Piston and Cyl. head coatings...Yes or No Options

[SpecialK]

I just read a pretty interesting article in the new Hot Rod mag that had to do with coatings for engine internals (pistons, cyl. heads...) from a place out in CA:


http://www.techlinecoatings.com/articles/a...ation_guide.htm

They (Hot Rod) performed a test on a coated vs uncoated piston with acetylene torch, and the coated piston lasted three times longer than the uncoated piston (32 sec. vs 97 sec.) before melting a hole through it. They also recommended coating the inside of the cylinder head (particularly aluminum heads) and the face of the valves. All of these coatings can be applied at home, and cured in the oven (send the wife shopping...unless she's VERY understanding of your cause (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) )

Any comments?

[airsix]

I am sold on the science and benefits of the coatings. My biggest question is durability. Will the coating still be there in 25,000 miles? 100,000 miles? Mike's experience with flaking is exactly what I was worried about. I'm sure that surface prep and application technique have a huge impact, but I'd still like to see before/after tests in the form of a long-term study.

Here's a question: Are any OEM's using this technology? I would imagine if it's effective and it lasts, that you'd find it in engines like the EVO-8 and the WRX-Sti for example.

-Ben M.