I found the following link last night after my first post. Check it out.
This sounds really interesting.
www.badgercryogenics.qpg.com

See the link on automotive engines.

> 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