[TayloredR/T]

since i'm new, and this is my first post, i'll give a little background. my current car is a turbocharged 98 dodge neon r/t (last name taylor, red r/t. hence the screen name). before i became a total neon car nut, i said my next car was gonna be AWD. seems that out of the evo8, audi tt, and sti, the sti suits more of my desires in a car. this is a really great site, loads of info from an enthisiasts standpoint, and i can only see it getting better. now for my question: what does an "open deck" and "semi-closed deck" mean? i'm looking forward to learning more and giving my input whenever relevant.
thanks
dave

 

[CloNeGTS]

Welcome to the site. It's always nice to see new members come on with such an obvious deep love of motorsports, regardless of manufacturer, car type......welcome!

And uh.....I can't say I can give a good technological explanation of closed deck very semi open. I've seen both and could show you both...but as far as how to describe it....hmmm...

 

[jbhebert]

Check out this thread for details:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnu...e=phpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=741&highlight=block

 

[WRX_Mundi]

Alternately, look at this open deck:

http://www.wrx.org.au/gallery/engine/open_deck_block.jpg

vs. this closed deck:

http://www.wrx.org.au/gallery/engine/closed_deck_block.jpg


Now you have to take in mind that I know nothing about engines -- I just do web searches. But apparently open decks are lighter, easier (cheaper) to cool, and much easier to manufacture. However, since the cylinders aren't held in place as well, they tend to move around under high power, causing some leakage, raising heat which in turn is very bad for reliability. For under 300hp or thereabouts open deck is typically preferred because of its advantages. However, for reliability with high power, closed deck is better. It's just harder (therefore more expensive) to make, and the cooling solutions are more difficult (hence more expensive). At some performance point a lot of people view it as necessary for decent reliability.

I'm not sure what they mean by "semi-closed deck" but presumably it is less than fully closed but more than open (duh). Reinforcing the block is good for STi owners, and really good for anyone who might be adding power since we're looking at 350-400hp with a good tuning.

 

[alfredob1]

The block pictured below is semi-closed:

 

[TayloredR/T]

"semi-closed" was something i read in another thread here. the subject was about the difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5 liter motors. thanks for the warm welcome and the info. i'll be around.
dave
edit: from what i can see, the semi-closed resembles the block in my neon. looks like a pretty good design.

 

[EvoDaWayToGo]

Welcome to the site. It's always nice to see new members come on with such an obvious deep love of motorsports, regardless of manufacturer, car type......welcome!

well said...