Instead of buying OEM pistons, I thought I might be able to get pistons made or find pistons that 'fit'

there are only so many sizes right?

who makes them and is there any savings involved?

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There are companies that make custom pistons for a given engine (IIRC Wiseco makes motorcycle/small engine pistons...)
But they really are expensive to make, and the metallurgy/machining/polishing is tough...tough enough to keep 'small players' out of the piston-making business. To guarantee longevity it takes a staff of engineers (aside from production) that is more than a small shop can handle with any kind of volume.

a few things about pistons:
-uncommon alloys
-diameter measurements acurate/reproducible to .0001" or less
-roundness to a similar spec.
-precision machined grooves for rings (do we need to make those too ?)
-the piston-crown to connecting rod pin distance is specific for each engine.
-oil squirters ? where ? This changes piston design
-IIRC pistons have a slight taper to them (wider at the top than bottom?) to slow the wear rate.

I welcome corrections, but this is what I've picked up (from mechanical engineering technology school) and other places I read about pistons.

-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

There are normally more than one piston manufacturer for most car companies. Its not worth messing with non original with regard to pistons.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

more often than not the pistons are reusable if the engine is resleeved. This is less expensive than buying new pistons. They can be measured and it is go or no go on the sizes. I have never bought new pistons in the five or so benz motors I have rebuilt. I have obtained good used pistons and gone with them. Excellent results in all cases. no regrets!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Your going to spend 10 times what it costs to just order them from MB.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thats wonderful news. I opened up a four cylinder diesel recently and it was a nightmare. everything was toast.

I am currently looking at shortblocks.. .we'll see what happens.

I thought there might be some benefits in more modern pistons... like weight reduction / material strength/ tighter compression ratio... maybe give me a chance to upgrade the rings.

If I find anything I'll post it. But I would certainly rather not buy a whole new set of pistons...

thanks

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ON a MB diesel motor use the OE pistons...either KS or Mahle.

On a gas car, having custom made pistons made isn't a bad idea.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
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27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I wish I knew why you say this.


My intuition would have been the opposite. Considering the heat / torture that gas engines see.

Please elaborate... I'm just so darn curious.

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