Cryogenic treatment, often called cryo treating, is a post-manufacturing process where transmission gears are subjected to extremely low temperatures to fundamentally alter their microscopic structure. For endurance racing, this treatment can be a game-changer for durability. At Walter Motorsports, we frequently integrate this process into our custom transmission gears. It's a critical decision with real trade-offs that every racer should understand.
Pros and Cons of Cryo Treated Gears for Endurance Racing
Enhanced Durability and Reduced Wear
The primary benefit of cryo gear treatment is a significant increase in the strength and durability of the steel. The extreme cold transforms residual austenite into the much harder martensite structure, leading to less friction and dramatically reduced wear over the long haul. This structural change means our cryogenic gears can handle the immense, sustained stress of endurance racing far better than untreated components.
Improved Reliability Under High Stress
Cryogenic processing reduces the internal stresses locked within the gear's metal structure during manufacturing. By relieving these stresses, we see a lower incidence of microscopic cracking and fracturing, especially in the high-load conditions of competitive racing. This enhanced reliability is crucial for endurance events, where a single component failure can mean the end of a very long, costly race for our team and our clients.
The Factor of Increased Cost
A key disadvantage is the increased total cost of the transmission build. The cryogenic treatment process itself requires specialized equipment and time, adding to the final price of our custom transmission gears. We believe the investment is worth the peace of mind in high-stakes racing, but for budget-conscious teams or those in less demanding classes, the added expense of cryo treated gears may be a deterrent.
Potential for Dimensional Changes
While rare when performed correctly, there is a minor risk of slight dimensional changes or warpage during the cryo process if the temperature cycling isn't meticulously controlled. This could affect the precise tolerances required for a perfectly blueprinted transmission build. At Walter Motorsports, we mitigate this risk through our exact process controls, but it is a consideration when deciding on the extra step for your race-ready transmission gears.
The choice to use cryo treated gears comes down to balancing cost versus the absolute necessity for reliability. We have seen firsthand the incredible lifespan and performance boost our clients achieve with cryogenic gears in the most punishing endurance environments. To discuss if our cryo-treated, race-winning solutions are the right upgrade for your build, we encourage you to contact Walter Motorsports directly.