Pistons...tell me about them

[Jeff]

It its coming on the time that Jeff drops $500 more dollars on his $300 car. I needs to get me some pistons to get this thing on the road. So, I ask you, who makes the best pistons for a 275-300hp app that will be dealing with high heat for longer periods of time? No, "Honda" is not a good answer here.

Options-
J&E-

Pros-
Forged
Can buy them in singles
"Highest Quality"
Used in n-ass-car
Cons-
Bling Bling $500 just for pistons...no rings or pins
Require rework of rods

Venolia-

Pros-
Forged
Can buy them in singles
Comes with rings and pins
Cons-
Supposidly have strange expansion rates that lead to knock
Require rework of rods

Mahle-

Pros-
Cheap $128 a set
OEM part
Uses stock rod bushings
Cons-
Cast
Cheap
only a little messup on the A/F ration = meltdown

I'm thinking forged is needed, and the middle of the road might be the best option. Let me know what experience has shown you guys. Can I get buy with the cheapies or should I go all the way to the top?

[PDenbigh]

I have JE's in the XR, they seem to work well. What is the displacement of your engine? 300 hp isn't terribly demanding actually, many XR guys acheive that on a stock bottom end (of forged pistons). $500 is a lot to spend on an Omni, no offence. (it was also a lot to spend on an XR). Before you keep pouring money into the car I'd reccomend riding with some of the MM guys on the track - Chad for a Mustang, Evan for a Miata, Brian in an Integra, and get a feel for different cars and also see what the real demands are. They will be much greater than you are expecting. Then, once you have experienced that, look back at the Omni and see if you feel you can build it within budget to do what it needs to do.

[G.Irish]

Are those the only brands that make pistons for your car?

[Mike]

of those 3 i've only ever heard of J&E so of course i'd go with them

[CaptainHenreh]

Whatever you get, spend the extra money and send them to Swaintech.

[Evan]

Im so funny

[Myuki]

Im so funny

smoked

[Jeff]

Pete- I can't think of anything I would rather do then dump money into this car :lol: It is a 2.5L commonblock (94, from an N/A car 132,000 miles)


300hp is regularly done on the stock cast (tII style) pistons. However they are known to lack in the longevity department and any (and I mean any) lean running will melt them like butter. The JE's are the nicest but that is a lot of coin. The V's are like $475 for the piston pin and sealed power rings. These are the only 3 pistons (besides your federal mogule and such) out there. I'm kinda thinking making this engine bullet proof might be good...that way if I wreak the Omni, or get tired of it, I can switch this engine into a Daytona, CSX, Charger, Mini-van, Lancer, or whatever I want. A 2.5 on a 555 transmission is almost the best combo out there for this engine, it is arguably the best 8 valve combo. Surpassed only by the Neon DOHC swap (Neon head on 2.5 block) with a 568 trans.

I would liken my project very much to the XR. If I had a GLH Omni to start with it would be a closer comparison, but I digress. The XR was fast to start with, but the whole "why the hell did you bother" still applies. I think that is why I admire Pete's car so much. Not because it is a really fast RWD turbo car...but because of all the work that went into a car that others just don't understand or care to.

[PDenbigh]

Then I say go for it! There's no better feeling than what I had a few weekends ago when I Finally got to drive the XR on track at Watkins Glen, and all my hard work and monsy spent paid off. Driver has something to do with it, but regardless I passed every single car in my group and my instructor said "I've never been in a 4 cylindar iwth this much guts." There are much faster 4-bangers out there, and much, much better drivers, but it still made me feel like I was on top of the world.

Build it once and build it right.

Good luck!

[KPWSerpiente]

If forged pistons are required to make that much power than you need to get them.

-T

[mpg9999]

Make sure you do your research on the forged pistons. Find out what sort of piston to sidewall clearance you will need to run. It will be bigger then with a cast piston. Its not always good for a daily driver.

[HAULN-SS]

Hyperteutic pistons are the new hotness. They resist almost all buildup. I guess they make these for small engines too.

[PDenbigh]

Hyperteutic pistons are the new hotness. They resist almost all buildup. I guess they make these for small engines too.

Most often, Hyperteutic pistons go pop under boost.

[Jeff]

Hyperteutic pistons are the new hotness. They resist almost all buildup. I guess they make these for small engines too.

Most often, Hyperteutic pistons go pop under boost.

Yes, they are not advised for turbos and in my case the 2.2/2.5 engines at all. They are singled out and a big :ban: is given by the Turbo Dodge people at large. I think you are right pete. I have the money (or I will) so why not. I just found a piece of telephone equipment laying in the road today that goes on ebay for at least $100. Gotta love the dumbasses at Shentel throwing the money away