We Show You How-4500HP SMX Cylinder Heads - Part 1

[@boatmanshuzz4030]

25 yr CNC 5 axis aerospace programmer and I love learning / watching all the specialized machine tools for engines ! Especially yours Steve, thanks for opening up your shop given how secretive the trade can be.

[@michaelatkin9649]

Seeing him make those valve seats makes you realize how massive those valves are. They're like the size of a tractors

[@DaftFader]

They probably like the size of the pistons in my daily xD

[@mauryamckendrick5446]

Not only the size, but how much time and effort is put into building an SMX engine. Making those seats by hand like that and all the other parts and machine set-up time, I imagine a huge chunk of time on CAD to design everything also and making the programs to run. It's crazy what goes into these things!! Definitely one of a kind product he offers!!

[@DaftFader]

@@mauryamckendrick5446 He said in another comment it's over 200 manhours to build one SMX. (not including the design time ofc, what I imagin took way more).

[@glennedward2201]

@@DaftFaderand $20k in labor per engine. It would be interesting to see what a production line could put out in comparison.

[@negativeindustrial]

@@glennedward2201 I’ve worked in design and manufacturing. A mass produced part would have much looser tolerances but would be much cheaper as a result. As usual, you get what you pay for and with Steve’s engines, that means top quality.

[@benrozema8007]

The seat on the dry ice is the leidenfrost effect in action. Just like water on a hot pan, it is boiling the dry ice and causing a cushion between the dry ice and the brass causing it to float and bounce around. This will happen until the temperatures get closer together.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Interesting

[@plantguy902]

Thermodynamic equilibrium required 👍

[@Picklemedia]

no. it's shivering from the cold

[@juniorwest5706]

Education 😎👍 Thank you ...

[@mikecabral1579]

Why not use liquid N2 to shrink sleeves?

[@JBNL1972]

I'm amazed and impressed by the amount of manual operations required; then again I shouldn't have been surprised given how specialized this kind of work really is! Definitely learned from this and love watching!

[@chrisobrien9334]

Precision at its finest. I’m a toolmaker and thoroughly enjoy watching machining setups and processes. Great episode Steve. Support from 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@gutrali]

I found and subbed to you on cleetus' recommendation. I love these tech vids. I'd love to see even more deets like this .... The new stuff u guys are trying in house, the stuff that failed/what not to do, etc. Also, maybe you can entice Mitch to talk and describe what he's doing a little more??? The guy is clearly a huge component in your daily work successes. Idk what you need to do to entice him but I'm sure you can think of something. He's already seemingly there in every vid and race already..... Let the guy know his knowledge is not just valuable but also really entertaining!!!! Go mitch!!!!!!!

[@DaftFader]

Welcome :)

[@gutrali]

@@DaftFader been here for months but thanks 👍

[@ohdarl1747]

​@@gutrali lmao entitled little shit stain much duuhh iv been here for a long time duh absolutely pointless to even say oh wow you been here for months wow you want a participation trophy or 2 of them would that satisfy your ego need anymore deets lmao fucking stupid ass babble deets deets fucking dumb shit stain

[@DaftFader]

@@gutrali Welcome back then! 😁👍

[@allothernamesbutthis]

Dont forget to ask for the cam profile😂

[@ianf2985]

Nobody else would take the time to show us how this is all done. Thank you for that. Shows the level of perfection you put into your work. Why I like following you and people like KSR. Pride in your work really shows through.

[@logannewman4532]

That cutter sounds so happy. There is something about the sounds of an engine shop that are soothing. Production shops just buzz and hum.

[@peterjdo]

All the gear and all the ideas 🤣 what a treat seeing the inside scoop on how these are made. No wonder they cost $$$$$ ,quality ain’t cheap !

[@Drmcclung]

Right there at the end talking about brand new heads moving around after heat cycling, not ashamed to admit I got a little excited. I can't tell you how many people I've tried explaining that concept to who just didn't get it!! New stuff always moves, that's why we touch up after new builds!!

