Ceramc coating and thin film lubricant

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I'm not so sure if a ceramic coating would be worth as a friction-reducer, but if the ceramic compound has a graphite matrix it might work. GE Aviation is already working on some next-generation turbine engines with parts of its rotating assembly made out of a graphite-matrix ceramic compound.

[Daox]

Here is the company that I was thinking of using when/if I ever rebuild the Metro's engine:

Tech Line Coatings | Automotive ( Hi-Performance ) Coatings

CBC2 POWERKOTE can be used on the piston tops and combustion chamber as well as the bottoms of the valves.

DFL-1 POWERKOTE can be used on piston skirts and bearing surfaces though hopefully nothing ever touches there...

PKSX POWERCOAT can be used on cylinder walls.

[Daox]

Here is a nice write up on the coatings:

DIY Internal Engine Coatings - NASIOC

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

After you spent so much time fixing the Metro it wouldn't be worthwhile to get rid of it for peanuts. Well, at least you can keep it around as a test mule for mods like that

[Daox]

I like to keep my options open.

While I'm looking for a different car I'll also still be working on the Metro as I feel like it. Once/if I get it all fixed up, I may stop looking.

[serialk11r]

I was looking around on Monkeywrenchracing the other day (thinking about getting an MR2 again) and noticed that stock 1ZZ-FE pistons are actually already ceramic coated from the factory!


Notice how the color above the rings is a little different. I wonder how common this is, and why some engines don't have it...

http://papers.sae.org/910460/
"At 1000 rpm, the 0.5 mm ceramic coated piston produced 10% higher thermal efficiency than the metal piston."

That's huge!

EDIT: Ah, this might be it:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...59431110004023
"Analysis results show that the surface temperature of the coated piston part was increased up to 100 °C"

Knock resistance could possibly be a problem with hot spots on the piston. That said, it seems like you can just use higher octane or a higher % ethanol blend and get more power if you want.

[Isaac Zackary]

From what I understand, the ceramic coating only stays about 100°C above normal during the combustion stroke. When the new charge enters the combustion chamber it cools the ceramic surface cooler than what it would be if it were metal. As the flame grows, when it contacts the ceramic surface it heats back up again to a temperature much hotter than the metal piston or head or valve. Since the flame that reaches the surface is already burnt, there's no chance of detonation. In reality the ceramic coating should reduce detonation by creating a cooler surface where the not-yet-burnt charge is still sitting.

[jamiec]

Has there been any more progress on this engine build?