Cryogenic Treatment

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Jan 16, 2012 | 10:11 PM

LTX

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Cryogenic Treatment

Supposedly some engine builders do this to Strengthen Pistons, Rods, And Crank by nitro freezing them to -300F to modify the micro-structure of the material. Has Anyone done this?

Thanks

http://youtu.be/vPURmV8LHEM

Last edited by LTX; Jan 16, 2012 at 10:53 PM.

Jan 17, 2012 | 04:55 AM

Ballinonabudget

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Don't they cryo-treat brake rotors to make them stronger? This seems like a pretty cool idea if it truly works, I wonder what the cost is..

Jan 17, 2012 | 09:27 AM

nitrous2fast

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There is a shallow and deep cryo treatments.... most manufactures that do it only do a shallow...

Jan 17, 2012 | 09:54 AM

Jerry Clayton

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We've done it it on several things

300below in Decator , Illinois

And, yes, parts that have been cryoed do machine differently-----------

Jan 17, 2012 | 09:55 AM

draggin97s10

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its been around in engine building for a long time.

Jan 17, 2012 | 02:35 PM

Purple Poncho

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I did it to the guts of my T56. IIRC it makes the metal 15% or 20% stronger.

Jan 17, 2012 | 03:13 PM

WS Sick

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As said it depends upon the degree of depth they cryo it, sometimes machining a part afterward removed the hardened metal. but of course you don't want them to go too deep as it will brittle the part. Chemical hardening is also an option that is used. All your fancy cranks and rods usually have been nitrated to a said depth.

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Jan 18, 2012 | 10:45 PM

stuart4185

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From: baltimore maryland

cryo and thermal coatings. if you have an indy car, its worth a girl hair of horsepower. if you have a street car, its money better spent elsewhere

Jan 19, 2012 | 12:24 AM

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StraightTimeStirrups

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Quote:

Originally Posted by stuart4185

cryo and thermal coatings. if you have an indy car, its worth a girl hair of horsepower. if you have a street car, its money better spent elsewhere

Agreed, I had a friend get some high end stereo equipment cryo'd. When he went for the initial meeting the guy gave him a razor blade to try out to see how long it would last. He was still using it 6 months later. Whether its worth the cost for a normal guy, probably not!

Jan 19, 2012 | 05:49 AM

#11

Greaseymec

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I've cryoed key parts of my 4l60e. Seems to holding quite well.

Mec

Jan 19, 2012 | 09:16 PM

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killerz97

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Has anybody seen a noticeable difference in strength? Maybe Jerry could chime in since he has some first hand experience?

Jan 19, 2012 | 10:05 PM

#13

1badzee

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If there is really such a significant benefit in strength, the prices are damn well worth it IMO, especially for someone looking for a bit of additional strength without breaking the bank. Was quoted $130 to do a crank, $7.50 per connecting rod and about $340 for a bare block.

Jan 19, 2012 | 10:49 PM

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1963SS

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There's a great article about cryo treatments in the last issue of engine professional magazine. Every thing you ever wanted to know.....and maybe more. I'm personally sold on the use of it for some key stressed components. Try this link and start reading on page 48....I think. It's the whole mag online. Just check in the index if page 48 isn't right.

http://www.aera.org/ep/EPQ4-2011/index.html