[@wcovey25]

That machine is incredible, also the amount of flow is insane on those heads, you can literally see straight through!

[@DaftFader]

The intake valve is bigger than the flipping piston diameter in my daily xD.

[@josefrobbins8781]

New this old timer who had a set of custom Hemi heads from the old Nitro days. The valves and ports were so big, he was able to run a ruler through the intake port, to where the other end was poking out of exhaust port.

[@sgtstop]

Absolutely awesome video! It's Absolutely amazing that you are so willing to share your talent so freely and make put it to the "lowest common denominator" level so everyone understands! Keep up the great work!

[@pauldavies4650]

Steve: I'm not gonna do a big video. 22 mins of Steve detailed goodness later 👌

[@bennyslusser4098]

Thanks so much for the technical videos Steve. My dad and I had a engine building shop from the mid 80s to the mid 90s, so interesting to see what techniques and procedures have changed and ones that really haven't. Keep the videos coming , love watching them.

[@stevemorrisracing]

Cool Thanks

[@Vibrotronic]

Much better than just a simple Bridgeport horizontal mill, vertical mill, and Summit lathes. Wow! Very nice Steve Morris!

[@roymcdavid1015]

There is just something so satisfying about watching a machine working and cutting metal. Love the videos Steve.

[@floorpizza8074]

I was hoping you'd take us along for a tour of the new machines, Steve, thanks for doing just that. Really fun to see the processes involved in making these high horsepower monsters. Dyno pulls are fun, but seeing the nitty gritty stuff of how they're made is great, too.

[@br549rdr]

I work in a shop all day running lathes n mills programming then machining hydraulic parts but I can come home and watch you work everyday. Enjoy the engine building ALOT. always wanted to do that.

[@cameroncashatt692]

Jim's Automotive Machine Shop actually shows some of this process. But there is definite some stuff i haven't seen here.

[@robertterry1709]

As a engine machinist and engine builder nice to see some one respect their machine and not driving seats in whilst in the jig nice work steve

[@coreystrong4384]

Awesome video Steve. This shows the detail that is involved and another reason why the quality of your builds is there. Truly appreciate you sharing

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

Every time I watch an SME build video my appreciation for this art goes up

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

We had one of these machines for rework/salvage. It was a Serdi brand machine and operated very similar to this one. Since we only did one cylinder head we had a fixture to located and square it up for efficiency. Float it, lock it, cut it then repeat. Some of the operators got so good with it that the numbers were impressive. They could knock out a pallet in half an hour

[@SteveLowe65]

Brings back a lot of memories for me. My engine machining days were in the mid 80s, so seeing how much has changed is fascinating to me. The shop I worked in had a Tobin-Arp guide and seat machine. Similar concepts with the floating head, indicating in the cylinder head, setting angles (manually with a bubble level), etc. Looking back, I sure wish I'd have stayed on that career path. Question: we always used the green loctite 'sleeve retainer' on the seats (stellite seats into cast iron, as I recall) as we pressed them in. Is there any value to chemical 'retention' methods these days?

[@98integraGSR]

I love watching this kind of in-depth stuff, sir. It's like watching the videos from JAMSI, but performance oriented, instead of old tractors... This just reinforces my desire to use my GI bill to go somewhere like SAM in Texas when I get out.

[@goodgollyjosh]

An entry level position at a good performance machine shop, even if it's sweeping the floors and cleaning parts will get the same education if you stay long enough, plus you'll be getting paid to learn. Took me years to pay off the 22K for SAM and that was 1998 prices, can't imagine what it is today.

[@98integraGSR]

@J ...I won't have to pay to attend, the GI bill covers tuition, plus money for room and board, books, ect

[@goodgollyjosh]

@@98integraGSR Nice! Tell Jud I said hi.

[@ryandunn5362]

Steve is the best. He makes me feel like I'm in an Engineering class, getting smart... not procrastinating loading the dishwasher!

