Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Melted a piston - unsure why.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 29, 2018 | 09:07 PM
  #1  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default Melted a piston - unsure why.

Hello, new to the site and I need some help. I have a single turbo 78/75 billet camaro, 3 bar factory computer setup. Had the car running 3-4 months now on 6#, and then 9# and all was well. Turned it up to 11# and melted the top edge of #1 piston and it blew down through the side of both rings and through the whole piston.

timing was 11* through peak tq up to 5k then ramped up to 14* to shift point.

Iat was 102 at the start of the pull and ended at 152*
11.2 afr but it did creep to 11.5 around 6,000 rpm and the. Start to go back to 11.2 at shift point.

Pump gas 91 octane, 3” exhaust dumped, 2.:5 hotside

did it do it because it went slightly lean coupled with high Iats? Help me out here. Will post a picture tonight. 9.8:1 comp
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2018 | 09:08 PM
  #2  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 99camaroturbo
Hello, new to the site and I need some help. I have a single turbo 78/75 billet camaro, 3 bar factory computer setup. Had the car running 3-4 months now on 6#, and then 9# and all was well. Turned it up to 11# and melted the top edge of #1 piston and it blew down through the side of both rings and through the whole piston.

timing was 11* through peak tq up to 5k then ramped up to 14* to shift point.

Iat was 102 at the start of the pull and ended at 152*
11.2 afr but it did creep to 11.5 around 6,000 rpm and the. Start to go back to 11.2 at shift point.

Pump gas 91 octane, 3” exhaust dumped, 2.:5 hotside

did it do it because it went slightly lean coupled with high Iats? Help me out here. Will post a picture tonight. 9.8:1 comp

also my first thought was an injector, since it hurt #1 piston but not 7, had them flowed and #1 injector is flowing 9cc more than #7, so I’m at a loss.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 06:38 AM
  #3  
chiaj144's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 483
Likes: 1
From: Usa
Default

I don't see anything wrong with the info you've given so far. What intake, plugs etc? What do the other plugs look like?
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 03:47 PM
  #4  
pantera_efi's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 18
From: Santa Ana, CA. USA
Default High EGT = Piston Damage

Hi 99, LOW Spark Advance (11* ) AND TOO MUCH fuel (11.2 AFR) will melt a piston VERY FAST.
Similar to a Diesel when it too is over fueled.

Lance
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 04:08 PM
  #5  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I’m running br7ef plugs, and factory ls1 intake and rails. I’m skeptical that too little ignition timing could have caused this, but I’m not a professional tuner. I’m not sure what to think here.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 04:46 PM
  #6  
ddnspider's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,628
Likes: 1,778
From: FL
Default

Originally Posted by pantera_efi
Hi 99, LOW Spark Advance (11* ) AND TOO MUCH fuel (11.2 AFR) will melt a piston VERY FAST.
Similar to a Diesel when it too is over fueled.

Lance
Completely disagree. You need low advance at peak torque, especially on 91 octane, it melted a piston I.e. the combustion temps were too high.....I think 11 psi, 91 octane, 15 degrees and 11.5 AFR on 91 octane, I'm not surprised it blew. Too lean and too much timing for that boost and octane.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 05:40 PM
  #7  
brandon6.0's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 29
From: Glennville, GA.
Default

Meth injection would help. Yea i agree i think thts to much timing at tht octane and boost.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 05:53 PM
  #8  
jimmyg's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 12
Default

SBE ls1?
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 08:11 PM
  #9  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

Yes stock ls1, I should also mention it bent the connecting rod slightly, so I’m certainly leaning towards detonation. 14* at 11# is too much for 91 octane? The internet sucks, I sure see a lot of conflicting information and it makes it very hard to decide on who to believe. I’m trying to stay away from meth, I might buy a Garret intercooler to help.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 08:14 PM
  #10  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

Do you think it would be fine at this level of boost with a 10.9/11.0 afr?
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 08:37 PM
  #11  
ddnspider's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,628
Likes: 1,778
From: FL
Default

