BP; Modes of Failure & Extending Life
 

Well... Aux-Bridge is looking like a bunch of hassle. So; into 4-port land I go... N/A.

I've been hearing that most BP's are lasting 25K - 60K, and I'm wondering how they meet their ends. Bridge crack? Lost corner seal? Etc. Also, if there's any way I can extend the life of the BP (5mm bridge vs. 3mm and leaving a bit more metal there to boot). Anyone that can give me some info, feel free to chime in.

From what I've heard the main reliability problem is when using carbon apex seals. They apparently dont last nearly as long as factory seals. I think you can still use factory seals as long as you keep it under 8500rpms. By leaving more metal for the bridge it would be less prone to cracking.

Why abandon the aux bridge? seems lots of people are goign that way,...

There a lot more involved than I have the means to deal with right away; bad flow on the endplates being #1

If I can make a 4-port have a comparable port-job (not quite as large, but flows better... and flow is good @ high-rpm) then a 4-port N/A might be worth checking into.

It all depends if your going with carbon or steel Apex seals.I would suggest : Make the bridge smallish,so it doesnt go into the water jacket.(6mm or less)Dont port the mainport to the side of the bridge,only up and down,that way you will have a thicker bridge.The runners should also be left at the bridge part.The thicker it is,the longer it will last.

Steel will last a long time,the limit on it is 8500 though.You can go higher,but i wouldnt suggest it.As you know ,if it brakes it is toast.

Mines working fine with the steel seals.

Karis

the carbon seals are a definate prob
that can be remided with ceramics if you can take teh cost

the other is the bridge cracking, it will do it eventually