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By jepito - 13 Years Ago
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My machine shop can't locate a torque plate for a 312. I'm near San Jose / Santa Cruz CA. If anyone has one to borrow/ rent or knows where we can find one I'd appreciate any info. Don't mind paying shipping if there are none near by.
Thanks
Jessup
Jessupsshop@yahoo.com
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By NoShortcuts - 13 Years Ago
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It's my understanding that John Mummert has one.
I'd recommend that you contact John at (619) 596-0312
As you may know, he's in El Cajon, California.
Regards,
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By PF Arcand - 13 Years Ago
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For a normal rebore that isn't near the bore limit, is a Torque Plate really necessary?..
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By NoShortcuts - 13 Years Ago
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Hi, Paul.
The concept of torquing a deck plate in place before honing a block is to simulate any cylinder distortion that occurs when the cylinder heads are bolted in place in the final assembly of an engine. What a torque plate does not do is to account for any cylinder distortion that takes place when the engine block cylinders heat up and possibly distort in shape during actual engine operation.
I have been told that the location of the head bolts on the y-block is such that a plate is of less importance to use than it is on some other engine designs.
Personally, I have not been concerned about having or using a deck plate on the y-block engines I've put together. -BUT I have yet to build a maximum hp output, high rpm race, endurance, or Engine Masters Competition type engine. I also have not felt the need to use crankshaft girdles although I have installed the longer main cap bolts that John Mummert is selling for early 292s and 312s.
I suspect that John Mummert, Ted Eaton, and for some builds, Tim McMaster use deck plates regularly.
I am not dismissing the possible value of the deck plate in honing a cylinder, I just don't feel that it is critical for the y-block street engines I build. One guy's opinion... 
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By Don Woodruff - 13 Years Ago
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I rented one from John, but I had a guy with a CNC mill make me one. It was done after I sent Johns back. It was not terribly expensive to have made.
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By Ted - 13 Years Ago
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PF Arcand (1/24/2012)
For a normal rebore that isn't near the bore limit, is a Torque Plate really necessary?..Depends upon your definition of ‘necessary’. The short answer is ‘Yes’, the long answer is ‘No’. Although the cylinders in the Y’s are more robust than many of the engines commonly being rebuilt, there are still some cylinder wall distortions taking place when the heads, timing cover, motor mounts, and bellhousing are bolted in place. The more the overbore, obviously the more the potential for distortion. By using a torque plate when preparing the cylinders for final assembly, break-in time is reduced as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the latest technology in piston ring designs and piston skirt clearances. On the flip side of this, engines still crank and run when torque plates are not used; just at a different level of expectations.
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By mctim64 - 13 Years Ago
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The deck plate is not a necessity on the Y as much as it is on the scrub motor. You will notice on the other guys engine that as you hone with a deck plate the stones will hit heavier at the head bolts because they distort close to the cylinder, not a problem on the Y since the bolts are out away from the cylinder. Still not a bad idea to use the deck plate but on the same note it is just as important to torque the mains when honing. Truth is that many factors will distort your block while running that you just can't reproduce during the machining process.
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By Glen Henderson - 13 Years Ago
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I read a post on one of the FE forums by one of the top builders that he had picked up 40 plus HP by just using a plate on the FE.
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By jepito - 13 Years Ago
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Got one from John ( thanks John). Trying to build this engine the best I can. Alum heads, stroked crank, H beam rods, IR intake, crank trigger ignition, ect. I just couldn't sleep right if I didn't torque plate it lol.
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By NoShortcuts - 13 Years Ago
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Jepito,
SALUTE! Dotting the 'I's and crossing the 'T's is what makes 'em run and keeps 'em together!
Best Wishes and keep us posted on your progress!
Regards,
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By speedpro56 - 13 Years Ago
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I agree the Y is structuraly more rigid than some of the other engines because of the deep skirt and thickness of the block. But building for more performance and wanting a little more insurance I would definitely go with the torque plate.
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By bergmanj - 13 Years Ago
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Folks, I posted earlier this morning regarding 312 piston weights; but, this subject interests me too. Anyone have a picture / dimensions to fabricate a torque plate for my 312? Older son has small machine shop where I could fabricate one; just need info. on how it's done / shat materials, etc. Thanks, JLB
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 13 Years Ago
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JLB: I don't know your son's shop's capabilities. My plate was cut with an oxy-acetylene tracer cutting machine. It was a piece of 2" steel, I would guess it was hot-rolled. They cut the perimeter and the combustion chamber areas by tracing the head gasket. The bolt holes were then drilled to match the gasket. The process stopped there when my friend left the factory where he worked. He gave the plate to me and I had the shop where I worked Blanchard grind both sides. Incidentally, I see no difference in the bores whether or not I use the plate.
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By bergmanj - 13 Years Ago
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Hoosier, Thanks a lot for the reply! Can you, or anyone else, elaborate on whether the gaskets are used with the plate, whether it only needs to include the area around the head bolts (can the push-rod area be omitted?), any difference if it's milled-out to approximate the gasket pressure surfaces or not, etc? Regards, JLB
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 13 Years Ago
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My plate only has the bolt holes and combustion chamber cutouts. I use a gasket when I bolt the plate on.
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By Ted - 13 Years Ago
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As a general rule, always use a head gasket similar to the one being used in the final assembly when using a torque plate to bore/hone the cylinders.
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By bergmanj - 13 Years Ago
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Hoosier, Ted, I now have a much better "grasp" of the requirements -- thanks very much! Regards, JLB
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By jepito - 13 Years Ago
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My shop uses a head gasket and also preheats the block.
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