>> HOME     What is SportPort? Pictorial Overview

The following is a step by step pictorial overview of the SportPort Porting Template System. It details how the templates are made and how they are applied. The application of the template system is similar for all cylinders and proves once again just how easy it is to use.

The instruction manual that accompanies the template system will walk you through this process with even greater detail. Plus, all SportPort Templates come with 100% free technical support.


OVERVIEW

STEP 1: THE DESIGN PROCESS

Shown here is the computer aided design display of the ideal port setup for this specific cylinder. The specifications for these ports have already been determined through a long process of software design and hands on testing.

The computer will process these drawing specifications; then convert it to machine code that the CNC mill can understand.


STEP 2: TEMPLATE CREATION

With the machine code file loaded the CNC mill cuts the template to the exact dimensions produced by the software. This process gives us tolerances of less than .002".

The resulting port shape is unlike current porting methods because it is not guessed at or "eyeballed". These port curvatures are exact; both top and bottom, and side to side.

It is with this precise method that gives our template system the upper hand to current industry porting methods. Each and every port will be shaped and sized to the exact dimension that produced the best result. There is no more reliance on the porting technician's eyes or frame-of-mind, which often produces vastly different results from cylinder to cylinder.


STEP 3: THE FINISHED TEMPLATE

The finished template is a reusable, flexible magnetic overlay made from a material that is similar to what refrigerator magnets are made from.

By using the CNC mill to produce the template, we have created an exact duplicate of the porting dimensions that the design software, along with extensive hands on testing, has determined to be the best performance offering for the cylinder while retaining reliability.

This is a primary factor that goes into every template system we manufacture. We will NEVER sacrifice reliability for horsepower no matter what gains can be achieved.


STEP 4: PUTTING IT TO USE

Once the cylinder has been cleaned of all contaminates, layout die is placed around the ports to be modified. You can also use paint, markers or anything else that will provide a good visual identification of the scribe line that will be made.

The template is placed inside the cylinder and bumped into place using a straightedge on top of the cylinder.

Since the template is magnetic, aligning it to the ports is easy, while providing enough resistance to keep it in place once aligned.


STEP 5: MARKING THE NEW PORTS

With the template in place, it is time to mark the new ports for the cylinder.

Using a right angled scribe, a line is traced around the template. The template's .75mm thickness makes it easy to hold the scribe while making a perfect line.

All port differences are transferred onto the cylinder by using the scribe. The line produced provides an accurate identification of the amount of modification the port requires. This is the line that the port will be cut to.


STEP 6: VIEWING THE DIFFERENCE

With the template removed, the changes that will need to be made to the port are obvious. You are left with a cylinder that now has ideal porting laid out and marked.

It is very important to remember that subtle changes in port dimension and shape produce substantial gains.

While some ports may appear to have only minor modification needed, it is this minor change that will give you results and horsepower you can actually feel.


STEP 7: MAKING THE CHANGES

It is now time to begin modifying the ports. The marked line represents the amount of change that will be made.

The material will be removed using a grinder. While the method we prefer to use is a 1/4" air grinder, we have customers that have successfully used an assortment of other products such as a Dremmel or a standard electric drill motor.

It is important to resist the temptation of going overboard while grinding and removing extra material. Some people believe that more is always better. This is not the case with porting.

Never go beyond the changes that the template lays out. If there was more reliable horsepower to be gained by making larger changes, the template would have reflected it in the first place. Going beyond the template layout can prove to be disastrous, with reliability concerns, horsepower losses, ring breakage, etc., all a possibility.



STEP 8: THE FINAL STEP

The cylinder porting is complete.

After cleaning the cylinder to remove all marking dye and grinding debris, the newly shaped ports along with the dimension changes are apparent.

Please note that it is extremely important that the cylinder is cleaned thoroughly to remove all grinding residue before installation. Wash the cylinder and blow out with air. This will assure you a proper job, one that will be reliable with results that you can really feel.



Congratulations!!! Your very first cylinder porting job is complete. It is indeed something to be proud of. You have ported your cylinders with the industries' first ideal porting system that allows you to have exact dimensions and shape, all providing you with unmatched results at a substantially reduced cost.

And...You did it all yourself!