Cryogencially treated parts?
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Cryogencially treated parts?
Has anyone here had any experience with cryogenically treated (supercooled) parts? I've read a great deal about them and it appears to (in some cases) dramatically strengthen the treated parts. Turbos that used to fail after 6 tractor pull runs were now lasting over 100 pulls. Ditto for rods, pistons, and even whole engine blocks.
Has anyone tried this? Just how expensive can it get?
Has anyone tried this? Just how expensive can it get?
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Nashville
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Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,445
From: Seattle, WA
Cost isn't too bad, depending on part and application. I had rear rotors done for $25/each, same with the fronts. cross-drilled and 3 years later they're still looking great. 
Due to the nature of this process I'd imagine the best gains you'll see are from shearing forces and surface wear/rubbing. I wouldn't really consider this even close to say an upgrade in alloy strength or the use of forging over cast materials (i.e. incase your considering dropping one for the other).
Take manufacturer claims with a grain of salt (most of the reviews and internet-stuff is from those in the commercial side of the industry), although there definitely benefits to it.
Obviously the benefits arn't nearly as great as using an exotic forging/machining technique, or even a uber-alloy... but for $3 what do you expect?
The science seems very "plausable" and my chem background wants to belive it's a good deal... but is it worth cryo-treating a whole engine for $800? probably not. Bearings, wrist pins, and valve springs? maybe. As with any engine build, it really comes down to:
a) your goals
b) your budget
and c) your weakest link
Due to the nature of this process I'd imagine the best gains you'll see are from shearing forces and surface wear/rubbing. I wouldn't really consider this even close to say an upgrade in alloy strength or the use of forging over cast materials (i.e. incase your considering dropping one for the other).
Take manufacturer claims with a grain of salt (most of the reviews and internet-stuff is from those in the commercial side of the industry), although there definitely benefits to it.
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Obviously the benefits arn't nearly as great as using an exotic forging/machining technique, or even a uber-alloy... but for $3 what do you expect?
The science seems very "plausable" and my chem background wants to belive it's a good deal... but is it worth cryo-treating a whole engine for $800? probably not. Bearings, wrist pins, and valve springs? maybe. As with any engine build, it really comes down to:
a) your goals
b) your budget
and c) your weakest link
Last edited by Steve in Seattle; Mar 30, 2004 at 03:06 AM.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 97
From: Greenville,SC
I am using and experimenting with cryo'd parts. I recently did some testing with a 10 bolt rearend. With a LT1 6 speed car. The car made over 400rwhp, all motor. On ET Streets the car made 3 passes with 60' time around 1.68. On the 4th pass the axle broke. The parts that were treated were the axles, carrier, ring and pinion. I still have great faith in cyrogenincs and will still use it for added insurance. This was obviously and extreme test. At an extremely well hooking track.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
Cryoing axles normally don't work out as well as other parts. Not sure if they need to flex or whatnot, but it seems that cryo'd axles always snap. I am a huge believer in cryoing other parts though. Subaru racers cryo the tranny parts, and they last 150% longer. Thats a steal of a deal.
Noah
Noah
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