Anyone know what tools are used to port aluminum heads? I tried this a while back with a die grinder and carbide burrs and the cutters just loaded up.
Porting Aluminum Heads?
- Thread starter BBShark
- Start date
Twin_Turbo
Der Maulwurf
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- Mar 5, 2008
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Carbide burrs are the tools to use, however you have to lube them so they don't load up. I use ATF for that and sometimws kerosene (but that stinks like crazy)
The sanding rolls just take too long.
The sanding rolls just take too long.
big_G
Blown Member
Some old machinist told me to rub the carbide bit on a bar of soap every so often. It works.
Stroker-427
Well-known member
Guys..... the problem isn't which tool to use........ but where to use it!!!!!
So often is very easy to make a worst flowing port!
The first thing to do is "pocket porting" reaching a diameter of nearly 75-80% of the valve OD.
Second move is to smoothen the valveguide boss area......
Never, say never remove material from the lower tight radius in the port...... the net result will be a higher port volume (lower air speed...) with allmost no flow improovment!
Following thi directions (from David Wizard) i did the job in my old heads:
the tools (Standard Abrasive)
some parts......
So often is very easy to make a worst flowing port!
The first thing to do is "pocket porting" reaching a diameter of nearly 75-80% of the valve OD.
Second move is to smoothen the valveguide boss area......
Never, say never remove material from the lower tight radius in the port...... the net result will be a higher port volume (lower air speed...) with allmost no flow improovment!
Following thi directions (from David Wizard) i did the job in my old heads:
the tools (Standard Abrasive)
some parts......
BRUTAL64
Neanderthal
They make carbide burrs especially for aluminum. They have only ~8 cutting edges with larger flutes so they don't load up quickly, and like the others have said use oil too.
69427
The Artist formerly known as Turbo84
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I spray the port with WD-40. Works good for me.
I've had pretty good luck with WD-40, also. My main reason for using it, rather than other oils, is that WD is usually what I've got sitting on the shelf.
Finally found a picture of what is described as a burr for non-ferrous materials and it is exactly as you describe (w/ fewer flutes).
http://www.carbidebur.com/automotive.html
BRUTAL64
Neanderthal
Yep, that's them.
I've been porting heads since 78. I've done dozens of cast iron heads and a few Alum. I prefere porting Cast Iron. But, things change. Alum is the future.:suspicious:
