Full Auto Update

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G81 Can Cycle

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Update on FullAuto heads.

This has been a frustrating project. We were hoping to have the casting done in Australia. After waiting several months for our first 10 samples, we were notified that the samples were complete, but the foundry no longer wanted to do the job. Samples and tooling were sent to the US. The sample castings were not up to our quality standards and the tooling had been damaged. The damage was repaired on the tooling by the foundry, but the tooling also showed a history of damage and repairs.

I sent the tooling and a sample casting to a foundry I work with here in the US. This US foundry reported back that they also were not impressed with the quality of the castings. They also reported that the design for the patterns, core boxes, and the assembly of components for casting was a bad design, and this had led to the multiple indications of damage and repair to the tool.

So, I bit the bullet and paid to have new tooling made for the casting process. The new tool is beautiful, and we are expecting casting samples in the next week or so. We have used the original sample castings from Australia to start our machining tool path on our 5-axis mill.

So, we are close, stay tuned
 

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I'm very impressed with the lengths you have gone to to make these cylinder heads a reality and the huge investment you have put into acquiring the technology and production. Bravo!

Will these heads be offered with seats and guides when ready for sale?

Best.
 
I'm very impressed with the lengths you have gone to to make these cylinder heads a reality and the huge investment you have put into acquiring the technology and production. Bravo!

Will these heads be offered with seats and guides when ready for sale?

Best.
The heads will come with guides and seats. We will be using upgraded material for both components
 
Looking at the pictures, there's actually only one bit that I recognise as part of the Norton head! It looks very complex (and expensive). What material is being used to make the mould from? Looks like some from of plastic?

Considering that the original heads were done in the late 1940's using (I think) wood, working by hand, it's really impressive that it turned out so well. When you look at a (real) Norton head, you can see all sorts of changes, fixes, possibly a bit of damage repair to the moulds.... it's a bit like reading a family photo album.

I suppose the new heads, while having a much better finish, will lack this bit of history. Still, it's fantastic that this project is actually being done.
 
Lovely new high tech work. Now, time to get to it on the CYLINDERS. :cool:
 
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John,
Impressed and amazed would be an understatement. Wishing you the best of luck with this undertaking and thanks for your continuing contributions to the Norton community. Hope to see you again at NJMP
Pete
 
John,
Very glad to see that you are striving to make these available.
 
I'm very excited as my 750 needs a better head. I've started saving up already!
 
Update on FullAuto heads.

This has been a frustrating project. We were hoping to have the casting done in Australia. After waiting several months for our first 10 samples, we were notified that the samples were complete, but the foundry no longer wanted to do the job. Samples and tooling were sent to the US. The sample castings were not up to our quality standards and the tooling had been damaged. The damage was repaired on the tooling by the foundry, but the tooling also showed a history of damage and repairs.

I sent the tooling and a sample casting to a foundry I work with here in the US. This US foundry reported back that they also were not impressed with the quality of the castings. They also reported that the design for the patterns, core boxes, and the assembly of components for casting was a bad design, and this had led to the multiple indications of damage and repair to the tool.

So, I bit the bullet and paid to have new tooling made for the casting process. The new tool is beautiful, and we are expecting casting samples in the next week or so. We have used the original sample castings from Australia to start our machining tool path on our 5-axis mill.

So, we are close, stay tuned
Congratulations for your involvement in the Norton survival project we all share. The Norton world is starving of critical parts like cylinder heads. Your payback on investment is already guaranteed by the numerous orders to come. High qualiy cylinder heads manufactured with all modern components and upgraded specs...an extra bonus for all Norton enthousiasts. WOW!
 
Indeed, I applaud the effort to continue to provide the epitome of cylinder head development to the Norton community. I already have Jim Comstock modified heads for my 750 and 850, otherwise, I'd be all over these. Now, if somebody wants to take on offering the Maney cylinders , my money is ready to spend. Sorry I missed out when they were available.
 
Hi Deckard and All,

Have look at this thread speaking about Nikasil coated alloy cylinders or sleeved ones (like TGA / Molnar ones) :

 
Impressive indeed, but with all the preparation and work involved, these cylinderheads will probably cost in the end more than most of us payed for the whole bike.
This said, I applaud the efforts that are made to produce the parts to keep our bikes on the road.
 
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