[@chrispiecridder]

If you put the dry ice in 99% alcohol you can get the brass colder faster. Amazing video I'm late to the party I can't wait to catch up on this amazing build. thank you for documenting it.

[@patrickvaugn897]

I spent decades learning how NOT to do something. Really enjoy watching the fruits of others experiences. Very cool video

[@padron632]

I have seen that other companies do the seat bore and guide machining work on a 4 or 5-axis cnc machine, but before porting the heads, and they do it on a cnc machine. Of course, they use the Newen Epoc Machine to do the valve job anyway. Everyone has their own book on how to do things, very good job

[@paullatour7012]

Man, I used to do that work on and old Quickway head center with a precision spirit level. How things have changed! Love the tech videos.

[@jakster1952]

Go get’em Steve, you are the Warner Von Braun of ICE . Well done 👍.

[@mikescherrer4923]

Surely there are better people to illustrate your metaphor... 😂

[@gcrauwels941]

This is great stuff. I used to use dry ice to put liners in some diesel engines as it helps with install. I can see how after an engine is 'seasoned' a refresh will iron out the changed tolerances. Appreciate these videos.

[@kennyrmurray]

Awesome! I love doing precision work! Great videos Steve, keep ‘em coming! Thanks

[@patriot2164]

Love the Machine Work , I could Watch and learn all day , Thanks for Sharing Steve

[@keitharnett2647]

We always used Liquid Nitrogen shrink steel and brass bushings for Mining stuff , back old days at mines had brass bushing approx 20’ Diameter had box loaded dry ice on Lowboy trailer for large Dragline . Love tech videos the machining capabilities on CNC pretty amazing.

[@jamesfrost5261]

Thanks for the machining lesson. It seams the better the equipment youbworknwith the easier the job appears to be. I know it's not a easy job and it takes years of experience to make it look this easy. I took a engine machine class a long time ago and put seats in a set of DOVE BBF heads, I was scared to death I screwed something up lol.

[@turbostyler]

Thanks so much Steve, I love seeing and watching this stuff just as much as I like watching the racing

[@larrybraden6640]

Steve I'm lovin these videos man. A mix of old school ( which I am ) and the digital world. Sat glued to this for every second.

[@joec-hd6dc]

Larry I'm with you brother 👍. As a shade tree hotrod guy from the 70's having a front row seat in the progression in technology is truly mind blowing.

[@larrybraden6640]

@@joec-hd6dc yeah man I love it. I've built hot rods for 45 years. I'm mostly a paint and bodyman but have also done my share of engine building. Can't do so much anymore but still love it and Steve keeps it interesting. He is a true master of his craft.

[@joec-hd6dc]

@@larrybraden6640 10-4 on Can't do much anymore 👍😂🤣!!! The mind is willing but the body, well not so much 😳. But loving having the best seat in the house for spectating these days with KZbin and Google etc. It's all good my friend. Hope you have run across Titans of CNC, Another mind-blowing example of technology I would never imagined fifty years ago. Stay safe and healthy friend.

[@rob183]

This is another excellent tech video Steve and I really appreciate you showing this. As a machinist by trade that doesn't yet work in this field it's awesome to live vicariously through your machine shop. And I love you reference to movement being normal especially after heat cycles, because that's exactly what different metals and alloys do when they stress relieve and settle they normalise. Thanks again for the awesome content and I also cant wait for an update on the Wagon.

[@stevemorrisracing]

Update coming up

[@KarolMcDonskee]

wanted to type "what an epic video" at like 2-3 min of it, now im at 9:11 and im not gonna wait logner with this comment! Mr. Steve, thank you! this is ummm... pure perfection that i wanna watch + some really cool stuff, thx again!!!

[@v4yt126]

This is Modern day ART and you are an Artist for sure

[@darylmorse]

Very cool! Thank you for sharing this process with us. I'm hoping for an update on the new engine and upgraded drivetrain for the wagon!

