Torque Plate

[preith]

Without any disrespect, it is pointless to discuss a hypothetical situations! However, as you may or may not know, a cylinder bore in a block will actually change demensions when a head is installed and torqued properly. So, if one is to bore/hone a cylinder without the use of a torque plate installed, the end result will be a distorted bore, after the head is installed and torqued.

Ok one last time...and I'll speak theoretically this time. I'm not denying the bore will be different after the head has been installed, that we can agree upon. My point from the beginning, as dspillman eluded to in his edit, is the argument of final honing with a plate vs boring and honing with a plate. "Theoretically" the final bore could be the same, but I don't know, I never been able to compare the two.

[240ZX]

Phillip,

Sure, you can use the torque plate for honing only. I quess the point I'm trying to make is, if you have a cylinder that is measureably round and then is distorted from external forces.....it will not be round anymore. I suppose that honing a cylinder, with a torque plate attached, that was bored without a torque plate may bring the cylinder into roundness....although you may have to hone more material away as opposed to the amount of honing required when using a torque plate to bore. As a suggestion....measure your bore before and after you install the torque plate (be sure you take the measurements in the same locations). These measurements will provide you with just how much the cylinder has distorted after installing the torque plate. I would say go ahead and use the toque plate to hone....it certainly won't hurt to do it that way! As mentioned by MikeW, attaching components to the block, that also stress the block, is a good idea as there will be nothing left to chance by doing so. You will likely only find very serious engine builders going to this length for that extra margin in reliability and performance.

[240ZX]

One additional thought to ponder........boring is the process for reshaping the cylinder bore and honing is the process for prepping the cylinder wall surface. The grit of the hone stones and the cross-hatch pattern you do is dictated by the rings you will be using.

[Stubby]

If you bore without the plate, then install the plate, you must leave extra material for the honing process. When you torque the plate on the block, it distorts the cylinders .003 to .004 and it's tough to straighten the cylinders with a hone. Even on a Sunnen CK10 hone, it still adds time and effort to the job. Can it be done? Yes. Will it cost more? Yes.

I have built thousands of engines with and without plates. I will always use plates on anything I build for myself.

Once someone sees the difference with their own eyes they usualy feel the same way.

[Dtsnlvrs]

David, PM sent...also might be interested in the L-24..will send another PM