Can a new surface treatment for cranks and rods make a four-percent improvement in horsepower output? Eagle’s new ESP process is ripe for testing.      

We first saw Eagle’s ESP Armor process at the Performance Industry trade show last December. At first visual glance, it has the shiny but not-too-shiny appearance of an industrial Nickel plating, but we’re told it’s not. When pressed harder about the actual process, Eagle representatives were understandably tight-lipped. Hey, if you had a new surface process that added as much as 30 hp to an otherwise identical 700hp big-block Chevy, you’d play your cards close to the vest, too.

The 30hp figure was from an engine test run by Eagle by an independent lab, and was performed on an engine that had its untreated crankshaft dyno tested, then ESP treated, then dyno’d again. According to Eagle’s official press release: “ESP Armor is an optional finishing process offered on all new crankshafts, connecting rods, and assemblies purchased from Eagle. ESP Armor is unlike any process offered by any other crank or rod manufacturer. The surface finish is near perfect with ESP Armor. The improved surface allows oil to glide effortlessly along the part greatly reducing running friction and improving oil shedding. Oil temperatures will be lower. Bearing wear is reduced. Durability is increased. And most importantly, less friction means more power.”

Cost of an ESP treated crank is $175, and for a set of rods, it’s $99. Want ESP Armor for your own crank or rods? Too bad—it’s gotta be an Eagle part. For more information on ESP Armor, log onto www.eaglerod.com, or call 662-796-7373.