CYLINDER HEAD DEVELOPMENT
the art of performance
Cylinder head development is foundational to building competitive power and speed; it's where artistry and craftsmanship converge with applied sciences. A discipline where the nuance and balancing of engineering, physics and materials science collaborate to enable and inspire fine works of metal art. An art where painstaking detail is forged and sculpted, to be experienced and expressed as force multiplied by velocity (geek-speak for power). The countless hours of welding, machining, shaping, measuring, calculating, testing and refinement - is the performance art - that is Performance Concepts. Our experience spans over three decades and our results are a matter of record... We produce and deliver some of the most competitive cylinder head work available, anywhere.
MODIFY, OPTIMIZE & DESIGN
when getting the most, means the most
Many of the engines we build have parts we've modified or custom components we design. In cases where OEM (or aftermarket) designs or materials become limiting factors, is when we step in to provide the necessary experience and expertise. Knowing when and how to make changes to a component is key, when we recommend modifications or custom components you can be assured it's to help to maximize performance and service life. We design the most robust, lightweight high performance custom engine parts for any application. We work with industry leaders in component manufacturing and top providers of specialty engine coatings and treatments - to help you access the highest quality materials and workmanship.
Piston Modification & Design
Pistons in the cylinder head section?
Yes, while other cylinder head specialists may overlook this area, we tend to take a more comprehensive approach to cylinder head development. The top of the piston is in fact - the floor of the combustion chamber, a crucial area to examine during cylinder head development. The piston skirt is an area that can benefit from reducing friction and stress-risers. Properly planned and executed piston work is often key to fully unlocking the true potential of a cylinder head. Integrating appropriate modifications or designing a new piston further optimizes performance, reduces friction and increases piston (and associated component) service life.
Valvetrain Modification & Design
When OEM or aftermarket simply won't do
The OEM and aftermarket typically offer good components for general use, though certain applications call for something beyond what's readily available. Valves, springs, retainers, guides and associated components see repeated high rpm cycles, heat, friction and a variety of mechanical stresses as a part of normal operation. Greater demands are put on those parts in racing or other high performance applications. When needed, we can modify existing parts or design custom valvetrain components to the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Camshaft Timing Optimization
Degreeing Cams
Altering cam timing (degreeing cams) to an optimum can pay large dividends in both power gains and delivery characteristics, making it easier to ride faster. Our cylinder heads perform superbly as delivered, though you'll want to degree your cams to take advantage of it's full potential. Stock engines also benefit from altering cam timing. At the factory they're simply not timed as accurately as the engineer may have envisioned. This is due to production tolerances and compromises made during manufacturing and assembly. If you're looking for the best from your Performance Concepts cylinder head -or- simply want you're stock engine to run at it's best - we can help.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
directly, via email and on forums
Good morning. The engine ran great this weekend. The pulls steady and very smoothly from 9 to 14K and the mid-range increase was very noticeable.
The better drive off the corners translated to +5mph increase at the end of the straights — according to the GPX Pro - over last year. It’s definitely
one of - if not the - fastest triple on grid. Now to work on its rider...
Thanks again!
Well we are just back from the Seattle races with WMRRA and SOTP and I am happy to report that the California contingent did very well. In fact, I overall-ed in first place on Sunday with your head and re-worked pistons installed into my CL175 roadracer.
Looks like we got quite a bit of extra horsepower. We went from 102.5 to 113.5 hp (997EC Factory Pro Dyno), that’s over 10% gain. Add around 12-15% for Dynojet numbers, so it should read 127 to 130 horse power. This is a 600 we’re talking about. Thanks Pat!
Hey Pat, I just ran Brent's YZ450 on the dyno and it's making 50.1 hp, up from 42.1 hp. An 8 hp gain is pretty F@*#-ing amazing for a 450!... Good job man.
You need to quit #@*!-ing around and just get a "super-geeked-out" Pat Ho cylinder head. They make stupid horsepower!
Just wanted to let you know... I'm very happy with the work you did, my bike is running super-super good. It's incredible how much power I have in the bike now and I am very happy with the work.
Thank you sooo much Pat, You Rock! It spins up the rear and wheelies everywhere!
I just picked up our engine work from Patrick @ Performance Concepts. If you are planning on having engine work done you should consider Patrick. His work is awesome! He is an artisan, who pays painstaking attention to detail. Patrick delivers the work ON Schedule. The workmanship is the best I have seen hands down, head and shoulders above the rest. Talk to Patrick, and visit his shop, you too will be a sold. If you are spending your hard earned money on a race engine you owe it to yourself to consider http://www.perf-concepts.com/