[@darylmorse]

Steve, I watch a channel called Boat Vibes, which is about the high performance boat scene in South Florida. The father of the guy with the channel had a Donzi ZRC with twin upgraded Mercury 1075 (twin supercharged) stern drives, putting out 1200 HP each. I would think that amount of horsepower would be a walk in the park for your SMX or SML engines. The latest Mercury Racing engine is 1350 on 91 octane and 1550 on 112 octane race gas (twin turbocharged) which your engines could easily do. Or would the shock and vibration of high speed boating cause valvetrain problems?

[@chrisstarnes2749]

I love the machine side of engines I have put a few engines together but know nothing about the machining side of it great show I'm old but learning lol

[@nhra7110]

absolutely outstanding videos. Steve! THANK YOU for sharing all this behind-the-scenes!

[@stevemorrisracing]

My pleasure!

[@rojoe3455]

Valve seats can be cut on 5 axis. Kinnemetal and ingersol both make tools to do it. What you need is a tool that reams the guide to finished size and cuts all seat angles at the same time. It's probably not cost efficient for low volume race shops, but in manufacturing we cut seats, the deck, int & exh faces in one job on the cnc. Cutting these surfaces and seats in a 4 valve head (4cyl or v8) takes about 15 min max. 2 valve heads are even faster. In development you do battle chatter, but once you figure out the speeds and feeds, it's pretty cool.

[@stevemorrisracing]

Yep

[@infidel24]

I love old manual lathes. My very first job in a machine shop was to cut down a huge chunk of inconel. I never realised how hot metal chips could be until that day. Now, I miss the smells and sounds of a machine shop.

[@southney7211]

Awesome video chap, thanks for sharing the detail and knowledge behind what you do.

[@stykytte]

"That's just not the way the real world works" - you're damn right. I love these videos Steve, thank you for your time and knowledge it's very much appreciated.

[@stevemorrisracing]

Thanks

[@mikesmith2383]

You look at the price of a SMX and think, wow that’s a lot of money, and it is…..but this why! Love these technical type “how stuff is done” videos. Thanks for the knowledge sir!

[@FoolOfATuque]

Steve sitting here talking to 4 decimals like it’s nothing. My manufacturing engineer would smack me upside the head if I asked a machinist to Machine to 4 decimals. Honestly though that’s due to setup error and measurement error. The CNCs are very accurate. Also as designers we give our machinists as much tolerance as we can allow. This lowers scrap rates which affects machining cost. Pretty cool stuff Steve!

[@136092195]

Thank you It brings back the good old days and still learning

[@TheChad138]

I’ve been watching this channel for quiet some time now and I love this stuff Steve!

[@kilgorefamily76]

From the look of the knob on the older lathe used to cut the seats, tape is not the only thing Dewey chews on. Amazing what high-level skill and super accurate machines can turn out these days.

[@Safexscape]

CEE in Australia and your shop would be an amazing chat group. Phenomenal.

[@omarboone1220]

Amazing to see how much goes into making quality engines.

[@Ursus5848]

I recently got to spectate cutting seats on a Serdi 100 for the first time. It's an awesome process! His tool has a few less bells and whistles than yours.

[@BIGGGJOHN171]

At Cosworth we heated the head to 350 and put the seats on a hanger and dropped in the cryogenic tank pull head out lace on wooden table and tap seats in with a guide. Then blend the seats and cut angles.

[@stevelong6213]

The Chevy LS based 427 in the C6 Z06 suffered from the "not quite perfect seat and guide" problem you were just describing. Pretty much the difference between a professional builder and an assembly line builder. Not that the builder of the Z06 engines was at fault. It was company that was producing the heads that they used on some of those engines that gave the engine a bad rep.

[@101starting]

Just love the brake on that lathe ❤

[@NickDigger3000]

I was just thinking that. Instantly My grandfather’s old lathe’s would freewheel for days 😆

[@nlo114]

05:00 - There is visible 'wobble' (eccentricity) of the cutter-shaft. I'd be inclined to check the quill-free-play and the cutter-spindle bearings for wear. Reducing the quill extension from the head will reduce the 'slop', for a more accurate job. This will help reduce the need for re-cutting (22:00).

