Video: See Ford’s Cylinder Bore Prep In Action On GT350 Engine Block

You may have heard about Ford’s Plasma Transferred Wire Arc technology that is showcased on the new 5.2-liter, 526-horsepower V8 found in the Shelby Mustang GT350. But have you seen this unique process in action?

The above video shows how the cylinders in the aluminum blocks are treated to a fine mist of molten steel. Basically, an argon-hydrogen plasma arc of about 35,000 degrees F atomizes a wire feed and pressurized air blows the droplets onto the cylinder walls that earlier had been specially machined to accept and help bond the material to the surface. The molten steel will oxidize and build up layers of iron and ferrous-oxide inside the bore to a thickness of about 150 micrometers. The blocks are then diamond-honed to achieve the final cross-hatch pattern and bore diameter.

This process eliminates the need for iron liners in the aluminum block, saving about a pound per cylinder. The basic technology has been used in aerospace, then Ford teamed with Flame Spray Industries to develop an automotive application, starting with the 5.4-liter V8 that was in the earlier Shelby GT500. Ford has also licensed the technology to Nissan for use in the GT-R’s turbocharged engine.

For more on the GT350 engine, check out this story.

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading