Q & A — Why prep aluminum?

Q: Why is prepping an aluminum block engines critical?

A: Working with and rebuilding aluminum block engines is quite an art. In addition, the proper equipment is expensive, but necessary.

Specifically, on later model Mercedes and Porsches with 928 and 944 engines, it's extremely important to do the honing right — that is finish the cylinder walls according to factory specification. In Mercedes' case, for instance, there's a manual that's about four inches thick covering how to rebuild those engines. When customers have problems in that process, it always goes back to the fact that the engine wasn't properly prepped.

Furthermore, if rings are forced into a cylinder that's not prepared properly or if the wrong size rings are selected and you start the engine, it can be destroyed. You always have to check everything to make sure it fits properly. When you're rebuilding one if these engines, there's no room for error whatsoever.

Q: Can I get a better price if I bypass distributors?

A: No, at least not from Deves. We protect our distributors by sticking to our discount schedule. The distribution system works best when everyone knows where the stand.