At what point should you upgrade the pistons?

[Wicked91rttt]

I know that some guys are running 30psi and even more on the stock pistons. I was just wondering when is a good " rule of thumb" to upgrade. Are all the guys with the 16v conversions and large turbos running weiscos and such?

Do you think the stock pistons would be able to handle 400-500hp?

If I was to go with a 16v conversion, and have hopes of running high boost, would the stock pistons become the weak part of the engine?

Thanks for the advise.

Brett

[TurboMinivan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked91rttt Do you think the stock pistons would be able to handle 400-500hp?

It's been said many times... but I'll say it again: the determining factor in whether or not your pistons survive is not how much boost you run or how much power you make. It's how much detonation you subject them to! With careful tuning, dozens and dozens of people on this forum have seen 350+ HP on OEM cast slugs. I'd bet you could even squeeze 400 HP out of 'em, too. However, one split second of detonation at those levels and you'll be the proud owner of a new set of ashtrays.

So when you ask us if we think cast pistons can handle 400 HP, we reply by asking you, "can you properly tune your car for 400 HP?"

$.02

[turbovanman]

^^^^^^^what he said

but honestly, if your spending the money to build an engine, convert it to 16v status, whats another couple hundred for some forged units!!!!

I'll vouch for the detonation, had my last drag run, bad HEP and blew my turbo-unrelated, and cracked a piston. I will be building a new engine with Forged for the summer.

[mo' parts]

one run with some detonation..cracked 2 cast pistons
2 runs with some more detonation..forged pistons fine...head.....junk!
bad tuning, inexperience.....some learn the hard way i guess.
forged are more than worth the time and money.
my -.02$

adam

[mo' parts]

"quote" you'll be the proud owner of a new set of ashtrays. "quote"

i have two shiny ones!