Pistons/rods for stock turbo

[ZLAYER]

So, I doubt anyone has done it, but what about just putting in stronger rods (and rod bolts) and leaving the stock pistons (as mentioned a little earlier). Wouldn't that get rid of the weak point (rods) and still maintain the stock engine reliability? I wonder what an engine like this could handle, well beyond 400 tq? And, am I wrong in presuming it would maintain the stock reliability and daily livability?

[mac11wildcat]

just seems like too much work and investment to just replace rods. doubt anyones done it.

[ZLAYER]

Not having to fit new pistons seems like it would cut out a lot of the work. Or am I wrong? I guess there are few if any that would know the limits of the stock pistons (without being hindered by the stock rods). The results might be good if someone tried it. It would cheaper. And again more "reliable" than aftermarket pistons due to perfect fitment.

[HappyMint]

Originally Posted by ZLAYER

Not having to fit new pistons seems like it would cut out a lot of the work. Or am I wrong? I guess there are few if any that would know the limits of the stock pistons (without being hindered by the stock rods). The results might be good if someone tried it. It would cheaper. And again more "reliable" than aftermarket pistons due to perfect fitment.

I like the idea. Our pistons seem to be pretty strong as far as I have seen.

[mac11wildcat]

Originally Posted by HappyMint

I like the idea. Our pistons seem to be pretty strong as far as I have seen.

the would you go along with replacing stock pistons with higher strength pistons made of material that doesnt expand as much as whats typically considered when "forged" is thrown around? im certain stock pistons arent anywhere near optimized. there has to be strength to be had without sacrificing the OEM fitment like you said.

[HappyMint]

It all depends on material makeup of the piston. Most aftermarket forged pistons have a lower percent of silicon which in turn causes the pistons to expand more but makes it stronger and more resistant to detonation. I honestly don't know which, if any, aftermarket pistons have more silicon and will expand similar to a stock cast piston. ETS Claimed they took stock pistons to 680whp. So I recon the stock ones are pretty strong overall.

I'm far from an expert in this area, but I figure if ETS took stock pistons to that much power (at which point their rod bolts gave out) I figure the pistons are pretty strong then but rod bolts should be upgraded at the very least (and rods too obviously)

[KickAss]

Then again, taking the pistons to 680whp on one or two occasions versus running it consistently at that power level are two completely different things. I don't think they are using still using them and I would not put too much stock in those numbers. It was a shop car which was meticulously designed for one purpose.....get the record 1/4 mile time.

[HappyMint]

Agreed, but I think taking stock pistons to 500-550whp isn't too much to ask I don't think, there are a fair amount of people out there running 500+whp on stock internals so I reckon the pistons are good to that much, and presumably reliable at that power level.

This is kind of a nebulous area, we just have no idea how much the stock pistons can handle since everyone throws a rod before reaching that area and always does pistons and rods together.

[ZLAYER]

Originally Posted by KickAss

Then again, taking the pistons to 680whp on one or two occasions versus running it consistently at that power level are two completely different things. I don't think they are using still using them and I would not put too much stock in those numbers. It was a shop car which was meticulously designed for one purpose.....get the record 1/4 mile time.

The op (nor I)doesn't want to run 680 hp though. I would think this might be a good option for those who want to max out an FP green, or to get into a 450 hp/over 400tq range and be much safer than stock rods, with good reliability.

[HappyMint]

Originally Posted by ZLAYER

The op (nor I)doesn't want to run 680 hp though. I would think this might be a good option for those who want to max out an FP green, or to get into a 450 hp/over 400tq range and be much safer than stock rods, with good reliability.

Would you like to be the test dummy?