Johannesburg - June 2005

CBC2 Powerkote Coats Polo Components for Engen VW Cup
Johannesburg - June 2005 - CBC2 Powerkote has successfully applied its high temperature microfilm ceramic coatings to the exhaust manifolds of the 35 cars participating in the Engen VW Cup, part of the national SA Championship Power Tour.
The racing cars were experiencing several heat related problems during the race. Ian Pepper, a driver in the series, commented, "Our vehicles were excessively hot under the bonnet. The oil was running thin; the brake fluid tended to boil during the race, and the clutch fluid disappeared."
"We approached Powerkote to assist us to find a solution to these overheating problems, as well as to reduce the high temperature in the passenger compartments."
Powerkote applied its high temperature thermal barrier coating to all the exhaust manifolds of the 35 vehicles, which not only corrosion-protected the parts, but retained the heat within the manifold or header. This resulted in performance benefits as the exhaust gas velocity was accelerated, which reduced both back pressure and fuel contamination due to reversion.
The surface temperature of the manifold was also reduced substantially, which resulted in minimising the overall heat generated to the passenger compartment, as well as surrounding parts, such as alternators and starters. A secondary benefit was the reduction of heat drawn in through the carburettor.
Pepper added, "The ceramic coating reduced the heat up to 50%, which allowed the vehicles to run more consistently at optimum temperatures, which improved our overall performance."
The Engen VW Cup, which has been running for 9 years, is a popular series as all vehicles have identical specifications which keeps the development costs affordable, and ensures that the playing fields are level, so that the focus is on the drivers' skills.
Powerkote Cape recently sponsored Powerflow's VW Polo by coating the exhaust manifold, pistons and intake manifold for the race in the regional GTi challenge in the Western Cape.
Vehicle owner, Dick Bate, said, "The coating decreased the operating temperature of the engine, particularly the intake manifold, resulting in colder air and more consistent power, which is critical for racing conditions.