[@stevemorrisracing]

There is NOT I address this in next video

[@nlo114]

@@stevemorrisracing I stand by what I said. To avoid distraction, cover the toolholder with a sheet of card and watch the diameter of the tool holder at 05:30 with reference to the background. Put a DTI on that spindle while it is cutting. Watching a video on large-screen often shows what is not visible at normal magnification. (Please don't get mad; I'm not knocking your work, merely observing what I see as an old timer. If it can be seen, it can be measured)

[@FCM.inc1]

Steve... this is awesome content. I have my own job shop with manual machines and cnc equipment and have always said engine machining is a complete trade of its own. Its great just to see this process from a machinist of 16 years myself. Can you do some of the actual cnc work being done as well? Keep up the great content.... I know im loving this shop side as its very interesting because there is no videos much like this out there on the performance side.

[@stevemorrisracing]

On the way

[@robertshell4176]

Love this kind of stuff. Great video! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@Dave-jj4np]

I love watching your videos, I’m always learning something. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Steve.

[@WACKOJACKO6648]

I have made billet heads before. Thanks for being so matter a fact about retaining valve guide vs valve seat dimensions. There's no real replacement except a bunch of time for getting it perfect on a cnc, just use traditional valve seat methods, they work everytime. Thanks for sharing! Awesome

[@stevemorrisracing]

Thanks

[@beefster1882]

Always mindblown with your videos, keep the videos coming! always tune in for the show

[@jeffthomson1777]

We use liquid nitrogen for our bushings and seats etc where I work stuff is amazing. Keep up the awesome videos

[@DaftFader]

-200C ftw!

[@donbrutcher4501]

Back in the day when I was a machinist at Franklin Engine (Yup Franklin Aircraft engines) I would machine a virgin aluminum casting, 100% inspect it, let it set 24 hours in a tote box, remeasure the part - it MOVED! When you machine things, you are both relieving stresses in the part from the casting or forging process, but also imparting addition stresses from the cutting tool and clamping fixture into the part.

[@stevemorrisracing]

That’s cool

[@77chevy4x4]

6:40 … nah … just the size of trailers lined in rows in a machine shop as I’m skateboarding through having a blast in a quiet clean adventure! King vertical lathe with a 84” table to lay down lathes with 4’ wheels. . Ice flaker machines with 5’ bore centers .. with a mirror finish. 😊 1980s with 1940s tech .

[@bobg3034]

I'm glad to see you have a Rottler seat and guide machine and not a Serdi ! I also like the Berco seat & guide machines.

[@claytonchalmers1890]

Love these videos Steve your channel has improved massively

[@br549rdr]

I agree. He’s killing it. I guess now he’s got over 400k subs he’s ready to show us the real stuff💪

[@HappyHarryHardon]

I just got a vertical mill. So I can start doing my own head work among many other things of course.

[@moverplus2853]

Drove through Muskegon on my way to ludington this weekend and thought of you. You do great work

[@MrMotorNerd]

There is backlash on any machine which is the error you talk about Steve , Love ya work .

[@f.chrisliuzzo7889]

Ya Cleetus was looking at those fancy plates that block off the access holes used to make the intake runner part of the head..

[@bradpeterson7572]

Enjoy your content Steve. I appreciate you being as forthcoming as you are showing your stuff. I do wonder if there are any "secrets" that you don't care to show/talk about? Generally speaking. I think you getting Mullet setup with your own SMX engine says you sell what you do for your own stuff. Maybe you could speak to this in a future video Steve.

[@stevemorrisracing]

Sure

[@joshmiller8663]

Steve I used to work with dry ice set that block on the floor for a couple seconds the block with start dancing on the floor.

