SCAT team recently sat down with industry icon, Steve Brulé. A veteran in the aftermarket automotive space, Steve performs countless dyno tests for Hot Rod magazine and on his show, Engine Masters, co-hosted with David Freiburger and Steve Dulcich.

Listen to our in-depth interview with Steve where we learn more about how Westech Performance got started, industry stories and his experience using AFR cylinder heads, SCAT crankshafts and connecting rods.

​

About SCAT Enterprises

SCAT was founded in 1964 by Tom Lieb, who ran a parts business out of his parents’ garage while still in college. Over 50 years later, SCAT Enterprises offers a wide range of products under the SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT brands. In addition to a comprehensive line of crankshaft options, the brand offers high-quality connecting rods and rotating assemblies for a wide variety of applications, including Small and Big Block Chevy, Chevy LS, Small and Big Block Ford, Ford Modular, Vintage Ford, Small and Big Block Chrysler, Modern Hemi, Pontiac, Sport Compact, Motorcycle and Industrial. Additionally, SCAT Crankshafts can make a crankshaft from a raw billet to a finished crankshaft in its Redondo Beach, California, manufacturing facility.

Procar by SCAT, founded in 1980, offers stylish, comfortable aftermarket seats at an affordable price. Clean, classic lines are the hallmark of a Procar seat, which complements any auto – including street rod, cruiser, pony car, muscle car, off-road buggy, truck, or sport compact. Procar seats are easy to install with custom mounting brackets available for over 3,000 applications. The all-steel, TIG-welded frames are coated for ultimate strength and durability, while premium-grade fabrics and stitching will stand the test of time. Each Procar seat is built for style and most importantly, optimal comfort.

For more information visit www.scatcrankshafts.com and www.procarbyscat.com

 

About Air Flow Research

Founded in 1970 by Ken Sperling, Air Flow Research pioneered the process of CNC porting cylinders heads which is now common practice in today’s automotive industry. Over the last 45 years we have been defining technological leadership and flow dynamics in the pursuit of increased performance. This commitment has enabled Air Flow Research to find themselves on the fastest race cars and the most powerful street machines in the country.

Utilizing modern manufacturing techniques and the latest in machinery, such as a Browne & Sharpe Coordinate Measuring Machine, fifteen Haas’ 5-AXIS CNC machines, three Mazaks, four Newen Epoch valve machines, Two Mori Seiki 42 pallet systems, and three VF4 Haas machines. AFR stays true to this commitment by manufacturing each piece in our Valencia, California facility just 30 minutes north of Los Angeles.

For more information visit www.airflowresearch.com

AERA Conference at SCAT Enterprises

by

SCAT Crankshafts will be hosting the AERA Tech & Skills Regional Conference at its manufacturing facility in Redondo Beach, California, on May 14, 2022! You don’t need to be an AERA member to attend this conference.

Attendees of AERA will enjoy technical sessions with Q&A featuring speakers like:

  • Alex Gonzalez, RaceTec Pistons: “Solutions to Modern Piston Demands”
  • Lake Speed Jr, Total Seal Piston Rings: “What’s Changed and Why? The Evolution of Piston Rings and Cylinder Honing”
  • Tom Lieb, SCAT Enterprises: “Flat-Plane Crankshafts vs. Cross-Plane Crankshafts”
  • Chris Sperling, AFR Cylinder Heads: “Modern Cylinder Head Design and Technology”

To register, click visit AERA’s website.

For the full AERA Tech & Skills Regional Conference schedule, download the schedule.

AERA sponsors Tech & Skills Regional Conferences in order to provide technical presentations and unique shop skills instruction to all who attend. Everyone in business owes it to themselves and their business to gain knowledge and network with people within the same industry. AERA understands that traveling to national trade shows to gain knowledge and networking opportunities can be expensive, so by teaming up with a regional host, like SCAT Enterprises in California, AERA can offer these opportunities closer to members’ homes and places of business.

About AERA

The AERA Engine Builders Association is the preeminent technical resource and industry voice for internal combustion engine builders, remanufacturers, machine shops, OEMs, suppliers and service providers worldwide. Established in 1922, AERA is the industry’s oldest and most authoritative organization, serving an international membership made up of thousands of small and large businesses serving industries ranging from mining and manufacturing to Formula 1 racing.

As an industry representative, AERA acts as an influential voice, promoting the common interests of its members by educating and informing the public, and advocating sensible government policies that support an industry that is a critical component of local, nation and global economies.

