cryogenic freezing engine parts

[Martin Greaves]

What do you guys think about this.

[TexasTom]

I believe ...

Back when I had my 'Super Street' engine, we had the heads cryoed. Fred (Simpson, Performance Technology) said they held a finish longer on the seats and just plain stayed together longer. Springs also lasted much longer (2-3X) ...
I've also heard very good things about cryoing tranny parts.

[Lee.C]

There has been talk about this one on here before (I think )

From what I have read is does work - something about lining up/re-alining the molecules Please tell me if I am talking crap 

[dangerous]

I prefer ACTUAL improvements in processes, not imaginary.

[TexasTom]

This how it works ... not rocket science ... then agian, maybe it IS!
First of all, if you could see the molecular structure of most forgings, they are quite erratic in spacing ... the molecules are spaced erratically and NOT uniform so the structure is inconsistant. Even when machined, the surface will have smooth spots seperated by voids of materials/molecules making the surface rather moon-like.
When frozen to the level they take it (we're not talking refrig/freezer temps here ... far closer to, but not ABSOLUTE ZERO), the molecules are moved much closer together. Then, as the warming process is begun, the molecules space out in a uniform manner so that the structure and surface is FAR more even and uniform. this increases strength between molecules and thus in the whole of the structure/form itself!
Obviously, we are talking on a MOLECULAR level, so any diference made in the surface or form itself will, most likely, NOT deviate from the given structure/specification it was made to originally.
A simple process that reconforms the inconsistancies created by heat treating processes we use FOR INCREASED STRENGTH!

Makes sense to me ... 

[TexasTom]

Imagine a NERF ball ... all the molecules that form it's form are loose and inconsistantly spaced ...
You grab it and compress it in your hand (the freezing process) so that the particles that make it what it is/was are as closely spaced as they can be .... PUSH HARDER!
Now, very gradually and evenly, let up on the form so the particles can reform the 'ball' in a uniform manner ... they will reconform so their spacing is more optimum and even, thus increased strenth and durability.

Make sense? Not much imagination required and the results are REAL.
 

[kingsburgphil]

Saturn 1.9 motors used con rods that were cast in one piece, then super chilled in liquid nitrogen.  After which the rod caps were then "broken" off the rod.
The result was perfect alignment between the rod and cap. If you kept oil in it they were reliable, as far as con rods are concerned. 

[Lee.C]

Thanks Tom - I thought it was something like that 

Also "Fractured" Rod are common place on Vauxhall's from about 1998 onwards - I always thought it was a Much better idea, Thats why I like the SPG one piece rods 

[Torben Alstrup]

Hello.
Aluminum in general does not benefit as miuch as harder ferris products. But it is correct that springs, seats etc. can benefit greatly from the procedure.
Where it really matters are the pistons, cylinders and studs. You get increased ability to stay round, wall life is typically increased with 25 - 30 % plus you typically get 1-2% more power due to the cylinder being more rigid and blowby is reduced.
The gocart industry uses this proceedure a lot. Their "max power" period is typically extended with 8-10 hours, which is a lot in those circles.
T

[Harry/FDK]

Imagine a NERF ball ... all the molecules that form it's form are loose and inconsistantly spaced ...
You grab it and compress it in your hand (the freezing process) so that the particles that make it what it is/was are as closely spaced as they can be .... PUSH HARDER!
Now, very gradually and evenly, let up on the form so the particles can reform the 'ball' in a uniform manner ... they will reconform so their spacing is more optimum and even, thus increased strenth and durability.

Make sense? Not much imagination required and the results are REAL.
 

Correct, i'm "studying" the treatment for years and you only see positive results. It's just that i can't find nobody in Europe doing small numbers of "production".

Regards,
Harry

[Martin]

This company does it in Mansfield

results are all good. 

http://www.195below.co.uk/Index.html