Quote:
Originally Posted by HawgRyder
Henry...are the Alusils something like the old 4 cylinder Vega engines?
I remember them having to be "etched" after boring to raise the silicone to the surface...or perhaps more correctly to lower the softer aluminum.
Bob
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Yes, Alusil is basically a development of Reynolds 390 aluminum-silicon alloy. The same technology developed for Jim Halls Chapperall Can Am cars from the sixties.
The technology is a three-part system consisting of the hypereutectic 390 , compatible pistons (generally tin or iron coated) and a special cylinder bore finish.
The alloy contains round silica beads. When the bore is honed the beads present a flat surface surround by aluminum. The aluminum is etched away leaving the flattened beads as a contact surface for the rings to engage.
This technology is used by Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mahle, and Kolbenschmidt just to name a few.