As a technical organization, AERA provides engine specifications and technical assistance for internal combustion engines manufactured worldwide. Its world-class staff of experts and vast technical libraries provide AERA members with unparalleled access to information, expertise and assistance regarding engines and internal components of every conceivable size and use.
​

Jeff Jones Racing Powered by SCAT Enterprises

by

Jeff Jones Racing debuted a more powerful and lighter 370Z for the 2022 Formula Drift season opener in Long Beach. The 427 CID LS3 engine, built by Custom Performance Racing Engines, features a SCAT rotating assembly with center counterweighted crankshaft, which can withstand up to 1,500 horsepower. Topped off with a pair of AFR’s Mongoose 260cc cylinder heads, Jones’ supercharged engine is meant for serious competition and high RPM.

“As with any new build, there were many learning curves. We didn’t get a lot of seat time prior to competition. We only had one testing session prior to event load in. During the official FD practice, we got to this brand-new beast,” said Jones.

The Jeff Jones Racing team finished Round 1 in 32nd place, but this is just the beginning for the race team this season. In 2021, Jones achieved a final four finish, two great 8s and a first place podium finish at the Long Beach Grand Prix Super Drift Challenge.

Everyone at SCAT and AFR expect great things from Jeff and the rest of his team as they head into Round 2 at Drift Atlanta presented by Bud Light Next, May 6-7, 2022, at Michelin Raceway in Georgia.

 
 
 

SCAT at LS Fest West, April 22-24, 2022

by

If you’re at LS Fest West this month, stop by the SCAT Crankshafts, Procar by SCAT and Air Flow Research booth to check out our latest products and enter to win some incredible giveaways from both SCAT and AFR.

Attendees will have the chance to win a pair of any AFR LS cylinder heads or a set of Procar Terrain seats.

LS Fest West, also known as Holley LS Fest, is taking place April 22-24, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  The event is the go-to event for fans of the GM LS engine platform. Attendees can check out products from a wide variety of vendors featuring products specifically designed for race cars, street cars, muscle cars, trucks, late models, drift cars, pre runners, Ultra 4 buggies and more! There will also be classes and experiences including drag racing classes, autocross, 3S challenge, Show-N-Shine, Sac Speed Shop donut pit, dyno challenge, burnout contest, an off-road course and more.

SCAT Enterprises: An American Crankshaft Company

by

SCAT Enterprises founder Tom Lieb talks about the early days of the aftermarket business and starting SCAT, an American crankshaft company.

In the video, The Beginning of an American Crankshaft Company, Lieb walks us through his teen years of tinkering on engines, talks about car culture of the late 1950s, and details how he first got into the automotive industry.

Started in 1964, SCAT Enterprises has since become a brand with international influence in the automotive aftermarket space. In addition to connecting rods, SCAT produces high-quality cast, forged, and billet steel crankshafts for the automotive racing industry.  All SCAT crankshafts feature American machining completed in SCAT’s Redondo Beach, California, facility. Lieb is a pioneer in the automotive aftermarket space, having designed and produced parts for the auto industry’s most-famous companies and engine platforms.

Camrie Caruso to Rep SCAT Enterprises at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

by

Rookie Standout Camrie Caruso will Rep Air Flow Research, SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals

DENVER, NC (March 23, 2022) — As the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series begins to pick up speed, Pro Stock rookie driver Camrie Caruso continues to succeed on and off the track. The 24-year-old racer from Denver, North Carolina, will experience the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals for the first time with a new look Chevrolet Camaro featuring the branding of Air Flow Research (AFR), SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT. Caruso has been hard at work since January improving her driving skills and introducing new companies to the NHRA’s diverse fanbase. The alliance with Air Flow Research, SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT is another example of Caruso’s marketing savvy.

 

“We have been talking with the team at Air Flow Research, SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT about getting involved with our program for a while,” said Caruso, who has qualified at all three NHRA national events in 2022 and advance to the quarterfinals the past two races. “They are the aftermarket go-to seat for Chevrolet Camaros so this relationship was literally a perfect fit. When you add in the backing of Air Flow Research and SCAT Crankshafts with their long history in Pro Stock, I could not be more excited to represent these companies.”

 

Air Flow Research pioneered the process of CNC porting cylinders heads. Over the last 52 years they have been defining technological leadership and flow dynamics in the pursuit of increased performance. This commitment has enabled AFR to find themselves on the fastest race cars like Caruso’s Pro Stock Camaro with Titan Racing Engine power and the most powerful street machines in the country. Utilizing modern machining techniques and the latest in machinery, AFR stays true to this commitment by machining each piece in our Valencia, California facility just 30 minutes north of Los Angeles.

