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

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,




NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

For a normal rebore that isn't near the bore limit, is a Torque Plate really necessary?..

Paul

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...

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

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.

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.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

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.

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

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.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

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.

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,

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York