Custom pistons

[whipplem104]

I am planning on getting some pistons made as I think I skirted one.
I am going to contact several piston companies and wanted to know what the volume of interest would be. I know that not everyone is at this point now and there is some difference between m103 and m104 pistons.
I was going to get 9.2:1 for my self.

[BAD300]

I know you are seeking others for perhaps bulk interest to take to manufacturer but I have a set of forgies with only 5k kms on them removed from the original engine in my car. They are low compression M103. PM me if you want any further details

[whipplem104]

Thanks, but I am going to stick with my bore size and compression.

[whipplem104]

I talked to Ross Racing Pistons today. It looks like the cost is going to be 1300.00 for pistons with ceramic and teflon coatings and heavy duty pins for high hp and rings. If I order 4 sets I can get a jobber price reduction of 20%.
This would the price down to about a 1,000 for anyone interested. I would be willing to sell these at cost plus shipping to get the jobber rate for myself. These are being specified to handle around 800hp or more.
So I need three others to do this.

[MAG58]

Can you get me specs on these?

Is this with or without spacers?

[whipplem104]

I am going to send in a stock piston and have it copied. I assume you mean a head gasket spacer? I do not use one.

[MAG58]

I was more referring to the connecting rod spacers. You're aware the M104 uses a piston guided connecting rod which is backward of most which are crank guided, yes? This means that the connecting rod towers are much more narrow than most pistons and usually require a special forging, as most only go to ~ 1.200'' inside to inside whilst ours need to be 0.866''. I remember calling Ross and they said they were unsure if they would be able to do it without spacers or not. I know Wiseco cannot but JE can.

[whipplem104]

I had not inquired but will before I order. I had assumed that they would make copies of the pistons. I will use another manufacturer if I do not like the answer.

[MAG58]

Ok. I wanted to ask, because coated pistons at 1k for what are essentially one off jobs almost seemed too good to be true.

[Pagz]

Even though i sent JE a copy of mine they didnt make my first set with a 22mm gap to locate the rod...There initial response was this is not how engines here run so none of there blanks were able to do this,you will have to take them to a machine shop to make spacers...however after some serious talk they did eventually come to party with some FSH? short skirt blanks that were apparently for a honda...anyhow they didnt work so well so now i just have forged pistons everywhere for decoration...plus in all the argumant i even ended up with a set to suit a nitrous engine(the dark green ones)...rings dont fit due to green anodizing though^^
Iv been told the piston located rod is now a tick box question on the custom orders.

It will be interesting to see how your pistons turn out and how well the whole system beds in!.

Think all up this cost me ~1100usd including shipping to nz,thats with almost all of the extra options.

What sort of power are you running?

[Joreto]

Whipplem104, are you also going to change the rods ? In my experience the rods are actually the weak link, well at least in the 2.5-16v engine (mb pistons are quit strong).

[whipplem104]

Like I said, I will make sure that they know what is needed. I will call today about this.
As far as the rods are concerned. I am going to have them tested. I will probably have them cryo and peened. But the rods are very strong. The m104 late pistons are much less substantial than the early ones. I have also now blown the rings off my original engine and now skirted the current one with no rod issues.

[whipplem104]

I talked to Ross Racing today and they cannot make the pistons without spacers. I called CP and they are fairly sure they can but require a sample to make sure. Cost is 100.00 more on the top end but we will see. If I do rods too then this is not a problem because they can make the pistons and rods compatible as a piston guided rod. Rods are bucks though at 1700 to 1900.
I am going to have my rods checked after I get my motor torn apart.

[whipplem104]

Well i finally got the engine out today and thea head off. Definitely skirte the piston or stuck the rings on cyl 4. I will get the piston out this weekend and take some pictures. I am going to send a complete assembly to cp for a template.

[whipplem104]

Number 4 piston