Redblock torque plate

GingerNinja

I'm hoping to get a very stout B230FT put together later in the year. I have all the nice new spinny bits to go in, including one size over pistons. Do I need to get a torque plate before taking the block to the engine builder to be bored? Or is it one of those things that is only good for getting the last 50hp out of a 600hp build?

I was also wondering about having it as a rental torque plate that generates money for the forum, but I'm not sure about the ethics of this as I wouldn't be making it from scratch, only buying it from Deeworks. $600+ for something you'll only use one or twice in a lifetime seems a bit excessive to sit around.

jamesinc

It helps get the perfectest bore dimensions, but I've built a few redblocks and never used one and not had any (apparent) issues with ring sealing/compression. I have done a B230FT from STD to second overbore that way, no issues.

Still, if money was no object, or I was chasing 300hp+, I would probably buy one, after a certain point I think the potential cost of failure becomes high enough that it's worth the extra spend.

VolvoHordz

I was keen to use one when I built my engine a few years ago. At the time I couldn't find anyone in Australia with one (though I recall seeing one for sale at one point). Couldn't justify buying one for a one off.

If I do ever blow up the motor and one was available for rent, I certainly would use it.