Forged Pistons and Rods question
Forged Pistons and Rods question I am going to be doing a heads and cam swap in the near future and wanted too go with a forged bottom end but use the factory crank. I am looking for forged pistons and rods that will fit a stock bore and stroke of the ls1. I am not looking for my cubic inches just want so insurance for the bottom end in case i ever boost the motor. I looked on many websites but am not sure. So my question is who sells pistons and rods that are forged that will fit a stock ls1 motor and work with the stock crank. I know the major brand have them I am just not sure of the size.
Its a 2002 Camaro SS A4. Thanks in advance.
Its a 2002 Camaro SS A4. Thanks in advance.
I'm sure any of our sponsors could steer you in the right direction as far as pistons and rods go. I personally went with a "forged piston upgrade kit" from Scoggin Dickey, which is available in stock bore size and then purchased a set of Scat rods instead of using the stock rods with the ARP bolts included in the kit.
I too am going with some boost via STS and wanted the extra insurance as well. Although, there are better piston options out there (budget). The Speed-Pro forged pistons in the kit use a VMS-75 alloy which is a little more brittle than 2618 (contains silicon), but is able to run tighter piston to wall clearance and has improved skirt durability. If you're looking for serious all out boost, I'd go with another piston made from the 2618 alloy at the expense of looser clearance and increased wear.
Oh yeah, bear in mind that when you upgrade, budget in the re-balancing of the rotating assembly. It's a must! I would also recommend to move up to the 3.905" bore piston (3.898" stock) and have the block honed to fit to avoid piston ring seal problems associated with glazed cylinder walls from not honing at all or an inadaquite surface from trying to prepare the cylinder with a hand drill and hone.
I too am going with some boost via STS and wanted the extra insurance as well. Although, there are better piston options out there (budget). The Speed-Pro forged pistons in the kit use a VMS-75 alloy which is a little more brittle than 2618 (contains silicon), but is able to run tighter piston to wall clearance and has improved skirt durability. If you're looking for serious all out boost, I'd go with another piston made from the 2618 alloy at the expense of looser clearance and increased wear.
Oh yeah, bear in mind that when you upgrade, budget in the re-balancing of the rotating assembly. It's a must! I would also recommend to move up to the 3.905" bore piston (3.898" stock) and have the block honed to fit to avoid piston ring seal problems associated with glazed cylinder walls from not honing at all or an inadaquite surface from trying to prepare the cylinder with a hand drill and hone.
Last edited by fast01; Nov 2, 2008 at 01:12 AM.
I'm sure any of our sponsors could steer you in the right direction as far as pistons and rods go. I personally went with a "forged piston upgrade kit" from Scoggin Dickey, which is available in stock bore size and then purchased a set of Scat rods instead of using the stock rods with the ARP bolts included in the kit.
I too am going with some boost via STS and wanted the extra insurance as well. Although, there are better piston options out there (budget). The Speed-Pro forged pistons in the kit use a VMS-75 alloy which is a little more brittle than 2618 (contains silicon), but is able to run tighter piston to wall clearance and has improved skirt durability. If you're looking for serious all out boost, I'd go with another piston made from the 2618 alloy at the expense of looser clearance and increased wear.
Oh yeah, bear in mind that when you upgrade, budget in the re-balancing of the rotating assembly. It's a must! I would also recommend to move up to the 3.905" bore piston (3.898" stock) and have the block honed to fit to avoid piston ring seal problems associated with glazed cylinder walls from not honing at all or an inadaquite surface from trying to prepare the cylinder with a hand drill and hone.
I too am going with some boost via STS and wanted the extra insurance as well. Although, there are better piston options out there (budget). The Speed-Pro forged pistons in the kit use a VMS-75 alloy which is a little more brittle than 2618 (contains silicon), but is able to run tighter piston to wall clearance and has improved skirt durability. If you're looking for serious all out boost, I'd go with another piston made from the 2618 alloy at the expense of looser clearance and increased wear.
Oh yeah, bear in mind that when you upgrade, budget in the re-balancing of the rotating assembly. It's a must! I would also recommend to move up to the 3.905" bore piston (3.898" stock) and have the block honed to fit to avoid piston ring seal problems associated with glazed cylinder walls from not honing at all or an inadaquite surface from trying to prepare the cylinder with a hand drill and hone.
Are you going to do any honing on the block at all? You can go to a 3.905" bore size and open your options for pistons up a bit more. There are pistons out there that will work in the factory 3.898" bore but you will need to clean the bores up so the rings will seat. From there, it really comes down to what you want to do with the car as to what pistons, rings, rods, etc. you want to run. We can get you setup with Diamond, Wiesco, or Mahle pistons and a wide variety of connecting rods including Eagle, Callies, and Lunati. Shoot me a PM or give me a call with some info on your build and what your goals are and I will get you setup with the right components to complete your project!
Jon Reynolds
Texas Speed & Performance
Jon Reynolds
Texas Speed & Performance
