"Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote in message
...
I've been following the development of Diamond-Like Coatings (DLC's) for a
decade of so. These are vapor deposited coatings of carbon in diamond
crystal form applied directly to engine parts. The motorcycle racers have
exploited this technology for about an 8% increase in HP through reduction
in internal friction.

The stuff works on any internal surface where friction and wear is a
problem. Lycoming cams and mushroom tappets seem like a natural
aplication. The costs have come down to where a few hundred dollars of
coating work is enough for an engine. However, I haven't heard of the
technology being applied to aviation piston engines.


I have always wondered why the aviation community hasn't utilized more of
lessons learned from the racing communities. Granted, we have to deal with
certified products and procedures in most cases, and reliability should
always take a back seat to overall power output. But so much has been
learned from all forms of racing that deals strictly with reliability and
efficency, that is surprises me so little of it makes it to GA.