Recently I overhauled a set of heaterboxes that went onto a stock engine overhaul. I thought it may interest some people here what can be involved.
Firstly the best was picked from 2 sets and thoroughly scraped, cleaned and degreased.
Next a meeting with the bead blaster soon makes them look a bit nicer.
Definately a few war wounds require repair, as does the rusty ends of the covers.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
A few repairs around the pipes make a huge improvement. The box is now tight and doesn't leak valuable cooling air..
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
Once the welding repairs are done, a bit of panel beating on the outlets to straighten the openings.
Then a trial fit of the ducts makes sure it's all going to fit once installed on the engine.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
Finally the exhaust pipes are filed flat for a good seal on the exhaust ports. This is critical and they can be out by mm's. Remove only enough material as too much off can create issues with the stubs interfering with the head and not tensioning against the gasket properly.
Fitted. 🙂
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
Coating?
I had mine ceramic coated, looked great ever since! I also use only brass nuts!
Good work Matt was waiting to see if you did the important thing
file the flanges flat
Thanks guys. Of course I would file the flanges Dave, the brass nuts are as much about access for the spanner/socket and covering all the thread of the stud for rust prevention. Use them on all of my builds if I can. I believe the escape of cooling air is also crucial.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
In reply to paint Andy. This engine had already maxed out the budget, so black 600* heatproof paint was applied to the prepped metal. I went Aussie product for some reason, bought White Knight brand and upon startup, any oil that ended up on the heaterboxes took the paint off.....DOH !!!!
Ceramic is certainly the delux coating, they would last another 30 years, no problem.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
