could you be referring to the cold treatment of steel alloys (particularly
stainless alloys) where the cold (below -60 C) converts the austentitic
state into the much harder martenstitic state?

Quenching and tempering steel at regular temps converts much of the
austentite to martensite, the cold treatment is supposed to convert more.

This treatment is sometimes used on cutting tools and used as a sales point.

I heard that -(warning! could be a myth!)- Swiss watchmakers used to
toughen some watch parts by leaving them on top of mountains for a few
seasons...

Does this mean that Marshall Ruskin's (and other list members who live in
really cold places) van is tougher than the rest? :)

Alistair

>    Does anyone have any experience with cryogenic treatment of  engine
>parts such as pistons, heads, valves, cylinder walls, cams, cranks,  etc?
>I've heard that this process will allow parts such as these to  last up to
>10 times longer than none treated similar parts. From what I've heard, its
>not terribly expensive, and many race engines  are being cryo-treated.
>Sounds really interesting, just wondering if anyone out there  has any
>info to share on the subject.   Thanks, John 84 Westy