Intel’s CT-1 dry film lubricant used on engine bearings, valve springs, oil pump gears, timing and transmission gears is 0.0002″ to 0.0004″ thick and generally does not require extra clearances. A benefit of Intel coated bearings is the allowance for tighter clearances. Keeping in mind that bearing clearances of .002″ to .003″ are typical for high performance applications.

Intel’s CT-3 dry film lubricant used on pistons is 0.0005″ to 0.001′ thick. With many different piston materials on the market today, there are no typical clearances. However, CT-3 coated pistons can be installed with tighter clearances than uncoated pistons. Tighter piston-to-wall clearance will result in faster sealing and longer ring life, with less loss of power due to blow-by or for partially sealed rings.

PVD coatings are extremely thin, as they are applied to your parts on average 3 to 3.5 microns thick. PECVD coatings are applied on average of 2 to 2.5 microns. Applying these high performance coatings to precisely engineered parts ensures that tolerances and fits won’t be affected and that they will fit back together perfectly. Although these coatings are thin, they are not thin on performance.