Popular Hot Rodding

Rocket Science: Adding Power and Reliability With Cryogenics "Been there, seen that, done that," is the normal reply in the technological world, when the drag race industry thinks they have made a scientific breakthrough. Even though developing new technologies may not be our forte, we are very good at putting an eclectic mix of sciences to work for the singular pursuit of making a car accelerate. Whereas most areas of mechanics are one dimensional, the workings of a drag car encompass many aspects of physics, making it a melting pot of theories. The efforts of the aviation, manufacturing, and military sectors to keep the USA at the fore-front of technology has made motorsports the recipient of the trickle-down effect. But drag racers commonly reject these new technologies since they often are intangibles, something that cannot be touched or even seen. To accept them requires an open mind and an explanation of the appropriate theoretical function. To this cause POPULAR HOT RODDING will explore the benefits of cryogenic processing as it pertains to drag racing. Whenever any metal is drilled, cut, machined or welded, thermal stress is the byproduct of the uncontrolled cool-down rate inflicted by these procedures. The bending, forming, die-casting or machining of metal imparts a mechanical stress from the molecules being forced (or torn) into a new shape. Engines and driveline components usually suffer from both thermal and mechanical stress. Though both catastrophic, thermal stress has been found to be the more dominant and destructive of the two. It is responsible for bores going out of round, line bore shifts, premature valve spring failure, and shorter-than-normal axle life, among other catastrophes. By removing the residual stress the component becomes strengthened, and more importantly, stabilized. Cryogenics is a controlled deep-freezing process to -300°F, with a defined warm-up rate. The extreme cold temperature first slows down the molecular movement while the warming accelerates the molecules into proper alignment, thereby relieving the stress. When this occurs, dimensional stability is returned to the component. Stability through stress relief not only adds power but reliability as well. A few examples are: retention of bore concentricity so ring seal is maintained, an increase of 300 to 500 percent in aluminum connecting rod life, along with tripling the usefulness of something as mundane as a valve spring. Unlike heat treating that tends to warp or distort the part, cryogenics, leaves no impact and requires no additional machining after treatment. But, it is always recommended that dimensional tolerance be checked after the process since the return of the molecules to their natural position may create a slight shift in measurements. Even with the documented benefits of cryogenic processing, acceptance in drag racing has been slow. The problem is there are no visual signs of the treatment; the part looks no different than before it was treated, and thus has limited its appeal in this very visual sport. The cutting-edge teams are all using cryogenics and are very happy that their competition does not recognize the advantage this invisible edge gives them. During the process, nothing visually dramatic takes place; an over simplification being that the part is frozen and then warmed at a slow rate. But what you do not see makes the world of difference. There are many imposters, but only one computer-controlled, deep cryogenic process. It was developed by Peter Paulin of 300 Below Incorporated, in Decatur, Illinois. NASA and the military experimented with deep-freezing (to minus 120 degrees F) during the early '60s. Common with many technologies, the advent of the microprocessor allowed the full benefit to take shape. 300 Below was the first to integrate electronic controls into the freezing process, and is considered the pioneer of deep cryogenics. Their procedure has the ability to neutralize both mechanical and thermal stresses, with no negative side effects. Referred to as a processor, the equipment resembles a large chest-style meat freezer. The secret to their success is the ability to accurately control the temperature incrementally. Normal refrigeration is used to bring the part to -100°F. Then, nitrogen gas is introduced to take the temperature down to -300°F. Once the part reaches this temperature it stays in the cryogenic processor for 24 to 36 hours, depending on mass and material composition. After the deep-freeze is complete, the warm-up cycle starts with the temperature very slowly being raised to 375°F, and slowly returned back to room temperature. During the deep freeze, the molecular structure actually draws closer but never reaches absolute zero, where there is no movement of electrons. During the controlled warm-up the molecules are accelerated and the grain structure of the metal takes its natural form, limiting distortion and adding strength and dimensional stability. How much strength, you ask? 300 Below Motorsports has added 200 to 300 percent useful life to all types of race engines from NHRA Pro Stock, Top Fuel, tractor pulls, and everything else in between. Good judgment needs to be used in order to determine what components would benefit most from being treated. New parts are a natural because they are in good condition (unless they were manufactured incorrectly). Used parts can be (and are) often treated, but should be examples that still have a useful life expectance, to justify the expense of treatment. Pricing for the service is calculated at $2.50 per pound, with a minimum charge of $49.50. Menu pricing for common race components such as a crankshaft ($125) is available. As an incentive to reap the most benefit from deep cryogenic processing, a complete engine package is offered at $562.50 (plus shipping). This includes every individual component of the long-block, including rings, bearings, and valvetrain parts. In the sport of drag racing, power that does not last is useless. How many times have you lost the win and the money because of a thermal stress-related component failure? With deep cycle cryogenic processing, a small investment can likely save you thousands of dollars in replacement costs and lost races.

 

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