Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

1st pass with 5.3 = 2 broken, 1 torched piston ???

Old 07-07-2012, 04:27 PM
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Default 1st pass with 5.3 = 2 broken, 1 torched piston ???

Let me give a quick run down of the combination.
2003 5.3 longblock
98# injectors
oem truck intake,throttle body
twin GT35 turbos (Chinese Ebay)
MS3 cam 113 lsa
Lunati duel springs (.650)
LS2 chain
E85 Fuel, no methanol injection or inter-cooler

This is in a 67 Camaro tube chassis ex-racecar. (3024 lbs.)
I have beat on this engine for 4 years on the street with no major problems. It had developed a really audible cold knock about a year ago, that lasted about 30 seconds after cranking, beginning to think the broken pistons my have been that way for awhile.

I took it to the track last week for the first time
18 psi boost, 10.2 afr, on e85 (gas scale) 17 deg. timing
These are the results : Broken pistons #1,#5 torched #7
The first 2 pics. are #7 piston. The last one is of piston #5 (#1 looks identical, no need for a pic.)
The top ring lands on 5 and 1 looked great, which leads me to believe the rings may have butted together breaking the lower lands.
I have replacement pistons to go right back in, I will open the gaps .005 more and see if this works.
Also #8 piston top ring land is starting to flake away at the intake valve location, very little, but noticeable.
Could this be signs of detonation, heat, excess fueling?
I do not have a steam vent on the rear cylinders, only the front two, could this have caused a problem?
Attached Thumbnails 1st pass with 5.3 = 2 broken, 1 torched piston ???-piston-7-top.jpg   1st pass with 5.3 = 2 broken, 1 torched piston ???-piston-7-torched.jpg   1st pass with 5.3 = 2 broken, 1 torched piston ???-broken-pistons-1-5.jpg  
Old 07-07-2012, 04:59 PM
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no form of charge cooling and 18psi is going to be some healthy intake temps

you did a number on #7 though jeez

how fast did it go for you atleast? haha
Old 07-07-2012, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by quik67
I do not have a steam vent on the rear cylinders, only the front two, could this have caused a problem?

Yes. 18lbs and no vents to the rear is a bad idea. Get those things full of coolant next time!
Old 07-07-2012, 05:22 PM
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Looks like detonation to me. Either got a bad batch of e85 or the temps got to it. Are rods bent as well?
Old 07-07-2012, 05:24 PM
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damn you go that thing hot.
Old 07-07-2012, 05:35 PM
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Well atleast you did it right lol.
Old 07-07-2012, 05:38 PM
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I wonder what the iat were ?
Old 07-07-2012, 06:16 PM
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You have almost the same motor setup that Im building except different cam, same turbos, injectors, fuel, ect, but I will have dual intercoolers. I was wondering if you put in ARP's head bolts/rod bolts and/or changed the headgaskets.

Do you have any idea what kinda power your were making??
Old 07-07-2012, 07:25 PM
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I thought target on gas scale for e85 was still 11.5-11.7 range? 10.2 is way rich.

Could this be signs of detonation, heat, excess fueling?
Im thinking all of the above.
Old 07-07-2012, 07:27 PM
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First pass at 18lbs??? There's your problem...

Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you've got one hell of a tune 18lbs is not a starting point. Next engine, start at 7-8lbs and go from there.
Old 07-07-2012, 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by rotary1307cc
no form of charge cooling and 18psi is going to be some healthy intake temps

you did a number on #7 though jeez

how fast did it go for you atleast? haha
Intake temps have been around 218 to 220
The only time I haven't data logged happened to be this time.
The tune has been pretty good in the past.
I did however just fill up the tank on the way to the track, I will have to
check the fuel.
It ran 7.20 at 103, felt strong thru 1st gear, and understandably got weaker and weaker, then pow! LOL
Going with meth injection
Old 07-07-2012, 07:39 PM
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Holy intake temps!
With my dual nozzle meth and a small intercooler my intake temps start at 105* and end at 85* .
Old 07-07-2012, 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Adam Connell
First pass at 18lbs??? There's your problem...

Not trying to be a jerk, but unless you've got one hell of a tune 18lbs is not a starting point. Next engine, start at 7-8lbs and go from there.
My thoughts exactly!
I only thought it had a great tune.LOL
I am going with 7 psi next time.
I got Greedy and Stupid!
Old 07-07-2012, 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by tonypaul
You have almost the same motor setup that Im building except different cam, same turbos, injectors, fuel, ect, but I will have dual intercoolers. I was wondering if you put in ARP's head bolts/rod bolts and/or changed the headgaskets.

Do you have any idea what kinda power your were making??
I do have arp bolts, stock mls head gaskets, no idea on power. But it did run great.
Old 07-07-2012, 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by JankesGTO
I thought target on gas scale for e85 was still 11.5-11.7 range? 10.2 is way rich.



Im thinking all of the above.
I thought 10.2 would be safe, it probably just fed the blow torch!

Last edited by quik67; 07-07-2012 at 07:49 PM.
Old 07-07-2012, 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by stock48
Looks like detonation to me. Either got a bad batch of e85 or the temps got to it. Are rods bent as well?
No bent rods, but I'm replacing the short block anyway.
Old 07-07-2012, 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by quik67
I thought 10.2 would be safe, it probably just fed the blow torch!
10.2 is not unsafe on e85
Old 07-07-2012, 08:39 PM
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WOW. You almost had liquid pistons.

I agree with everyone else in that the intake temps might have been the cause and that could have caused it rattle and then pop.
If I were you I would go over my fuel system before you get it back together. I wonder if a fuel pump or regulator went bad or had a problem because she did get pretty hot.
The alcohol will be a huge help also.

Good luck.
Old 07-07-2012, 09:53 PM
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What spark plugs and what heat range?
Describe your fuel system.
You state the tune had been on before. How much power had you made with 18psi in the past?
Old 07-08-2012, 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by koolrayz
What spark plugs and what heat range?
Describe your fuel system.
You state the tune had been on before. How much power had you made with 18psi in the past?
I used Autolite 103 plugs.
Holley 12-1400 Dominator fuel pump (55 psi base), this was the first thing I checked after getting it home.
10AN feed, 6AN return
100 micron pre filter, 98 lb. injectors , oem rails.
I never had it dynoed, it ran really well for 4 years with hundreds of miles put on it.
I think I just got too greedy with boost, on an average tune, with no cooling of the intake charge.

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