Mark Campbell

Crane Cams is pleased to introduce its new “MikroMax” line of performance ring and pinion gear sets for all types of racing and high performance street use. One of the very first places that the Mikronite surface finishing process proved its worth was on drag strips and circle tracks around the country. Back-to-back dynamometer testing has proven the Mikronite process provides significant drive wheel power improvements (9-14 hp increases on GM 7.5 10-bolts is not uncommon). The process also improves the strength of the gears by imparting a layer of compressive stress in the surface and near surface substrate. This translates into more runs (or laps) before excessive wear takes place. We have had “well modified” (420RWHP + 200HP Nitrous shot at the line) F-bodies make over 70, ¼ mile passes (and still counting!) when they were breaking the stock gears in 10 –14 passes. Differential gear oil temperature typically drops 20°F or more in a quarter-mile pass. Additionally, the Mikronite process results in a much “quieter” gear set; you don’t have to turn up the volume to enjoy your sound system! Finally, many people have noticed fuel economy improvements in the 6-8% range under normal driving conditions. We are in the process of rigorous testing to provide significant substantiation of this improvement.

We believe that “MikroMax” ring and pinion sets will offer a new performance opportunity to many enthusiasts. Rather than “changing out” an OEM rear axle assembly when power modifications threaten the ring and pinion; the MikroMax gear sets offer a reliable, quiet, much less expensive alternative to a larger differential assembly. Make no mistake, we are not saying that a MikroMax 7.5” 10-bolt gear set is stronger than a Ford 9”, but it might be a whole lot more convenient, more affordable, and “all that is necessary” for a given application. If you want a really strong Ford 9” or GM 12-bolt ring and pinion, you might want to consider a MikroMax gear set.

Check out what Warren Johnson has to say about Mikronite processed gears (in his own words) at www.mikromaxperformance.com. He went from 18-20 passes to well over 100 passes and the gears still look like new!!!

“MikroMax” is being marketed as a “Crane Cams Performance Brand” for products that we purchase and then utilize the patented Mikronite finishing process (it is not a coating) to add strength and a “chrome-like” finish, while reducing friction. We are starting with “performance gear sets” manufactured by Motive Gear. We chose Motive Gear because we have been processing all brands of ring and pinions for more than 3 years. This has enabled us to observe the quality of the end product of many different manufacturers. Motive Gear produces a product that is second to none. Motive Gear’s consistent level of quality is necessary for us for all of the obvious reasons, but there is an additional reason. The Mikronite process removes the black oxide coating that provides corrosion protection to all ring and pinions. At the same time, it exposes and highlights any manufacturing blemishes. When the process is complete, the gears look like expensive jewelry. We had to have a first rate gear set to process or our customers would think that our process was “banging up” their gears. We are very pleased to be associated with Motive Gear.

Please check out our new website www.mikromaxperformance.com and look over our online catalog. We are currently stocking what we think are the most popular applications and ratios; but we are able to process and offer any gear set made by Motive Gear. These gear sets are currently only available through the “MikroMaxPerformance” website and the Crane Cams Tech line (386-258-6174). We are interested in your comments, both public and private. Thanks to all of our customers for their use of Crane Cams Performance Products.

Mark Campbell
VP of Market and Product Development
Crane Cams Inc.