Sonic Block DIY Testing
#3256804
09/09/24 01:40 PM
09/09/24 01:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,823
Here
jcc
OP
No soup for you!!!
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OP
No soup for you!!!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,823
Here
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I normally have my blocks sonic tested pre build.
I have used different vendors to do the testing over the years.
My first experience was very reputable and I was satisfied with the results, but they were pricey.
Others I used were less so in all areas.
Today I contacted the company from my first experience, and for a CI V8 tested at 3 level s at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock they want $525.
Online I can buy a tester between $180 to $1200.
I don't need high precision for this task.
Anybody here tried a DIY block sonic testing and wish to share any comments?
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: jcc]
#3256808
09/09/24 01:59 PM
09/09/24 01:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,110
Rio Linda, CA
John_Kunkel
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,110
Rio Linda, CA
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Many years ago a bunch of us went together and purchased a Dakota PR-9. It makes sense to share the cost of something pricey that won't be used that much by an individual.
When you do the testing yourself, there's no "time is money" element and you can test as many or as few spots as you want.
The INTERNET, the MISinformation superhighway
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: John_Kunkel]
#3256811
09/09/24 02:03 PM
09/09/24 02:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,823
Here
jcc
OP
No soup for you!!!
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OP
No soup for you!!!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,823
Here
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Thanks.
So the takeaway is, no hidden landmines in using one, other than cost.
Seems also like a good opportunity for someone to supply one for a reasonable fee like at a Carlise swap meet.
Last edited by jcc; 09/09/24 02:04 PM.
I forbid my content here from being learned and used by artificial intelligence systems.
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: jcc]
#3256826
09/09/24 02:47 PM
09/09/24 02:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,802
Windsor, ON, Canada
Diplomat360
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,802
Windsor, ON, Canada
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I normally have my blocks sonic tested pre build.
...Anybody here tried a DIY block sonic testing and wish to share any comments?... So I can already see the cringe on peoples faces, but it is what it is (a DIY amateur here, no pro shop, nor are my needs such) so here is what I've done: I bought a cheap ultrasonic thickness tester (China sourced) and having repeatedly confirmed that the probe was reading correctly (various materials, including cast iron) I went ahead and used that to sonic test my block. The only thing I needed to do here was to shape the probe accordingly so that it would comply with the round bores...so other than a little elbow grease there were no other issues to speak off.
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: Diplomat360]
#3256829
09/09/24 03:05 PM
09/09/24 03:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,015
North Dakota
6PakBee
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,015
North Dakota
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There is nothing exotic about ultrasonic testing. When I was working I did hundreds of thickness tests on power boiler tubes. If you have the correct material selected, a test blank to verify calibration, a probe that fits the contour of what you are testing, couplant, and a clean spot to test, it's a walk in the park.
"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: Diplomat360]
#3256835
09/09/24 03:32 PM
09/09/24 03:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,436
Loudoun County, VA
Brad_Haak
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,436
Loudoun County, VA
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I normally have my blocks sonic tested pre build.
...Anybody here tried a DIY block sonic testing and wish to share any comments?... So I can already see the cringe on peoples faces, but it is what it is (a DIY amateur here, no pro shop, nor are my needs such) so here is what I've done: I bought a cheap ultrasonic thickness tester (China sourced) and having repeatedly confirmed that the probe was reading correctly (various materials, including cast iron) I went ahead and used that to sonic test my block. The only thing I needed to do here was to shape the probe accordingly so that it would comply with the round bores...so other than a little elbow grease there were no other issues to speak off. No cringe here, cuz that's exactly what I did about 10 years ago. Bought a budget tester and two probes, one to leave flat and the other which I modified the profile to fit flush inside a 4.375" tapered ring compressor. There was some particular part of the blocks themselves which I used for calibration that seemed to work better than the pre-set options in the tester, although I can't recall where exactly that was thinking back on it now... 
2021 Challenger 6.4L Scat Pack 1320
100% stock: 1.680, 11.894 at 113.75 (DA 175 ft)
weight reduction, wheels, tires, Hellcat air box: 1.661, 11.686 at 115.97 (DA 710 ft)
1973 Challenger 452 ci street/strip [2008]
pump gas, DOT radials: 1.454, 10.523 at 126.44 (DA 514 ft)
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: 6PakBee]
#3256836
09/09/24 03:37 PM
09/09/24 03:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,811
Stuttgart, Arkansas
rickseeman
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,811
Stuttgart, Arkansas
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Tools are expensive, especially something you don't use very often. But I have to have what I have to have. 10 years ago I bought the same Dakota that every shop has been using for decades. I have no regrets.
2011 Drag Pak Challenger
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Re: Sonic Block DIY Testing
[Re: usp4u]
#3257124
09/11/24 07:36 AM
09/11/24 07:36 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,599
Marion, South Carolina [><]
an8sec70cuda
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,599
Marion, South Carolina [><]
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I bought a cheap one several years ago. Had to shape the probe to fit the round bore, but it seems to work ok. Easy to calibrate/check w/ something you can put a mic on.
It's a pain to convert everything from metric though. The cheap ones usually only read in mm.
CHIP
'70 hemicuda, 575" Hemi, 727, Dana 60
'69 road runner, 440-6, 4 speed, Dana 60
'71 Demon 340, no drivetrain, on blocks behind the barn
'73 Chrysler New Yorker, 440, 727, 8.75
'90 Chevy 454SS Silverado, 476" BBC, TH400, 14 bolt
'06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Duramax
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