Stepped Sleeves - Honda Prelude Forum

nuro · 03-03-2003, 07:10 PM

i see this term on the skunk2 site. what are "stepped sleeves"?

marcucci · 03-03-2003, 07:46 PM

In what context? Maybe they are referring to the sleeve being "stepped" where it gets larger past where they are inserted into the block (i.e. thicker than stock like Darton).

schwett · 03-03-2003, 11:29 PM

probably referring to the same thing as a "step-decked" block. when it's sleeved, they set the sleeves a few thousands higher (i can't remember, .002 or .003) than the level surface of the block. this promotes better combustion sealing, but at the risk of head gasket problems (i.e. oil / coolant mixing / leaking) if you aren't very careful when installing the head.

the cometic "turbo" gaskets have a thicker fire ring around the cylinders for the same reason.

sharkcohen · 03-03-2003, 11:40 PM

schwett, did you get stepped-deck on your GE build?

schwett · 03-03-2003, 11:47 PM

yes, i didn't want to mess with copper o-rings.

nuro · 03-04-2003, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by schwett
yes, i didn't want to mess with copper o-rings.

why not?

71dsp · 03-04-2003, 09:30 AM

Look on Larry's web board. He recommends against step decked blocks, although he recommends buying a step decked sleeved block, installing the head for a few days (torqued to spec), then decking the head flat. That avoids most of the "sunken sleeve" problems.

The step deck has been known to cause problems with sealing on the peripheral ports (oil, water, etc.).

One other thing to remember is to shave the alignment dowels with sleeved blocks, especially if you mill the head.