 

Ken Sperling, who started AFR in 1970, has a long list of accomplishments attached to his name and worked with early pro stock pioneers making more power with names like Grumpy Jenkins, Bob Glidden, Warren Johnson, and Frank Iaconio.

 

“All three brands have a long history of competing in and supporting motorsports,” Alex George, Air Flow Research Marketing Coordinator, said. “We are proud to be partnering with Camrie Caruso and the Caruso Family Racing team for the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals. After working with Camrie, Marc, Eric and the team last year we got to know Camrie and felt she would be a great ambassador for our company. Our team members and customers love NHRA drag racing and we can’t wait to see the Procar by Scat Camaro on the track in 2022.”

 

Procar by SCAT is the official seat of the COPO Camaro. Their seats can take consumers from the street to the track and provide the comfort and quality needed for anything they want to do in their street or race car. They are the industry leader in style, comfort and quality at an affordable price.  The clean, classic lines complement the interior of any automobile, street rod, cruiser, pony car, muscle car, off-road buggy, truck or sport compact. Ergonomically shaped cushions, made with high-density, injection-molded foam, ensure comfort with the proper support.

 

“We are your high-performance headquarters. From mild to wild, SCAT and AFR have products of the ultimate quality, durability, and reliability for any engine build. We have been the brand that engine builders trust to take their customers to the next level for the past 50 plus years,” added George.

 

SCAT has been a leading manufacturer of high-performance crankshafts, connecting rods and rotating assemblies used in the performance automotive aftermarket. SCAT was founded in 1964 by Tom Lieb, and for over 50 years has a long history of bringing innovation to the automotive aftermarket. Today SCAT provides the broadest selection of high-quality and high-performance crankshafts, connecting rods and rotating assemblies in the industry.

 

Caruso will debut the Air Flow Research, SCAT Crankshaft, Procar by SCAT Chevrolet Camaro on Friday, April 1 with two qualifying runs followed by two more qualifying sessions on Saturday, April 2. Final eliminations will commence on Sunday, April 3 with Caruso chasing her first Pro Stock national event win at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

About Camrie Caruso/Caruso Family Racing
Camrie Caruso is a third-generation driver with Caruso Family Racing. The 24-year-old Pro Stock rookie is following the career path of her father, former Pro Mod racer Marc Caruso and her grandfather, “Papa Joe” Caruso, who competed in Super Gas, Top Sportsman, and Pro Mod. Racing a Chevrolet Camaro with power provided by Titan Racing Engines Caruso will race the full NHRA Camping World Series schedule as she chases Rookie of the Year honors and her first world championship. She first got behind the wheel of a race car when she was eight years old competing in the NHRA Junior Dragster League. She has continued to move up through the NHRA competition classes for over a decade rising to Top Alcohol Dragster as well as Elite Top Dragster and Pro Outlaw 632 in the PDRA. Caruso has a Finance degree as well as a Marketing degree from SUNY Empire State College. In 2018 she was recognized by Drag Illustrated magazine as a 30 Under 30, drag racing personality. When she is not at the track, she is handling the marketing for Titan Racing Engines.

 

​

Eric Weingartner tours SCAT and AFR

by

Eric Weingartner, owner of Weingartner Racing LLC, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, visits California to tour SCAT Enterprises and Air Flow Research. Watch for the full video tour of the facilities on Eric’s YouTube channel.

 

 

About SCAT Enterprises

SCAT was founded in 1964 by Tom Lieb, who ran a parts business out of his parents’ garage while still in college. Over 50 years later, SCAT Enterprises offers a wide range of products under the SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT brands. In addition to a comprehensive line of crankshaft options, the brand offers high-quality connecting rods and rotating assemblies for a wide variety of applications, including Small and Big Block Chevy, Chevy LS, Small and Big Block Ford, Ford Modular, Vintage Ford, Small and Big Block Chrysler, Modern Hemi, Pontiac, Sport Compact, Motorcycle and Industrial. Additionally, SCAT can make a crankshaft from a raw billet to a finished crankshaft in their Redondo Beach, California, manufacturing facility.

