I wanted to share this build with the community as it isn't something we see every day. In fact a quick search for beryllium on here only turns up a handful of threads, and most briefly reference the material and its use in top level motorsports applications. We get to see what these bad boys can do with the good ole 4g63

Why Beryllium? The short answer is thermal conductivity. BeCu (Beryllium Copper) seats pull heat away from the valve and move it into the cylinder head preventing pre-ignition, detonation, burned valves, and pitting of the valve seats themselves. Beryllium also improves upon the hardness, strength, corrosion and fatigue resistance of the base metal. It should be pretty clear as to why a product like this will be of value in a high horsepower forced induction application

To summarize the build this customer is going with our stage 5 porting and polishing service as well as our advanced ceramics package. A complete package of Ferrea components including copper alloy exhaust guides, manganese bronze intake guides, competition plus valves, and dual valve springs with titanium retainers round out what we will be using. Keep an eye out for more pictures and information as we move forward, and feel free to pose any questions or comments on this project!

 

Any idea on specifically how much det it can help cure? Would be interesting to do a back to back. I have an idea it wont allow you to get to MBT, but any little bit helps right?



Aaron

 

I don't like to rain on parades, but I doubt this is going to result in any significant benefit or be worth the cost. BeCu seats are used primarily in applications that use Ti valves, simply because Ti does not conduct heat nearly as well as steel. We don't have that problem with our steel alloy valves.

Also, whomever machines BeCu needs to be advised that Be dust is very toxic, and special precautions need to be taken to ensure that none of it becomes airborne. Because of this, the industry is moving toward new alloys that do not contain Be for Ti valve applications.

FYI

 

I don't have a specific figure unfortunately, and I'm afraid this customer is overseas so we won't get to play with it in house In regards to back to back testing I'm sure you can imagine that a true comparison with the only change being the valve seats would be tough. Regardless, as you said every little bit helps!

Your reputation precedes you so I certainly appreciate your input here sir. Unfortunately that's all we have to work with at this time due to lack of testing, opinions. These seats were most certainly designed to be used in conjunction with titanium valves as more traditional materials weren't adequate, but we feel that the same properties can be utilized with SS valves to remove heat from the combustion chamber and valves to improve performance and longevity.

 

seats are a good idea, but I have my mouth watering for skulls. the material is called ampco 45
http://www.racemachine.net/products/busa_skull.html

 

Me too actually. Keep us updated.

 

These guys have been using beryllium valve seats in the 4G63....

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ne-2007-a.html

 

Pretty cool idea, instead of just the seats why not replace the whole combustion chamber! We've actually got some experience with Ampco 45 seats as well, better thermal conductivity than OE without the health hazards of BeCU.

 

Interesting idea with replacing the entire combustion chamber.

With how many issues I've seen with sleeving a motor though, makes me curious how well it actually works on a motor with high cylinder pressures.

 

While end users don't care, what Ted B says about machining Beryllium is very true. I know a number of people who got very sick from working around BE machining operations, some even in the secretarial pool in other parts of the building. This is not a good material to be exposed to...

 

Certainly, a liquid coolant to prevent it from getting airborne and respirators is the only way to do this safely.

 

All of that was used by the people I know who got sick, who were working in a state of the art, no expense spared, facility in the 80s and 90s. This stuff can be deadly. It also can and will contaminate your entire building.

 

This. If the FIA is willing to ban it's use altogether in F1 your average machine shop probably shouldn't be whittling away at it either. I can tell you from some of the machining we've done on brake calipers that use a beryllium alloy it's not all that easy to machine either.

 

I know Carrillo uses the ampco45 in their con rod bushings... might be a safer alternative.

Regardless. Chris... I'm happy you're using your head and bringing new products to market I did not know the health hazards of Be

 

Beryllium wire is used as a neutron source in some nuclear reactors!