[@mr.x1510]

I love boring videos, in fact I have made my own boring head. The very top notch machinery Steve . Is great video

[@superkillr]

On the exhaust especially, if you watch just the cutter you can see it wobble @21:32

[@stevemorrisracing]

Optical illusion it is NOT Watch second vid tomorrow

[@gogetem188]

HI ALL Steve your RIGHT no one show's this side awesome ya passing on knowledge respect to you for that great vid thanks

[@MrCheckster2000]

Hey Steve.....thanks a bunch, just got my awesome tshirt in the mail. Nice shirt dude....thanks again

[@davefuelling7955]

Nice video, I really enjoy seeing exactly how things are done. The question I had is the bottom of the seat overhangs the inside of the runner, leaving a sharp corner disrupting the airflow, do you go in after the seats are finished with the valve cutout and smooth that out?

[@frankensteincreations4740]

Awesome, just awesome! Wild how things technically boil, but it’s the opposite of something being super hot… I love how simple things are with all the proper tools. Funny to think, standard procedure for basically any cylinder head… but this one is going to make 4,500 hp! Lmao

[@ALLGODSDIE]

I will buy a engine from you one day.. it's my goal..and my goal is looking good finally.. your work is kick ass amazing!

[@DaftFader]

Make sure you post a vid when you do!

[@ALLGODSDIE]

@@DaftFader I'm 46 and it's" all gas, no breaks "..lol... I was built for speed..

[@tomstrum6259]

Thx for showing in great Detail how much Precision equipment & operator Skill is involved in this Amazing process !! .....Those are likely Beryllium-copper material seat Rings ? ...Deff Don't hammer & bang on any Critical precision machine ! ...... I'm Sure best ring Centering & Retention is Achieved with Heated heads & using Less Insertion pressure.....

[@Popomomox]

Thanks Steve love all your work and videos really appreciate it.

[@tombethervin5725]

I don’t know why I watched this whole video but for some reason I’m glad I did. Keep them coming.

[@stevemorrisracing]

Please do

[@ruikazane5123]

This makes me remember of a shop I used to "work" at. Man...I'd love to do those myself for my own engine, but where I am it is tough finding a good machine shop that's cool with me overseeing the process to make sure it's good through and through...the local mechanics already gave me some PTSD after they ruined my project bike before I got it, let alone trusting a local machine shop...very few does take pride in their work and looks at the itty bitty details. It's great to be able to build those in house! (About the valve seats...would it make sense to order a tube of the metal and turn them down in house? Or there's some secret ingredients on seats per manufacturer?)

[@stevemorrisracing]

That would take more time with my manual lathe If I had a CNC sure

[@rockercover]

2:25 This *is* interesting and makes logical sense. (Referencing seat to guide).

[@chief3378]

These videos are just too cool I know what you're doing and everything but I've never seen it done late 90's early 2000's when I was drag racing they didn't let you in the engine shop thanks Steve

[@raindeergames6104]

Pure gold Steve. You just make me love engines more and more.❤

[@timmurray7639]

As always another learning experience. I paid attention just like being in school. Thanks for sharing

[@Noscrap909]

Astonishing how far automotive machining has come

[@redchemicalsltd2324]

Steve, thanks for taking the time to share this tech video...really interesting to watch & educational👍...luv it.

[@markmonroe7330]

Excellent video. Thanks so much for sharing. I need to build something to put one of these in.

[@kenithisaacs3508]

I really really enjoy watching all your stuff it's very educational

[@johncholmes643]

I used to build every cylinder head you could think of on a Peterson TCM40. There was no automation. I fucked up a few heads. Diesel, performance, farm, hell I even put a broke farmer's Oliver tractor hubs on one. Always wanted a Rottler, or a Serdi when I was building heads.

[@otisbailey5455]

Thanks for the instruction. Paid my tuition by like and sharing. Great explanation of setup. Still curious about the intake valve seat material.

[@stevemorrisracing]

CHE precision

[@gregmacdonald4634]

Hey Steve not much has Change with insert machining over the last 40 years but good job explaining the process

[@jaredandrews379]

Thanks for showing this video! Enjoying all the technical videos!

[@chrisjohnson9587]

You've got some wonderful machinery very interesting