Approximately one third of all energy put into the combustion process is lost due to heat transfer. This means in stock components, you will have less exhaust velocity and less potential power than engine components that are ceramic coated.

There are a few main categories of ceramic coatings: thermal dispersants (coatings that help pull heat out of a substrate), thermal barrier coatings (reduce heat transfer), and dry film lubricants. Each have a specific role in the engine.

Thermal dispersants are usually applied to intake manifolds but can be applied to any surface that would benefit such as a radiator or intercooler. Essentially any part designed to cool something via heat transfer. This coating is only available in a black/dark charcoal finish.

Thermal barriers come in an array of solutions based on where they are to be used and the environment they are in. One example is a thermal barrier that can be used on a firewall to help cool vital non-metal components such as tubing or wiring. This same coating can be placed on on the flange of an intake manifold to minimize the heat transfer from the head. This will result in a cooler air charge after the engine gets hot, when compared to an uncoated manifold. Cooler air equals.....more power.

Other thermal barriers have specific formulations to withstand the internal combustion process itself. Coatings designed for the tops of pistons, valves, combustion chambers, and exhaust ports will fall into internal combustion coatings where as external thermal barriers will have a more durable finish and be designed with aesthetics in mind as well. This will also reduce engine bay temps by as much as 150-200 degrees. These coatings are available in red, orange, black, blue, and even a chrome look.

Yet another application for a thermal barrier is an oil shedding thermal barrier. This is a great addition to any intake manifold in a 'V' type engine. Normally, the engine will splash hot oil up onto the bottom of the intake manifold. By applying an oil shedding thermal barrier to this surface, not only will it shed oil quicker, reducing the time the oil has to transfer heat, but it will also act as a thermal barrier minimizing any heat to be transferred to the intake. Again, keeping your air charge cooler, longer, for more power in the long haul.

The last form of advanced coatings would be dry film lubricants. This is the best solution for any moving part subject to sliding or rolling friction such as valve stems, cam journals, side skirts of pistons, and main bearings. This coating will minimize galling and scuffing thus increasing part life. Clearances are not effected when this coating is utilized.

All combined, these coatings will yield lower part temps for longer part life and an increase in exhaust velocity by minimizing heat lost in the process, resulting in a boost in power (~1-6% depending on application), not to mention they look good. All from just a coating!

Combine these coatings with cryo treatment and you will have performance parts that last!