general questions

[89IROC&RS]

it basiclly acts as an insulation, in a normal engine the coolant gets hot because the combustion energy turns to heat, and radiates into the metal of the engine and into the coolant, all that heat that is being lost is also lost energy, by putting these insulator coatings on the heat is reflected back into the chamber where that energy is used to push on the piston rather than being waisted. its worth a good 10-15hp at the flywheel i believe, but i am just guessing because i dont think ive seen back to back testing.

[Earlsfat]

Now wait a minute... Thermal coating on what.. Headers??? That's the only thing I've ever seen with thermal coatings. How would that reflect the energy back to a piston??? I thought they helped to reduce engine compartment temps and thereby reduce operating temps????

Am I missing something???

[89IROC&RS]

thermal coatings are also used on piston crowns, combustion chambers, valve faces, and exhaust ports, all the main areas that conduct heat away from combustion and into the engine. by coating all of these surfaces heat is kept in the combustion chamber where it exerts force on the piston, making more power, and keeping the intake charge, oil, and overall engine cooler.

[Earlsfat]

Is this like an aftermarket thing, or is it done to stock engines??? What's it run to have done???

I'm guessing a '74 454 wouldn't have had that done to it it, huh?

You smart guys... always making us dumb guys look dumb.

[Viper_Storm]

Originally Posted by Earlsfat

Is this like an aftermarket thing, or is it done to stock engines??? What's it run to have done???

I'm guessing a '74 454 wouldn't have had that done to it it, huh?

You smart guys... always making us dumb guys look dumb.

lol... you could always look at it my way... dumber ppl make dump ppl look smart...

[Earlsfat]

I'm feeling smart already!!! (jkg)

[89IROC&RS]

lol no, to my knowledge thermal coatings are stricktly aftermarket, however anti friction coatings are being used in some production vehicles. i think nissan put anti friction coatings on its altima and it was worth something like 20hp.

and no, the 454 most likely does not have the coatings.

[MPe488]

how expensive would all of these mods be, and do you guys think they would affect engine life (on the 3.8 I hope to get soon if you need to know)

I happen to be looking at the same thing Mike is, I want my maro to have the best gas mileage possible, cause right now I get about 27 to a gallon so buying a maro is gonna kill me in the insurance and gas department

[92zcamaroperson]

93 should have roller rockers and thats a bit far to go to not get much out of it. Unless you went ahead and put in new springs and seals. If its got a lot of miles that would help.