Procar by SCAT, founded in 1980, offers stylish, comfortable aftermarket seats at an affordable price. Clean, classic lines are the hallmark of a Procar seat, which complements any auto – including street rod, cruiser, pony car, muscle car, off-road buggy, truck, or sport compact. Procar seats are easy to install with custom mounting brackets available for over 3,000 applications. The all-steel, TIG-welded frames are coated for ultimate strength and durability, while premium-grade fabrics and stitching will stand the test of time. Each Procar seat is built for style and most importantly, optimal comfort.

For more information visit www.scatcrankshafts.com and www.procarbyscat.com

About AFR

Over the last half-century, AFR has defined technological leadership and flow dynamics in the pursuit of increased performance for racing and street vehicles. The company proudly manufactures the majority of its components in house at its Valencia, California facility, from cylinder heads, intake manifolds and parts for a variety of customers in the performance automotive aftermarket. AFR’s early years were defined by the high-powered porting of cylinder heads with innovative techniques such as fast burning chambers, D-shaped big block Chevy exhaust ports, hurricane chambers, and CNC cylinder heads. AFR quickly established itself as a premier supplier to the fastest race teams in the country. AFR advanced to full production of cylinder heads in the early 1990s by incorporating advanced high-density cast aluminum technology into its production process. This feature allows the company to maintain full control of the design and porting technology and makes their aluminum cylinder heads available to a much broader customer base. AFR’s dedication to lean principles of continuous improvement has positioned the company as a leader for the foreseeable future. AFR continues to invest in the horsepower of tomorrow with new manufacturing technology, complex dyno testing, and proprietary CFD flow design methods. Keeping with its tradition of quality performance, AFR is committed to nurturing a new generation of racers and engineers to meet the demands of tomorrow’s engine builders.  For more information on AFR, please visit www.airflowresearch.com.

 

Letter from Tom Lieb

by

To our valued customers, suppliers, friends and employees:

 

As I reflect on my 60-plus years as owner and founder of SCAT Enterprises, Inc and the many customers, suppliers, friends and employees I have met and worked with, I realize how truly rewarding this journey has been.

 

Since my son Peter’s untimely death seven years ago, I have been approached many times to sell SCAT.  These proposals included organizational changes, moving our facility, and plans that would disrupt the business and put my employees’ livelihood at risk. I have held off selling until I was assured the employees that have made SCAT a success would be well taken care of.

 

I have decided to sell the Crankshaft and Procar businesses to Taglich Private Equity, LLC. Please refer to the attached press release for more information on the buyer, who is the same investment group that purchased Air Flow Research.

 

Taglich Private Equity has signed a five-year lease on our current SCAT building and has no plans to move SCAT or to change anything we do. They will focus on our strengths, introduce new products and continue to grow the business.

 

All key members of management will remain in control of SCAT, and it truly will be business as usual.  I will continue to assist the Crankshaft and Procar businesses in a consultant role for the next 12 months at a minimum, and longer if needed.

 

I want to assure all of you that we will continue to provide the same high-quality crankshafts, connecting rods, and seating systems, with a continued focus on customer service and technical support. If you have questions about the transition, I am always available for a phone call.

 

To all who have been part of this journey, my family and I thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Tom

SCAT Enterprises and Air Flow Research to Join Forces

by

Redondo Beach, CA – SCAT Enterprises, LLC (“SCAT”) is proud to announce that it has been acquired by Taglich Private Equity, LLC (“TPE”), who recently acquired Air Flow Research Heads, Inc., a leading manufacturer of cylinder heads and intake manifolds for the high-performance automotive aftermarket. For over 50 years, SCAT has been a leading manufacturer of high-performance crankshafts, connecting rods and rotating assemblies used in the performance automotive aftermarket. The transaction includes the Procar by SCAT seating division. SCAT’s management team will remain in place along with SCAT’s production facility and employees, located at its headquarters in Redondo Beach, CA.

SCAT was founded in 1964 by Tom Lieb, and for over 50 years has a long history of bringing innovation to the automotive aftermarket. Today SCAT provides the broadest selection of high quality and high-performance crankshafts, connecting rods and rotating assemblies in the industry.  Procar makes a wide range of high-quality seats and seat brackets used in the hot rod, muscle car and street racing segments.

Tom Lieb will remain involved in the business going forward, and SCAT’s current COO, Craig Schenasi, will become CFO of the combined companies and an owner in the business. SCAT has held a dominant position in performance automotive aftermarket since its inception, and Tom’s knowledge of crankshafts, connecting rods and engine components has made him an industry icon. The company’s commitment to excellence has earned its products a place within the fastest race cars and with the best engine builders in the country.

