Engine blocks, cases, and cylinders must be cleaned prior to shipping them to LN Engineering for reconditioning and should be free of oil, coolant, or grease. Engine components that are very dirty, stained, or heavily oxidized need more cleaning than our standard process are subject to this surcharge. Vapor Blasting Service also available as a separate service for restoration of surfaces. Please note: Although cases are washed several times during our processes, it is up to the engine builder to clean all surfaces including cylinder bores as well as coolant and oil passages prior to engine assembly. Price per hour. Min 1 hour service charge. Learn More

Vapor blasting, also known as vapor honing, is a highly effective cleaning technique that utilizes a mixture of water and abrasive media to gently yet thoroughly clean and finish surfaces. This process is particularly beneficial for engine parts such as aluminum engine blocks, as it can remove grime, corrosion, and old paint without causing damage to the underlying metal. Vapor blasting is an essential part of the reconditioning process for engine components, as it not only cleans but also leaves a smooth, satin finish that enhances the appearance and longevity of the parts. This method is favored for its ability to reach into intricate areas and crevices, ensuring a comprehensive clean that is crucial for optimal engine performance and reliability. Our vapor blasting service will remove most of the baked on grime, staining, and corrosion common to magnesium and aluminum engines. This service is only available with qualifying products and services and is not a stand-alone service. Please note: Although cases are washed several times during our processes, it is up to the engine builder to clean all surfaces including cylinder bores as well as coolant and oil passages prior to engine assembly. This service does not qualify for free shipping. Piston squirters must be replaced after vapor blasting service. Price per hour; minimum one (1) hour service charge when vapor blasting parts. Learn More

Our cryogenic treatment service is recommended for all MA1/9A1 engine blocks used in Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models. Engine blocks that are cryogenically treated are more dimensionally stable and residual casting stresses are eliminated with this process that are usually the root cause of piston seizing and resulting cylinder bore scoring in these engines. Porsche 944/968 and M96/M97 engine blocks/cases/crankcase housings can be cryogenically treated for the same price. Please contact us for more information about having other engine components cryogenically treated.

What are the benefits of cryogenic treatment of aluminum alloys?

Cryogenic treatment of aluminum alloys involves subjecting the material to extremely low temperatures, typically below -100 degrees Celsius (-148 degrees Fahrenheit), for an extended period of time. This process is done to enhance the properties of aluminum alloys, and it can offer several benefits: 1. Increased strength and hardness: Cryogenic treatment can lead to improvements in the hardness and strength of aluminum alloys. This is especially beneficial for applications where high strength and hardness are required, such as in aerospace and automotive components. 2. Improved wear resistance: Cryogenic treatment can increase the wear resistance of aluminum alloys. This is important in applications where the material is subjected to abrasive or erosive wear, such as in cutting tools or engine components. 3. Enhanced dimensional stability: Cryogenic treatment can reduce the dimensional instability of aluminum alloys, which is particularly useful in precision engineering applications where tight tolerances are required. 4. Residual stress relief: The cryogenic treatment process can help relieve residual stresses that may be present in aluminum alloys, which can improve the overall stability and performance of the material. 5. Increased durability and longevity: Cryogenically treated aluminum alloys tend to have improved durability and a longer lifespan due to the enhanced material properties. 6. Reduced distortion and warping: Cryogenic treatment can minimize distortion and warping during subsequent machining or heat treatment processes, resulting in better overall part quality. 7. Greater fatigue resistance: Aluminum alloys that have undergone cryogenic treatment may exhibit improved resistance to fatigue, making them suitable for applications that involve cyclic loading. 8. Enhanced electrical conductivity: In some cases, cryogenic treatment can improve the electrical conductivity of aluminum alloys, which can be advantageous in electrical and electronic applications. It's important to note that the specific benefits of cryogenically treating aluminum alloys can vary depending on the alloy composition, the treatment process, and the intended application. Not all aluminum alloys will respond to cryogenic treatment in the same way, so it's essential to consider the material's properties and the application requirements when deciding whether cryogenic treatment is beneficial. Additionally, cryogenic treatment is just one of several techniques used to enhance the properties of materials, and its effectiveness should be evaluated in the context of the overall manufacturing process and design considerations.

Do other materials or alloys benefit from cryogenic treatment?

