Over
the past two decades, cryogenic processing has found a new home in the
arena of motorsports. NASCAR, NHRA, IRL, FIA World Rally, Formula
One, APBA, and many other organized bodies have teams using cryogenic
treatment in every area of their racing programs. What's not to
like about a process that can reduce parts breakage and downtime in your
race vehicles? Afterall, how can you win a race if you can't
finish it? Serious racers know this and use cryogenic processing's
many benefits to their advantage. Now you can take advantage of
these benefits as well.
The
applications for motorsports are almost innumerable... Many races field
vehicles that are almost entirely comprised of cryogenically treated
components! Anywhere there is a possibility of wear, whether it is
friction related, rolling, or impact; cryogenically treated components
will exhibit a measurable degree of increased durability.
Top
Performers in Cryogenics
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Engine
Blocks -
The
refined grain structure in engine blocks that have been processed
exhibit a highly increased resistance to wear and are much less
prone to stress fracturing. The tolerance may be held to a
higher standard because of the stabilizing ability of the
processing; i.e., reduced instances of core shift.
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Bearings
and Reciprocating Assemblies -
Cryogenically
treated bearings resist the adhesive wear properties that are
found in metal-to-metal contact and keep a true concentric shape
for a much longer period of time.
Crankshafts
are the other factor of the above equation; their much denser
grain structure after being treated allows them to resist the same
wear associated with the bearing and are much less prone to
scuffing that will eventually cause irregular bearing wear and
failure. The stress relieving characteristics of the process
reduce unwanted harmonics in cranks allowing for less vibration
and subsequently less chance of stress fracturing. It can
also ease in the balancing process with some treated parts
requiring less heavy metal for proper balance.
Rods
show a marked increase in tensile strength after being treated as
well as a significantly reduced likelihood of stress fracturing.
Pistons become highly resistant to scuffing and other forms of
adhesive wear along with the common benefit of reducing stress
fracturing, particularly important to those running forced
induction. The rings? You'll see a marked increase in
ring life translating into longer life, less leakdown, and MORE
POWER!
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Valvesprings
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The
most highly stressed component in an engine. Did you know
that the valvespring creates more heat than any other engine
component? Cryogenically treated springs stabilize at their
rated pressure and stay there for a much longer lifespan.
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Flat
Tappet Camshafts and Lifters -
The
fact that many classes require the use of flat tappet cams cause
us to examine the benefits this process can show on these highly
frictional wear pieces. Research shows a marked increase in
the lifespan of flat tappet cam lobes as well as the face of the
flat tappet lifters. This translates into a longer life and
more consistent valve timing.
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Ring
and Pinions and Other Gearing -
Cryogenically
treated gear sets can take much higher levels of abuse both from
impact and frictional wear. Transmissions and planetaries
show the same increases in longevity and the ability to withstand
abuse. |
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