FV Pistons

[sagero]

I'm looking for a new set of forged pistons for a 1200 rebuild.
About all I'm seeing on the shelves are the AA cast sets. I spoke to a rep from that company and he didn't think anything they had would be reliable at the rpms we run.

What's available that anyone here might recommend?

[AlBerto]

From my understanding, pistons should be of cast aluminum and not forged.

GCR 9.1.1.C.5.C.4.a or page 335 of the April 2017 edition.

[Daryl DeArman]

Reliable is a subjective term....

The GCR requires the use of cast aluminum pistons in FV.

[Daryl DeArman]

jinx

[sagero]

Okay.

I see that now, "pistons must be cast aluminum with steel inserts". Given that, is there a manufacturer that makes one that they would recommend for our use?

[AlBerto]

I think pistons are still available from Kolbenschmidt. The problem was that cylinders weren't being produced anymore or at that time.

Also, I think some have used the AA pistons with some success.

Or if you can find them CoFap (Brazilian pistons) are okay too.

Call your preferred engine builder for advise. The Formulavee.org forum lists several (not all) FV engine builders contact information in the site's main banner.

[Steve Davis]

Contact Dietmar at QuixoteRacing.com

[Hardingfv32]

1) I have never heard of a cast Kolbenschmidt piston failing without the help of a valve or rock.

2) You should not be buying pistons by themselves. If the pistons are warn and need replacement then by definition the barrels will be to. New barrels must be honed for best performance. This removal of material put them at the outer limits a proper clearance specification the first time you use them. So always buy a new P&B set.... IF you are interested in performance vs cost!

Brian

[sagero]

Thanks everybody.

Spoke to Dietmar and he does have a variety of suitable sets. Now just contemplating whether to continue with a complete new build, or finding a deal on a motor.