apex seal debate
12-20-03, 03:43 AM
#1
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apex seal debate
I have to dig this up again.
I'm convinced of the benefit of 2mm over 3mm for their superior sealing and therefore superior power. For the same reason, I'm convinced of the benefit of a 2 or 3 piece over a 1 piece.
Here's where I need feedback:
Rob Golden claims a 25 lbs/ft increase in the midrange using 2mm/2pc ceramic seals. I'd love to see the dyno sheet on that! Anyone have firsthand experience that resembles that level of improvement? I'm very skeptical, however, it seems worthy of investigation. At ~$2200/set, they'd better do more than just wear better. At this point the OE seals seem to be nearly unbeatable for cost vs. benefit. If only someone could substantiate the efficacy or lack thereof of rotary aviation's seals...
Peace,
Michael
I'm convinced of the benefit of 2mm over 3mm for their superior sealing and therefore superior power. For the same reason, I'm convinced of the benefit of a 2 or 3 piece over a 1 piece.
Here's where I need feedback:
Rob Golden claims a 25 lbs/ft increase in the midrange using 2mm/2pc ceramic seals. I'd love to see the dyno sheet on that! Anyone have firsthand experience that resembles that level of improvement? I'm very skeptical, however, it seems worthy of investigation. At ~$2200/set, they'd better do more than just wear better. At this point the OE seals seem to be nearly unbeatable for cost vs. benefit. If only someone could substantiate the efficacy or lack thereof of rotary aviation's seals...
Peace,
Michael
12-20-03, 10:18 AM
#3
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
I see by your sig that you have 3mm already...you would have to buy new rotors to go back to 2mm.
I ended up purchasing 2mm 2pc ceramics through mazdacomp. They are the ianetti's.
The car is still undergoing the rebuild so it will be a LONG time before I can get you any numbers. Realistically though, it will still be hard to compare apples to apples depending on ports, rotor and housing conditions, etc....
I had the same debate as you and am not sure of the right answer....if you can afford it, give it a shot. Otherwise MANY people have had success with regular seals.
I ended up purchasing 2mm 2pc ceramics through mazdacomp. They are the ianetti's.
The car is still undergoing the rebuild so it will be a LONG time before I can get you any numbers. Realistically though, it will still be hard to compare apples to apples depending on ports, rotor and housing conditions, etc....
I had the same debate as you and am not sure of the right answer....if you can afford it, give it a shot. Otherwise MANY people have had success with regular seals.
12-20-03, 10:27 AM
#4
3rd motors a charm I hope
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dont we have enough debates on this already. 2mm would be just fine for your application. you have 3mm, so now you can feel extra safe under 2000 pounds of boost!
adam
adam
12-20-03, 01:28 PM
#5
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I used the rotary aviation seals in my last engine. It went because of 4 stuck corner seals....VERY bad since it will cause the flame to travel back into the intake side of the rotor when the compression/combustion side occurs. I've had atkins seals destroy themselves with one stuck corner seal. I re-used these apex seals and am waiting to still break them
12-20-03, 07:46 PM
#7
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Originally posted by fastcarfreak
dont we have enough debates on this already. 2mm would be just fine for your application. you have 3mm, so now you can feel extra safe under 2000 pounds of boost!
adam
dont we have enough debates on this already. 2mm would be just fine for your application. you have 3mm, so now you can feel extra safe under 2000 pounds of boost!
adam
I likewise agree with feor about the suspected benefits of 2mm vs 3 and 2 piece vs one piece or 3 piece.
About the compression...am not sure but will try to post mine when I get it back. It will have a mild port. The main reason I chose the ceramics was the thought of a little extra strength compared to normal 2mm apex seals...and there "gentleness" on the rotor housing. Most of the people lose there engines on this forum from busted apex seals or water jackets...however some have just "tired" engines as the seals get worn...
I was just trying to limit my chance of needing a rebuild, especially considering I am not shooting for huge horsepower. With that being said...I think for the cost of ceramics...there are probably other things you can do with the money to "protect" the engine.
