So are you saying that using torque plates in the machining process isn't necessary and that there are no tangible results with or without?

 

Is there any "special" or alternative way to prepare the cylinder walls for less friction?... good set of rings... I need to call my local NAPA,,

 

I'm saying that if it can be a 10 HP difference, then I want some back-to back test results proving it.
And if you are going to use them, then it can't be during boring and during honing. I've seen 3 different styles of boring bar in action, including initial set-up on a 350 Chevy, for all 3, after boring other blocks, during my visits to machine shops. I saw no way to get the torque plates in there.
For honing, fitting the plates is easy, from my observation. But if you're gonna do that, why not take the next step and get hot-honing, with 200-degree fluid in the water jackets?

 

I dont do machine work but all the top engine builders I've talked to say its a must to do the boring with a torque plate. Else, you risk running out-of-round cylinders when the heads are bolted on.

If you think it doesnt matter, ask the NHRA Stock class or the EMC challenge guys how important bore dimensions and ring seal are. It does make a difference or else they all wouldnt be doing it. Just what I have seen discussed over the years on several engine builders forums and after talking to my machinist at CNC Blocks North East

 

Exactly.

 

If you use them for honing, then you get the desired result. Trying to bore with them as well? I think you mis-understood.

 

I'm not sure if I misunderstood or not. I was under the impression they were able to bore and hone with torque plates.

 

"I was under the impression they were able to bore and hone with torque plates"

Same here.

 

Given many,many,yrs of drag racing 400 of various sizes and a background involvement at a Chevy engine plant,the use of torque plates is critical to the build of 400's.We found that the bores of 400's do in fact move around alot.That you could leakdown a 400 multi times at the same temps and get different results.That the torque plates are about as good as it gets.But it is a design flaw in the steam hole/bores that create that condition.That during dyno pulls at the Chevy engine plants,they do also vary quite abit.That the aftermarket block castings have address that significant problem.That the site Enginebuildermag.com a publication for machine shops and not really a fan base on line magazine,but more a industry one,has also addressed this issue.I think the evidence is overwhelming about the use of torque plates.

 

Atilla, From what I gather, is if your block isn't decked to run the steel shim gaskets if it is then its OK to run the thicker fel pro's ?