Yes, cryogenic treatment can be used on a wide range of materials and alloys beyond aluminum. While the specific benefits and effectiveness of cryogenic treatment can vary depending on the material and its composition, it has been applied to various metals, plastics, and other materials with the goal of improving their properties. Here are some examples: 1. Steel: Cryogenic treatment is commonly used for various types of steel, including tool steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel. It can enhance hardness, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. Tool steel, in particular, benefits from cryogenic treatment to increase its lifespan and improve performance in cutting and machining applications. 2. Cast iron: Cryogenic treatment can improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of cast iron, making it more wear-resistant and less prone to cracking. 3. Plastics and polymers: Some plastics and polymers can benefit from cryogenic treatment to reduce internal stresses and improve their dimensional stability. This can be useful in industries where precision and tight tolerances are crucial. 4. Copper and copper alloys: Cryogenic treatment can enhance the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of copper and its alloys. It is often used in the production of electrical components and connectors. 5. Titanium alloys: Cryogenic treatment can increase the strength and fatigue resistance of titanium alloys, making them more suitable for aerospace and medical applications. 6. Nickel-based alloys: Materials like Inconel and Hastelloy, which are used in high-temperature and corrosive environments, can benefit from cryogenic treatment to improve their resistance to wear and corrosion. 7. Composites: Some composite materials, such as carbon fiber composites, can undergo cryogenic treatment to reduce internal stresses and improve their strength and stiffness. It's important to note that the specific benefits of cryogenic treatment can vary depending on the material's composition, its intended application, and the treatment process parameters (e.g., temperature and duration). Cryogenic treatment is often used in conjunction with other heat treatment processes to achieve the desired material properties. As with any material treatment, careful consideration of the material's characteristics and the intended application is essential to determine whether cryogenic treatment will be beneficial. Learn More

As an alternative to our Nickies Lite direct plating we offer our Nickies sleeving service for Porsche 944/944 Turbo Alusil engine blocks. We machine out the cast in sleeves and replace them with billet aluminum nickel silicon carbide (NSC) plated wet liners. Not only does this provide a sizable increase in strength, it also improves cooling and a far superior wear surface on the bore equivalent to Nikasil that is well known for its durability and low friction properties. This service is offered for applications where cylinder damage does not allow for direct plating of the Alusil engine block directly and corrects for most known cylinder issues. Bores are honed to 100.00mm. Price includes deck resurfacing. Piston set sold separately. Learn More

The Nickies Lite process is offered for limited engines where serious cylinder issues are less prevalent as an economical alternative to conventional block sleeving. The cylinders are over-bored, plated, and honed back to the original nominal bore size, resulting in a hard, low friction wear resistant surface. Direct plating of the bores provides a superior option to steel or iron sleeving that reduce engine cooling and performance by retaining its original all aluminum construction. Nickies sleving and/or surface grinding of deck extra. Learn More

Porsche 944 Turbo Stock Replacement JE Piston set, inc. rings, pins, & clips. For Alusil engine blocks that have been Nikasil plated and honed to 100.00mm. Block reconditioning not included. Learn More

The Nickies Lite process is offered for limited engines where serious cylinder issues are less prevalent as an economical alternative to conventional block sleeving. The factory Alusil Porsche 944 cylinders are over-bored, plated, and honed back to 100.50mm, resulting in a hard, low friction wear resistant surface. Direct plating of the bores provides a superior option to steel or iron sleeving that reduce engine cooling and performance by retaining its original all aluminum construction. Nickies sleeving and/or surface grinding of deck extra. Learn More

Porsche 944 Turbo 100.50mm JE Piston set, inc. rings, pins, & clips. For Alusil engine blocks that have been bored out, Nikasil plated, and honed to 100.50mm. Block reconditioning not included. Learn More

As an alternative to our Nickies Lite direct plating we offer our Nickies sleeving service for Porsche 944/968 Alusil engine blocks. We machine out the cast in sleeves and replace them with billet aluminum nickel silicon carbide (NSC) plated wet liners. Not only does this provide a sizable increase in strength, it also improves cooling and a far superior wear surface on the bore equivalent to Nikasil that is well known for its durability and low friction properties. This service is offered for applications where cylinder damage does not allow for direct plating of the Alusil engine block directly and corrects for most known cylinder issues. Bores are honed to 104.00mm. Price includes deck resurfacing. Piston set sold separately. Learn More