Valve seat insert

A valve seat insert adapted for installation into a prepared opening having a given diameter in an engine cylinder head, said insert comprising:

• a body having a predetermined height of not less than 0.110 inches nor greater than 0.180 inches, a centrally located bore extending therethrough, a first end, and a second end opposite thereto;
• said first end defining a pilot flange having a predetermined diameter, a predetermined height, and an exterior surface, said predetermined diameter being less than or equal to the diameter of the prepared opening in an engine cylinder head into which said insert is adapted for installation;
• said second end defining a locking flange having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined height;
• said first and second ends defining an annular groove therebetween, said annular groove having a predetermined height and a predetermined diameter;
• said annular groove diameter being less than said pilot flange diameter, and said pilot flange diameter being less than said locking flange diameter, with said annular groove height being less than said locking flange height;
• said predetermined height and diameters being of relative sizes such that when said insert is installed in the prepared opening, material displaced by said locking flange fills said annular groove and places said pilot flange exterior surface under compression, thereby eliminating the occurrence of air gaps between said insert and the prepared opening in the engine cylinder head and providing an optimum transfer of heat across said insert.