Nickel Ceramic plating ?

[blade7]

Anyone had the cylinders in a car block Nickel Ceramic plated ? This isn't a question/thread about Nikasil, but what's available in the aftermarket now.

[Cheburator mk2]

blade7 said:

Anyone had the cylinders in a car block Nickel Ceramic plated ? This isn't a question/thread about Nikasil, but what's available in the aftermarket now.

Capricorn Automotive should be your first port of call. However, there has been some re-organisation within the group, and last time I spoke to them about getting my 944T plated, it sounded so convoluted, and no one wanted to take ownership of the project, that I went simple and had it sleeved using cast iron sleeves.

Alternatively, you can get alusil sleeves, and have them Nikasiled, that way you shoot two hares with one bullet - you get the hardness of iron bores, without the problem of different expansion rates. Baz at Hartech can supply the sleeves for your 944T. And to boot, works cheaper than having the block plated. Mind you, you must have a good machinist. I am sure Baz will be happy to help.

Hope this helps,

Alex

[blade7]

Thanks for the reply Alex, I think we've discussed options on other forums in the past . Capricorn is the main name that comes up and I know Jon Mitchell thinks highly of them. I've considered dry liners but as you are at the mercy of the machinist it's another link/expense in the chain I'd sooner avoid. I've decided on straight Alusil and/or Nikel ceramic plating. The coating on the aftermarket Alusil pistons seems to be a bit hit or miss, so as piston choice is wider for a plated bore I think I'll go that route. I understand 911 turbo cylinders are plated from the factory. I just wonder if Capricorn are the only option.

Paul.

[Cheburator mk2]

blade7 said:

Thanks for the reply Alex, I think we've discussed options on other forums in the past . Capricorn is the main name that comes up and I know Jon Mitchell thinks highly of them. I've considered dry liners but as you are at the mercy of the machinist it's another link/expense in the chain I'd sooner avoid. I've decided on straight Alusil and/or Nikel ceramic plating. The coating on the aftermarket Alusil pistons seems to be a bit hit or miss, so as piston choice is wider for a plated bore I think I'll go that route. I understand 911 turbo cylinders are plated from the factory. I just wonder if Capricorn are the only option.

Paul.

In Europe, Capricorn is the only option. Trust me, I searched far and wide before I sleeved my 928 block. Unlike 944 lumps which are two a penny, I could not afford a fk up, hence the really extensive research in all possible avenues...

I am really going off the idea of Alusil. Great in a stock engine, but it just seems to invite trouble in anything mildly played with. My 944T let go in a classic way - cylinder N4 had two nice big scores. 93k miles, always OPC mainted according to the service book. Ok, it was raced hard for a season, but it should last more. Hence, cast iron sleeves with Woessner pistons was my solution...

[Penguinracer]

Have you thought about handing the project over to Jon Mitchell?
While the 951 engine is nothing exotic, when tuned for serious power it has its weaknesses which means that
having someone involved who really knows how these motors react to tuning would be a safer course.

I'm in a similar position - hand-over the job (with all my collected parts) to Jon, or go with a specialist race car preparation outfit like Geoff Page Racing or Gantspeed Engineering.

At least Jon is in touch with the latest tuning developments in the US & he has experimented extensively with these cars.

Tim

[blade7]

Jon Mitchell is a good guy. He's given me a lot of great no BS advice and opinions, some of which I can't repeat here . I've got plenty of free time so I'd rather look after the build myself, but thanks for the post.

[chippy348]

I have a bit if experience with this in the motorcycle world but not with car stuff.

Aptec do our coatings but they don't do car blocks, there used to be a company called "perfectbore" but i think they stopped doing it as well?

I know these guys have been around a long time

http://en.powerseal.nl/

Hope this helps

[blade7]

chippy348 said:

I have a bit if experience with this in the motorcycle world but not with car stuff.

Aptec do our coatings but they don't do car blocks, there used to be a company called "perfectbore" but i think they stopped doing it as well?

I know these guys have been around a long time

http://en.powerseal.nl/

Hope this helps

Thanks. Perfect Bore were sold to Capricorn, Who I believe are a much bigger concern. Not sure if they are interested in one offs on old 944 blocks anymore ?

[chippy348]

blade7 said:

Thanks. Perfect Bore were sold to Capricorn, Who I believe are a much bigger concern. Not sure if they are interested in one offs on old 944 blocks anymore ?

Ok just found some info out,

Aptec sold there block line to Perfect bore, who in turn was brought out by the Dover Corporation, they then brought the company back from the Dover Corp and formed Capricorn.

From the brief conversation i have had with my source Capricorn are busy in there line of work to bother with the Automotive stuff.

Give Power Seal a call, i have found them quite helpful in the past.

[blade7]

In the Netherlands ?

[chippy348]

Yes, drop them a Email or give them a call, they are a small company who cares about there work.

[blade7]

Too far away from me.

[blade7]

So, other than Capricorn who don't respond to emails it's not available in the UK ?