“Completing this sale doesn’t represent the end, but merely another step in SCAT’s long and successful history,” stated Tom Lieb. “We are excited about partnering with AFR and continuing to build on the foundation that we have built over the years.” Shawn Sterling, who will be the CEO of AFR and SCAT stated, “SCAT has a fantastic brand, strong team and an impressive legacy, which we are fortunate to add to our company. I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with and learn from Tom, Craig, and the rest of the team at SCAT. We believe that the AFR, SCAT and Procar brands will create a lot of synergies for our customers while providing tremendous growth opportunities for our employees. We will focus on our customers’ and employees’ successes, as we believe this is the key to our future growth, both organically and through acquisitions of other performance aftermarket companies.”

Will Morris, Managing Director of Taglich Private Equity, stated, “We are very excited about the SCAT acquisition and honored to partner with Tom Lieb and the team at SCAT who have built an amazing business over the past 50 years. We continue to be very interested in exploring additional add-on acquisition opportunities in the high-performance automotive aftermarket to accelerate growth and build upon our product offerings.” Financing for the transaction was arranged by Taglich Private Equity with equity provided by Taglich and Farragut Capital Partners, who also provided subordinated debt. Byline Bank provided the senior debt financing.  The Spartan Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to SCAT.  Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar acted as legal advisor and Moss Adams acted as due diligence advisor to Taglich.

About SCAT Enterprises

SCAT was founded in 1964 by Tom Lieb, who ran a parts business out of his parents’ garage while still in college. Over 50 years later, SCAT Enterprises offers a wide range of products under the SCAT Crankshafts and Procar by SCAT brands. In addition to a comprehensive line of crankshaft options, the brand offers high-quality connecting rods and rotating assemblies for a wide variety of applications, including Small and Big Block Chevy, Chevy LS, Small and Big Block Ford, Ford Modular, Vintage Ford, Small and Big Block Chrysler, Modern Hemi, Pontiac, Sport Compact, Motorcycle and Industrial. Additionally, SCAT can make a crankshaft from a raw billet to a finished crankshaft in their Redondo Beach, California, manufacturing facility.

Procar by SCAT, founded in 1980, offers stylish, comfortable aftermarket seats at an affordable price. Clean, classic lines are the hallmark of a Procar seat, which complements any auto – including street rod, cruiser, pony car, muscle car, off-road buggy, truck, or sport compact. Procar seats are easy to install with custom mounting brackets available for over 3,000 applications. The all-steel, TIG-welded frames are coated for ultimate strength and durability, while premium-grade fabrics and stitching will stand the test of time. Each Procar seat is built for style and most importantly, optimal comfort.

For more information visit www.scatcrankshafts.com and www.procarbyscat.com

About AFR

Over the last half-century, AFR has defined technological leadership and flow dynamics in the pursuit of increased performance for racing and street vehicles. The company proudly manufactures the majority of its components in house at its Valencia, California facility, from cylinder heads, intake manifolds and parts for a variety of customers in the performance automotive aftermarket. AFR’s early years were defined by the high-powered porting of cylinder heads with innovative techniques such as fast burning chambers, D-shaped big block Chevy exhaust ports, hurricane chambers, and CNC cylinder heads. AFR quickly established itself as a premier supplier to the fastest race teams in the country. AFR advanced to full production of cylinder heads in the early 1990s by incorporating advanced high-density cast aluminum technology into its production process. This feature allows the company to maintain full control of the design and porting technology and makes their aluminum cylinder heads available to a much broader customer base. AFR’s dedication to lean principles of continuous improvement has positioned the company as a leader for the foreseeable future. AFR continues to invest in the horsepower of tomorrow with new manufacturing technology, complex dyno testing, and proprietary CFD flow design methods. Keeping with its tradition of quality performance, AFR is committed to nurturing a new generation of racers and engineers to meet the demands of tomorrow’s engine builders.  For more information on AFR, please visit www.airflowresearch.com .

About Taglich Private Equity, LLC

Taglich Private Equity is a financial sponsor which has been investing since 2001 in lower middle market manufacturing, business service and consumer product companies. Taglich has completed transactions totaling over $650 million funded primarily with capital provided by Taglich Brothers, Inc., a full-service brokerage firm managing capital in both public and private investments. Taglich focuses on finding sound investment opportunities with capable management and delivering significant growth resources and capital to portfolio investments. For more information on Taglich Private Equity LLC please visit www.taglichpe.com.