How many of you guys that have, or deal with, a 392 would have an interest in a split lip seal? As you know, the 392 has a unique shaft diameter at the seal and as far as I know Best is the only source for a 2-piece seal. I think that a split seal is a better design. Something like this: This type of split seal is common in the aircraft world and provides excellent service. I am looking at a custom run of domestic made seals but the costs are huge for my small quantity needs. Generating a larger volume always lowers the unit costs. So, just wondering if there is any interest. .
@73RR ....would these also be applicable to a 331/354 crank/block if shortened.....if they can be shortened? Ray
Ray, I am not sure how much 'spring' would be in the 'hoop' and if they/it would tolerate squeezing to a smaller ID. If this project gets to that point I will quiz the mfgr. The problem with doing one-offs is all about quantity. The setup costs are, at this point, several hundred dollars and a small run, 50 +/-, ends up at about $50 each. This is more than I want to have on my shelf as I have no plans for another 50 rebuilds of any kind.....My goal was to get the unit costs to about $35. This is about the retail cost for Bests 2-piece and not too painful to have to have 5-6-7 laying on the shelf. Gary
Hey Gary, Have you spoken to Bob at Hot Heads,,,,he might go in with you . He sales a lot of Hemi stuff,,,but he might be happy with his stock now . Would this type of seal be an improvement over the two piece type ? Tommy
@73RR Gary, I understood your position from the outset. That is why I asked about the feasibility of modifying this seal to fit more applications......if that would work reliably, it could/should significantly increase demand/sales and help the unit cost by volume. I can commit to two (331/354) for sure if it will work in modified form. Ray
...is a split seal better than a 2-piece? Oh yeah, a lot better. The split can be placed where you want it and since the seal is made for a specific diameter the gap is nearly zero. .
Thanks for the info. I had no idea that there was only one manufacturer for these seals. Like the others I would also be interested in 331/354 seals as that’s what I’m working on first but would be interested in the 392. That will hopefully be my next build. Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I am in for 6 if you get to around $35 per seal. Thanks Joel Sent from my XT1710-02 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
@73RR ..... Gary, if you come up with a manufacturing plan that seems economically feasible, but requires dependable support to pull the trigger, I am willing to up front some money for ‘my’ seals to ensure you have a market for the seals when produced. Only stipulation in my case is, I need them for 331/354 not 392, but I would commit for two for sure. Ray
At this point it will still take more volume than what I have 'found'. If one of you die-hard Hemi nuts wants to take over just let me know; I have to focus on some personal issues and don't have much free time these days. .
What should the Seal dimensions be? I've got access to hundreds of industrial Seal catalogues at work, might already be a Seal out there with the right dimensions.