CAM is Off to the Races

The Challenge

Engine oil temperatures can fall below the optimum for top engine performance, which becomes a problem. Since the coolant temperature can’t be lowered, they had to devise a variable bypass valve that would still keep a constant total flow of oil through the valve. Because there were no stock controls available that would guarantee an even oil pressure, C&R Racing had to design it themselves.

• Mastercam makes it really simple and fast to get a no-waste toolpath.
• Mastercam has such a wide range of options, it was the logical choice for toolpath generation.
• The program runs each toolpath on a piece of virtual stock, allowing programmers to avoid possible gouging or tool damage, saving time, material and cost.

Oil temperature is one of the most critical engine parameters in an engine with up to 700 horsepower. NASCAR engines can develop temperatures as high as 245°F. C&R Racing is the world's largest supplier of radiators and oil coolers to NASCAR race teams, making parts for cooling engines in prestigious racing series' like Winston Cup, Busch Grand National, NASCAR Craftsman Truck, and more. C&R's engine oil cooler, exchanging oil heat through the engine's radiator coolant, is more efficient than air-cooled models, which also include a drag-producing duct into the cars' aerodynamic lines.

Oil coolers and radiators aren't the only prestige racing parts sporting the C & R logo. If you follow the NASCAR circuit, you're likely to see their Mastercam-programmed logo on a car's radiator. Many winning Indy 500 and NASCAR teams are driving with C&R parts programmed with Mastercam including Riley and Scott, who is one of Indianapolis' premier race car builders. The Plymouth Prowler, America's first production street rod, uses C&R-made, Mastercam- programmed suspension pickup points fabricated into their front end assemblies for the prototype of the unprecedented Chrysler Corporation presentation. Indy car maker Reynard Racing Cars, Ltd. sends IGES files for suspension parts, steering arms and various contoured aluminum mounts and brackets to C&R. C&R has been using Mastercam since 1994. "The program has such a wide range of options, it was the logical choice for toolpath generation," says Paulsen.