History of VT Competition Engine Development
July 1, 2002 VT Competition Engine Development opens its doors with a business plan to produce and develop 5.4 and 4.6 liter high performance engines based on Fords new popular modular platform. The original concept of the business came from a local racing engine builder (the V in VT) and a local businessman/enthusiast (the T in VT). The two business partners brought together their experience and laid out a business plan acquiring the best equipment, staff, and adding the financial backing to make VT Competition Engine Development happen.
The shop, then as it is now is a show place with a combination of the newest state of the art equipment and two of the oldest known machinist to operate them, David Weishaupt (Pops) and Mike Hoover. Mike and Pops still work here and were here before the engines were. They even helped assemble the shop right down to laying the tile floor in the front showroom. The shop itself was purpose built in a new facility in Lansing, Michigan. Mike and Pops started working on engine development using their past experience in both professional machining and racing. The shop had many notable customers and projects, like the VT Competition Engine Development Blown 03’ Marauder, a complete in-house built car.
The shop has had a few employees that have come and gone. In late 2003 VT Competition Engine Development hired Jim and then a few months later his brother Scott as sales consultants. They worked out of their home in Canada for VT Competition Engine Development.
In the middle of September 2004 another enthusiast Chris Bower purchased the assets of VT Competition Engine Development and sublet the building. He then opened VT Engine, Inc. and ran it off sight from his home in Canada. He kept the same employees in the Lansing, Michigan shop and concentrated on engine sales. He also hired Jim and Scott as sales consultants who still work for Chris and VT Engines, Inc.
On January 1, 2006 VT Engine, Inc. started the New Year off with another Scott. Scott Marrison started with plans to run the Dyno's and open up the unused repair portion of the facility as well as build and tune a car to obtain the record for the fastest naturally aspirated mod motor Mustang in the 1/4 mile. When Pops and Mike finished the engine they along with Scott M. tuned it and it is said to be the most powerful naturally aspirated mod motor ever Dyno'd at that time.
Scott M. then installed the engine and set up the chassis in the foxbody Mustang that belonged to Scott (from Canada) and the car went on to set the most powerful naturally aspirated mod motor pass record on its first ever 1/4 mile run in Hot Street trim on a stock suspension.
On February 21, 2007 the employees of VT Engine, Inc. were informed that all of the assets of the company were seized by the State of Michigan 30th District Court to be sold at auction by the Sheriff's Department to settle debts of VT Engine, Inc.
VT Engine, Inc. remains in business in Canada; however the assets of VT Engine, Inc. in Lansing, Michigan were sold at the Sheriff's auction on April 9, 2007 as directed by the courts to appease debtors.
On April 9, 2007 a new chapter opens for the employee's in Lansing, Michigan. ASI (Automotive Specialties Inc.) purchased the assets from the Sheriff's auction. ASI also purchased the original VT Competition Engine Development name and the remainder of the lease on the location in Lansing, Michigan.
ASI has hired the Lansing, Michigan staff to continue on at the Lansing, Michigan location. This is an exciting venture for the staff of VT Competition Engine Development because ASI brings to the table it's resources in not only business management but also gives us the ability to offer more customer services than ever before. ASI is a group of automotive performance related companies.
VT Competition Engine Development can now offer complete chassis shop services from Racefab (www.racefab-asi.com). Carbon fiber work from Defender Racing Body’s. Complete painting and restoration work from ASI's Auto Body Shop. Auto Specialties as well as automotive delivery serves from ASI Towing and Recovery. ASI will also be adding a second speed shop in the Lansing, Michigan store.
We have hired more staff to help in both the engine shop and the engine install/shop. VT Competition Engine Development is also starting new engine development programs with new research in cylinder heads, cams, and strokes. We are also upgrading our engine and chassis dyno equipment. We also welcome Jim Hanley to our engine development staff and Aaron our new A.S.E. Certified Mechanic.
VT Competition Engine Development is open in Lansing, Michigan.