How and Why to Perform an Engine Friction Test - Engine Building 101

What is an engine friction test and why would you want to perform one?
When building a short block, a friction test will help you determine the amount of drag your rotating assembly is producing so you can minimize it--and it's effect on performance. In addition, it can help you test out your rotating assembly and locate tight spots within the setup.
In this Engine Building 101 video, we'll show you how to perform a friction test on an engine stand and determine rotating or piston drag. The lower the number, the faster the acceleration and power.

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

@00:46 what? seriously ......you would have to literally hammer the damn thing in the bore if that happened lol

[@manishgurav3783]

Nice trick

[@resultbasedhandsonhealing1919]

What would be friction torque setting normal for
Honda b series blocks? B16/18/20?
Mine was under 10 foot pounds

[@petejoseph8257]

Check the bores to make sure noting is gouging them. If the bores look good after several rotations....move on to the next step. It’s worked for years.

[@chrisbusch1970]

spin it 360 degrees and see if it's the same torque all the way

[@campbelljohn]

so then is there a sweet spot you want to be between?like if you do ten pounds ,your rings are way too small ,and if you are pulling on 30 pounds well vice-a verse-a.

[@SummitRacing]

Every engine is different and a lot depends on how things were machined and what components are used. There is no sweet spot and I doubt you can get it too light, but over 50 may mean you have a problem with something binding or being too snug.

[@OGbqze]

Don't LS engine nes have thinner piston rings which helps reduce friction and increase power? I know I've seen it tested and proven, but I though I heard someone say that LS engines have thinner rings than SBC.

[@SummitRacing]

Thank you for your question. Yes older SBC rings were commonly 5/64 and very heavy tension. The LS rings were often 1.2 or 1.5mm thick with reduced tension, yet conformable to the bores for excellent seal.

[@davidjaime6407]

You can also get newer pistons and thinner ring packs for small block Chevy to to be on par with Later model engine stuff

[@shoominati23]

when you can't afford a spintron...

[@sandchar]

Not needed

[@chuckmarquart]

Not all that good of a video , come on you guys

[@SummitRacing]

We appreciate your feedback.

[@michaelclanton1152]

From now on you have to use a fish scale and pull your piston to check