KL home made block stiffner

[914klze]

In case anyone was interested I've atached some pics of the block stiffner I've made. Let me know what you think good or bad.
Hmmm...?
I can't figure out how to attach pics.

[Flyer]

You need to upload them somewhere...

[Robx1r]

try photobucket its quick and very easy, i'm really interested in this

[Ryan]

How To Post Pictures For Dummies

[fowljesse]

I'm interested, and hope you put up pics soon, with an explanation.

[914klze]

Thanks for the info. I'll put them up tonight when I get home.

[914klze]

[onlytrueromeo]

Cool! Never seen one of these before! What does it do? It looks like it doesn't quite fit - do you need to modify the heads to use this? Please explain how it works for those of us who've never seen one!

[fowljesse]

That IS interesting. It seems like it would block cooling, and transfer heat, but if your engine was modified enough (for high revs, I assume) to need something like this, you're probably already considering an electric water pump, or other measure. Maybe Phenolic plastic would be better
I haven't heard of a KL block flexing enough to need something like this, but I'm no KL expert!
I'm intersted in your other ideas, too!

[SmoothMX3]

It's called a "Block Guard".
For people that don't know what it is... Google "Block Guard".
All the turbo guys use these when they are actually pushing decent numbers.

[914klze]

I chose the KL engine because of the split block style bottom end, much stronger and stiffer than traditional caps or girdles like the VG30 (Nissan 300Z). This bottom end should be able to handle 8000rpms and an easy 15lbs of boost. The top of the block on the other hand is open, as you know, which is good for cooling but allows the cylinders to vibrate at a higher frequency than the main block. during normal operation this is not a problem but under higher pressure the head gasket can get eaten by the cylinders and the block moving independently. The 300Z use a partially closed block, which good but it's cast iron = boat anchor.

The purpose of my Stiffener:
Prevent independent movement of cylinders
Minimize coolant restrictions - coolant passages matched to head gasket
Prevent cylinder from going out of round during deflagration

Next - I've some fun ideas for the turbo plumbing.

[onlytrueromeo]

How much did that cost to make? So it doesn't interfere w/ the heads? Would you be able to make more of those?

[fowljesse]

Nice machine work!

I'm assuming you're planning to put it in a Porsche 914. That would be awesome.. Mid engine turbo KL!

[914klze]

Ya, I plan on putting the KL with the Mazda Transaxle in a 914. I was planning on 400hp.

I used aluminum 6082 and had them cut with a water jet. I think I should test them thoroughly before I consider making more of them.

[onlytrueromeo]

You should check this out too:

http://forums.probetalk.com/showthread. ... lock+guard" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The block posting thing looks cool!