I was talking to a machine shop recently about another engine I need to get rebuilt, and he mentioned a deck plate, something I've heard of before (though not for that particular engine). There's mention of deck plates in this article:

http://club4ag.com/faq_and_tech_pages/4 ... 0Block.htm

For a higher HP build, like going well above 250-300HP and turbocharged, would a deck plate be necessary? I see that there are deck plates available for the 4A-GE, but they're (understandably) expensive. I searched but was only mildly surprised to see no mention here. Maybe the old C4AG forum had topics about it.

Great to see some "head scratching" topics coming up

In my opinion deck/torque plates fall in the same category as hot honing. These
techniques do offer some benefits but they are really only considered to be justified
for high dollar full-on race engines.



http://www.enginebuildermag.com/2005/03 ... ooled-off/
This article has some pretty realistic comments regarding hot honing and that is
carried out with a torque plate. Similar arguments can be found about the use of a
torque plate for boring and cold honing. So yes, it does help, but for the average
non-professional car club guy there will be far more benefit from a new set of tires.

Cheers... jondee86

if it is available... why not?????

most of the engines I assemble these days have hot boring, hot honing - both performed with a torque plate mounted.

But the OP asked if it was necessary... and I'd have to say it isn't... but as I lead in on this thread...."if it is available... why not?????"

Thanks guys. I do like the idea of using one if available, but don't see myself going out of my way buying them for my engine builds. (3 cars and 3 different engine families, Toyota A-engine being one of them.)

Bore distortion is very pronounced on some blocks, not so significant on others, Any cylinder boring is going to weaken it and higher head bolt torque will increase the effect.
EVERY block deforms, its just a question of how much. Does your bore wear look different between the head bolts Vs adjacent? If so, how much is that difference costing in power? Box stock, nothing, but at what you've written it'll cost a measurable amount, so it's really a question of a small % of power with a big % investment of $$$.
Necessary? Not for longevity at all, only power at pro level or bragging rights.

I have one in socal. Where are you located?

I'm in Florida