Honing Torque Plate

[nomadman2001]

There has been a lot of discussion as to whether or not a torque plate is necessary or not when re-sizing a block. My interpretation is always better to use one if available but 1000's have been machined/honed w/o one with good results. No one can dispute it's better, my brother (an automotive machinist) has measured before/after using a torque plate and found variations of .001 - .0015 out of round (a human hair is approx. .003). The trade off is they are expensive, around $400 for our motors - not something you'd buy for a onesy twosy deal - right? Well how about making one......hmmm. Ideally a 2" thick steel plate (that's what BHJ sells) but how about......this:
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP0240.JPG
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP0239.JPG
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP0241.JPG
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/photopost/data/500/medium/IMGP0242.JPG

I realize the reduced structural strength but I maintain that most of the deformation that occurs when the head is torqued is from the bolt loading and not the clamping force of the entire head.

Again, the thought process is "better than nothing"

I just bought a set of forged Wiseco's and will be machining the block next W/E at my brother's place. I will do some before/after measurements and post the results.

[Turbodave]

That's using your head :drum:





I am curious to see how well that works, I've got lots of junk heads around and have always wanted a torque plate.

[turbovanman²]

I think that would work just fine.

Gotta love milling machines, :thumb:

[nomadman2001]

That's using your head :drum:

Good one! :D




I am curious to see how well that works, I've got lots of junk heads around and have always wanted a torque plate.

I'll do some tests with the dialbore gage using a 'whole' head, my torque plate and bare block. Won't be until the 15th though.

[nomadman2001]

I think that would work just fine.

Gotta love milling machines, :thumb:

Sure do ;) . The CNC makes it sooo easy to make things :D .

[inmyshadow]

So much for taking your nap today.:eyebrows:


Sure do ;) . The CNC makes it sooo easy to
make things :D .

[nomadman2001]

So much for taking your nap today.:eyebrows:

Brilliant deduction my friend - no I didn't, if the CNC got shut down before I was thru, I would lose my X - Y coordinates. Now all I have to do is skim the surface and it's done. :nod:

R U coming over 2morrow?

[inmyshadow]

Not sure since I don't have a muffler ready for install.

You going to need some help?


Brilliant deduction my friend - no I didn't, if the CNC got shut down before I was thru, I would lose my X - Y coordinates. Now all I have to do is skim the surface and it's done. :nod:

R U coming over 2morrow?

[nomadman2001]

Not sure since I don't have a muffler ready for install.

You going to need some help?

No, no help req'd. exhaust weld repair and belts on a Maxima, brakes on a Civic and trans seals on a Cub Cadet!

[shelby zed]

thats cool man, not every machine shop would ahev those would they?

[moparzrule]

Brilliant!

[nomadman2001]

Brilliant!

Well we'll see on Sunday when I go to machine the block. I am going to do some before/after measurements - we'll see how well it works then.

[nomadman2001]

This worked perfectly and was even loaned out for a friends build. Now it's for sale as I am reducing my turbo Dodge footprint. $40 + shipping includes an old gasket (you need one) and a coulple sets of bolts. Send PM if interested.

[moparzrule]

lol 5 years later....

[BadAssPerformance]

How'd I miss this one the first time around... thats pretty neat! Got any more pics?

[nomadman2001]

Just the ones on this thread. I'd hate to put it in the scrap aluminum bucket.....

[BadAssPerformance]

Scrap? I'd probably buy it for scrap prices just to see it!

[nomadman2001]

Offer pending.