Hmmn, I've always read 1250* F was the safe limit for aluminum pistons - since the aluminum alloy most pistons are made of starts to melt at around 1300* F.

Are the MB pistons made with some kind of coating or a special alloy that allows them to handle a couple of hundred degrees more heat without turning to slag?

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1984 300 Coupe TurboDiesel
Silver blue paint over navy blue interior
2nd owner & 2nd engine in an otherwise
99% original unmolested car
~210k miles on the clock

1986 Ford F250 4x4 Supercab
Charcoal & blue two tone paint over burgundy interior
Banks turbo, DRW, ZF-5 & SMF conversion
152k on the clock - actual mileage unknown