Tom Tate, tech chair, organized this tech session at Coughlan Machine. About 25 members attended and many drove their 356's.
Tom Coughlan, the owner, spent two hours discussing the different machining processes he can can perform. But first, to get the members' attention, we proceeded to the back room with warm coffee and fresh donuts in hand to see a quarter mile drag racing car. His shop prepared the motor. Mr. Coughlan explained that it could produce about 800 horsepower as normally aspirated and 1,400 horsepower with three Nitrous Oxide shots. To prove that fact, Mr. Coughlan started the car and it roared to life.
Mr. Coughlan demonstrated the processes needed to build a custom racing, offshore racing boat, or street motor. He strips the motor down completely to inspect all moving parts, and to order the proper replacement parts. Then he heats the block in an oven to turn the oil, grease and paint to a powder. After it is removed from the oven, he the places the block into a metal shot blasting cabinet to completely clean the block. The heads move to a surfacing machine to true the surface, the valve seats are machined with a centerless boring machine. With this machine, every valve seat is consistent so cc'ing the head is the same for each combustion chamber, and the seats are radiused for good air flow too. The heads are assembled with titanium valves, keepers, spring keepers, and roller rocker arms. Most of the motors use solid lifters. When asked if Mr. Coughlan had seen flattened lifters from the modern oil without zinc, he replied yes. Mr. Coughlan recommends Royal Purple 20-50 racing oil that has zinc and phosphors. The block is honed on a honing machine and then it is all moved to the engine assembly clean room.
Because Mr. Coughlan specializes in V-8 motors, many end up in off shore racing boats. He is a nationally recognized expert in building reliable motors for boat racing. Additionally, he builds midget racing motors, Porsche, VW, Indian motorcycle motors, and even rebuilds motors for new car dealers.
In the installation room, next to the assembly room, Mr. Coughlan showed the members the end result of his efforts - - two duplicate 1,200 horsepower, supercharged off shore boat motors. The members present were impressed with the beautiful design, impeccable and functional preparation.
After the members left Coughlan Machine, we adjourned to The Lewis Grill where members enjoyed a great lunch and good conversation.
Thanks to Tom Coughlan and Tom Tate for a memorable and informative tech session.
Tom Gentz
President
TYP356ne
Tom Coughlan, the owner, spent two hours discussing the different machining processes he can can perform. But first, to get the members' attention, we proceeded to the back room with warm coffee and fresh donuts in hand to see a quarter mile drag racing car. His shop prepared the motor. Mr. Coughlan explained that it could produce about 800 horsepower as normally aspirated and 1,400 horsepower with three Nitrous Oxide shots. To prove that fact, Mr. Coughlan started the car and it roared to life.
Mr. Coughlan demonstrated the processes needed to build a custom racing, offshore racing boat, or street motor. He strips the motor down completely to inspect all moving parts, and to order the proper replacement parts. Then he heats the block in an oven to turn the oil, grease and paint to a powder. After it is removed from the oven, he the places the block into a metal shot blasting cabinet to completely clean the block. The heads move to a surfacing machine to true the surface, the valve seats are machined with a centerless boring machine. With this machine, every valve seat is consistent so cc'ing the head is the same for each combustion chamber, and the seats are radiused for good air flow too. The heads are assembled with titanium valves, keepers, spring keepers, and roller rocker arms. Most of the motors use solid lifters. When asked if Mr. Coughlan had seen flattened lifters from the modern oil without zinc, he replied yes. Mr. Coughlan recommends Royal Purple 20-50 racing oil that has zinc and phosphors. The block is honed on a honing machine and then it is all moved to the engine assembly clean room.
Because Mr. Coughlan specializes in V-8 motors, many end up in off shore racing boats. He is a nationally recognized expert in building reliable motors for boat racing. Additionally, he builds midget racing motors, Porsche, VW, Indian motorcycle motors, and even rebuilds motors for new car dealers.
In the installation room, next to the assembly room, Mr. Coughlan showed the members the end result of his efforts - - two duplicate 1,200 horsepower, supercharged off shore boat motors. The members present were impressed with the beautiful design, impeccable and functional preparation.
After the members left Coughlan Machine, we adjourned to The Lewis Grill where members enjoyed a great lunch and good conversation.
Thanks to Tom Coughlan and Tom Tate for a memorable and informative tech session.
Tom Gentz
President
TYP356ne
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