The home of the UK's greatest sportscar
08/11/2009
Racing Green TVR has developed TVR Speed 6 engine blocks with Nikasil bore lining to maximise available horsepower and to make the engine durable for racing requirements. Nikasil bores are extremely hard and retain high levels of oil hence reducing piston skirt friction which is one of the major factors in terms of internal losses in internal combustion engines.
Originally developed by piston manufacturer Mahle for use in the Wankel engine the Nikasil coating is a highly technical surface coating for cylinder bores and is still used extensively throughout the racing and aerospace industries due to its significant advantages. The Nikasil application process creates a layer of nickel-silicon carbide about 0.07mm thick, usually by electrolytic deposition, attached to the surface of the bores. This nickel matrix is exceptionally hard, yet it is relatively ductile. Dispersed through the nickel are particles of silicon carbide less than 4 microns in size. These extremely hard particles make up 4% of the coating and form a multitude of adhesion spots where oil can collect as well as providing a long wearing surface for the piston and rings. The silicon carbide particles contribute to longer engine life by ensuring good cylinder lubrication.
Nikasil offers superior lubrication, reduced friction, and improved wear characteristics when compared to traditional cast iron bores. Other benefits are that the Nikasil allied to aluminium provides substantial weight savings over cast iron liners and this combination is also very efficient at dissipating the heat generated during the combustion processes.
In addition to this Nikasil coating Racing Green TVR have developed an optimised piston for this application in order to maximise performance gains from this hi-gain coating.
For further information on this performance upgrade contact Martin at Racing Green TVR on 01252 894787 or martins@racinggreencars.com