Originally Posted by 99camaroturbo
Yes stock ls1, I should also mention it bent the connecting rod slightly, so I’m certainly leaning towards detonation. 14* at 11# is too much for 91 octane? The internet sucks, I sure see a lot of conflicting information and it makes it very hard to decide on who to believe. I’m trying to stay away from meth, I might buy a Garret intercooler to help.
Every one on the internet has hero times and cuts 1.2 sixty foots on bolton's. I usually shoot for 11 or 12 degrees at 12 psi on 93 octane. Haven't blown anything up and we beat on stuff. Your 150+ iats weren't helping. I start pulling timing over 120 degrees. I'm probably conservative to some, but my stuff doesn't blow up.
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 10:07 PM
  #12  
jimmyg's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 12
Default

With only 91 octane, you would really benefit from water/meth. I run 18* @13-14 lbs on 93 with 50/50 water meth with no knock. This is on a gen 4 SBE. My compression is only 9.6 to1 though. I think your a full point higher .I’m able to do this because of the water lowering combustion temps. Also my IATs are low. 25* over ambient.
Buddy of mine has a 99 c5 with a vortech 15*@10lbs boost running 93 with an alky control 100% meth

Reply
Old Jun 30, 2018 | 10:57 PM
  #13  
Loud Mouse's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Default

Low timing and rich mixture melts pistons. Low timing builds heat in the cylinders. I run 19° timing and any lower than 11.7afr and I get a rich miss. What does the plug show? Excessively rich will burn between the rings, lift lands, and melt the heads, pistons and burn gaskets.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 11:36 AM
  #14  
customblackbird's Avatar
TECH Addict
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,268
Likes: 172
Default

Iats a pretty high and 91 pump prob the issue. 93 pump and I run 16-17* at 10psi and spray 50/50 or wiper fluid and a FMIC.

Sounds like your intake cooling is not up to the task. My IATs are in the 90-115* range with 80+ outside temps before the meth even kicks on.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 12:42 PM
  #15  
ddnspider's Avatar
10 Second Club
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,628
Likes: 1,778
From: FL
Default

And when you're IATs are too high.....you end up with detonation or preignition.....that could have been prevented..... with a richer mixture or less less timing depending on if it was detonation or preignition.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 01:03 PM
  #16  
pantera_efi's Avatar
FormerVendor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 18
From: Santa Ana, CA. USA
Default High EGT = Piston Damage

Hi Loud Mouse, yes YOU are correct AND a measurement of EGT is easy.

NO AFTERCOOLER ???

This too ADDS EGT increases.

SURE detonation can be a result of a bad tune AND the added information provided by the OP points to that broken piston, NOT a MELTED piston. ( OP's Question)

BUT/INSTALL an EGT Gauge.

A HIGH EGT is a result of a too low Spark Instant.

WHAT is your EMAP at 11 .lbs ?

WHERE is your EGO/UEGO sensor located ?

MY tune target is from .866 -.902 Lambda AND finding the lowest EGT, found with CORRECT Spark Advance.

Lance
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 01:43 PM
  #17  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

I didn’t change my timing from 6# all the way up to 11#, so if it’s because it was undertimed, why didn’t it hurt anything when it was only on 6-8#? Plugs I can’t tell, they are old. Will do some checking with a new set. I also believe it was from 91 and high iats, but here also , I literally have to pick who I believe and hope it works. 19* on pump gas 91 sounds a little silly unless it’s kind 4# to me...
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 02:15 PM
  #18  
brandon6.0's Avatar
TECH Addict
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (32)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 29
From: Glennville, GA.
Default

U running a intercooler setup?
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 03:28 PM
  #19  
99camaroturbo's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by brandon6.0
U running a intercooler setup?
yes, cx racing but I have poor flow through it I think
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2018 | 04:18 PM
  #20  
epfatboy's Avatar
9 Second Club
10 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 595
Likes: 40
Default

+1 for ddnspider....
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:43 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE