Can one manufacture "Torque Plates"

[Challenger_7]

The issue of torque plates keeps eating into me as it has been mentioned many times, and although as Ron and is_it_ever_done have confirmed that no big deal to hone an engine without them, I would like to tackle this issue, if possible.
From the description made by is_it_ever_done, it sounds pretty straight forward, but is it?
Seeing that I may have to go through a number of engine rebuilds for my cars, I would like to investigate this avenue.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks, Farouk

[jackel440]

I don't see why not.I thought of making some my self.Make  detailed print of the block of what you want made,machine the steel,have it ground to make sure it is flat.then take care of them.should last forever.I don't know if they are hardened to any extent,or could just use some tool steel I imagine.I would think the biggest $$ would be having the machine work done if you don't have access to the equipment.
My uncle is setting up his machine shop and I plan to do alot of my work there so having the plates for our own use would be a bonus.
If you aren't doing that many motors,your local shop should have them and it might not be worth the time and effort to make them.just use thiers?
I myself just like to have all the tools of the trade

[Challenger_7]

Hi, and thanks for your comments.

I would like to do them as out here I have not found anyone who uses them. But I need details of metal thickness, type of metal and general shape. Will it be complete, i.e. as if a section of the cylinder head cut ou thin, or is it simply a pair of metal plates?
By the way what are "thiers" that you mention? Will they replace the effect of torque plates?

Regards

[keithcuda]

I've seen them for sale for about the $600 - $700 i think on Amazon shops US.
Found this too http://www.arengineering.com/tools/torqueplate/frame1.htm

no idea how old this is.

wouls probable cost a fair bit to get one machined, if you find a source at a reasonable cost tell me, i'm in the UK and would need to get one to have any machining done.

Keith

[Challenger_7]

Hi Keith

I am in Lebanon and labour tends to be rather cheap here. If only I can see one, I am sure we can have it duplicated, especially if we are told what to use for metal.

I will try to dig more into this subject and let you know. If indeed it is a straight forward process, perhaps I can put you in touch with our office in UK whereby they source and manufacture a lot of parts for us, and will probably be able to get you a good deal on it.

Cheers, Farouk

[is_it_EVER_done?]

Challenger_7:  I don't intend any offense, but you make me laugh! Why? because you fret over too many things that are just not that important. I guess I'm cruel, but I'll include a link with pictures of torque plates. THEN I will also tell you that now, the best engine shops will also circulate hot water through the block so that it expands as though it's at opperating temperature, as this also has an effect on final machining. Plus they then bolt the torque plate to the heads and bring them up to opperating temprature prior to doing a valve job!

http://www.bestmachineracing.com/righttools.htm

All NASCAR blocks are finish machined with hot water and torque plates, but they also use rings that cost $1,000 per set. The point is, all these considerations are designed to grab the last couple of horsepower out of an engine in order to maybe gain a fractional advantage over the competition.

If you HAD torque plates, use them, but to try to make a set that was identical to each other as far as being perfectly symmetrical as to thickness, flatness, and hardness. you will most likely end up with something that only makes the final machining worse --- DON'T WORRY ABOUT THIS.

From the invention of the internal combustion engine till the last couple of decades, no engines were built with torque plates. stock or performance (including top fuel engines).

Going back to your other posts, you can compensate for this by choosing a longer piston, as they are inherently more stable, and keep the rings more "square to the bore". With the thinner rings that modern pistons use 1/16th inch, You will be more than fine as far as the finished engine goes.

If you are determined to obtain torque plates, I would recommend buying them instead of making them. But I will state one more time. you don't NEED them.

[Challenger_7]

Hey, is_it_EVER_done, I'm glad I make you laugh, and I cinsider laughter to be food for the mind. I cannot see myself going through any day without it
Ok, here is why I fret about everything, and not only the un-important things.
1. I studied auto engineering, although I know little about your experience as I managed family business all my life and thus kept myself far from the field. So, being an engineer by profession, I tend to respect every little detail.
2. Seeing I am ignorant of how important or not the issue of torque plate honing, and seeing it was mentioned more than once by you and others, well I started to assume that it must be.
3. Finally, by nature I am very detailed and thus tend to take every thing into serious consideration.

Now with your current statement that I need not worry, I feel better in order to have less worries on my mind and I can move forward to deal with my engine issue, which you GURUS have managed to confuse the hell out of me with all your logical explanations

Once again, I extend my thanks for your taking time to contribute.

Cheers, Farouk

[Jon Smith]

I made a pair out of billet aircraft ally, roughly the shape of a head so the correct head bolts could be used
doubt I'd have time to make any more, but since you're in the UK Keith, Dave Billadeau at brighouse speed has the ones I made

[keithcuda]

HI Jon Smith,

I may have a word with him at the next Euro Nats.
I've got to strip the engine yet, and it may not need any machining.

cheers,

Keith