A KID KARTERS HANDBOOK         

 
   Cryogenics Explained

 

Cryogenics was originally put to use by NASA in the mid sixties after discovering that deep space exploration vehicles had improved structural integrity after being exposed to cryogenic temperatures for a long period of time. Cryogenics alters the molecular structure of ferrous and non-ferrous metals alike. The realignment of the molecules enhances the performance making them more resistant to wear and breakage. In layman terms, cryogenic enhancement finishes what heat treatment started. The cryogenic process converts the soft grained (Austenite) into a harder more stable grained (Martensite) providing a tighter grain structure which greatly improves structural integrity without making the component more brittle.
All cryogenic process are not the same. Some companies performing cryogenic enhancement provide only shallow cryogenics of -120 degree Fahrenheit. While this does improve the structural integrity over stock components, our process goes in excess of -300 degree Fahrenheit. Our custom thermal cycling process also includes a heat cycle to relieve internal stress caused during manufacturing thus delivering superior structural integrity, durability and wear resistance available on the market today

Cryogenics enhancement is by no means new to the racing industry. It has already been introduced to and used regularly by well-known names such as Cale Yarborough, John Andretti and Terry Farr in Winston Cup racing. It has also been used by Kurt Johnson, Larry Morgan, Allen Johnson and Roy Johnson of the NHRA just to name a few. After successful results with auto racing, it was introduced to the kart racing industry and has been used from Purple plate divisions to unlimited shifter karts from Florida to Canada with tremendous results. For years the cryogenic process has been very time consuming and costly but due to recent technological developments it has become more affordable and cost effective for even the smallest of racing budgets and with greatly reduced lead times.

Peak performance and durability is vital to any racing application not only to win but to prolong the life of engines, transmissions as well as various other costly components thus greatly reducing the operating cost of any race team.

Performance Cryogenics is proud to service all levels of racing with equal dedication and attention to detail regardless of type or size. Due to the highly competitive nature of racing customer confidentially is protected to ensure that our clients maintain the competitive edge they have worked so hard to obtain. As we all know in racing there are some people you tell some things to and there is NO one that you tell everything!

For more information on Performance Cryogenics contact Lee Moore at. 706 219 3551

The below engine was assembled for racing and tested on a dyno machine, it was then disassembled and Custom Thermal Cycled. The engine was reassembled and again tested on the dyno.
The results are as follows.

Engine Dyno Results provided by:
Dill Performance
217 Rusty Wood Lane
Mt. Airy, Ga.
706 776 7622

RPM    Corrected  Corrected Gain
 Hp Before Cryo Hp After Cryo
4000  4.790  4.834 .044
4200 4.626  4.834 + .208
4500 4.593 4.790 +.197
4750 4.537  4.678 +.141
4950  4.515  4.611 +.096
Avg. before  Avg. After  Gain in HP. 
4.612  4.749 3%

Engine Name: Thunder, which is a B&S 5 hp I/C dual bearing, using a purple Jr. Sportsman Restrictor Plate (.425) with a Robertson Header installed.

9-10-99
  Before Cryo                   After Cryo
70 Deg 60 % hum          82 deg 73% hum.
Styaka water brake        Styaka water brake
Leak down 99%             Leak down 99%
35 psi                             35 psi

 

As Appeared in Regional Karting Connection Magazine Oct., 1999