Three Features To Look For In A Custom High-Performance Engine

Whether you race on a track or on empty streets in the dead of night, you can only go as fast or push as hard as your engine allows. Many racers choose to improve their vehicles with custom performance engines that can handle the intense conditions of street or track racing. Not all performance engines are created equal, and when you push your vehicle to its limits, you need to prioritize the engine upgrades that will protect your engine from heat damage. Here are three features to look for when you choose a custom high-performance engine.

Polished And Balanced Camshaft

As an engine turns over, camshafts time the opening and closing of each engine valve. As you push your engine to its limits in a race, you force your camshaft to spin at high speeds. A slightly unbalanced camshaft will vibrate at high speeds, potentially damaging itself of nearby engine components. An unpolished camshaft may be susceptible to damage from oil exposure, especially to its bearings. When you upgrade your engine to a high-performance racing engine, choosing one with a polished and balanced camshaft is choosing an engine that is built to last through many high-speed races. 

Chamfered Pistons

In order to propel your car forward, your engine creates controlled explosions in cylinders pressurized by moving pistons. The more rotations per minute you push your engine to complete, the faster the pistons move into and out of the cylinders. Traditional pistons are simple straight-sided cylinders, and they work perfectly well for moderate-performance engines. In high-performance environments, which are also high-heat environments, these pistons can swell slightly and damage the cylinder walls. Look for a performance engine with chamfered pistons, which are cut at a slight angle to ensure they have room to swell in intense driving situations. Chamfering will protect both your pistons and your cylinders from damage.

High-Performance Valves

Your engine's valves are responsible for transferring precise quantities of air, fuel, and exhaust fumes into and out of your engine. Some high-performance valves have grooved guides that grip hot engine oil better, keeping them perfectly lubricated even when the engine is hotter than normal. Most high-performance valves are made from steel, brass, or heat-tolerant proprietary metal alloys. As long as your engine manufacturer has prioritized the installation of heat-resistant valves, valve springs, and valve seats, you should expect your valves to function well for extended periods of time, even after long-term exposure to a high-heat environment.

To learn more about custom performance engines like the Cummins 6.7 performance engine, contact a company like South Houston Engine in your area.

Share