I had my entire exhaust system (started with a new 88 2.1L Digifant exhaust system), the cylinder head sealing surface (eliminates the head corrosion problem), combustion chamber, piston tops, exhaust port, exhaust valve radius(the underside exposed to the exhaust port) and valve tops. I had Swain Tech coat ALL parts that will touch heat except the muffler (using the clamp strips would cause damage, plus I did not know if I would like the muffler yet) and tail pipe (it was not finished yet). I wrapped the muffler in a fiberglass heat containing wrap. The engine compartment temps have been dropped to the point that after a 100 mile trip at 70mph in 90 degree heat, the alternator is warm to slightly hot (in cooler weather I can put my hand on the alternator and leave it. It is warm) The main purpose of the ceramic coating is to protect the heads from corrosion, the engine from the additional heat developed from my performance modifications and drop engine compartment temps to enable the rubber parts to last longer and be subjected to less heat stress. The additional power was a bonus.
Look for an upcoming article about ceramic coatings, featuring my 1988 VW Wolfsburg Vanagon, in Hot VWs mag.
The total cost for all the coatings were about @$700. The savings on labor helped me to affort all the extras. Plus I only want to build my engine ONCE and do what it take to do the engine right.
Robert
_______________________________________________________ Get your free, private email at http://mail.excite.com/ |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.