Custom Pistons

[Craig99SE2]

I just got off the phone with Mantapart. I was discussing their struts (see my other thread), and we got off on custom pistons.

They have a machinist IN HOUSE that knows the 60 degree V6 inside and out and he can make custom pistons for our cars! He said their standard piston is like stock, but forged for strength and a thicker deck to take more heat/abuse. He can dish them to any desired compression ratio. They also provide rings and forged pins.

For us boost people, this would allow us to run higher boost levels on pump gas by dropping to around 8-8.5 compression ratio! He said they can also do custom ring configurations and Total Seal (gap-free) rings are available!

The bottom line is $$$! The prices start at $725, but the Total Seal rings would be additional. And, they need a 1 month lead time.

I think we found a winner for custom pistons! I have also talked to Ross and they would need dimensions. That is great if you have access to GM's LA1 blueprints, but Mantapart already has all this data and for the same price as Ross, I'll stick with the 60-degree specialists.

... Just thought I'd share ...

[Watch4MyBu]

What sucks about this whole deal is tha tthey do teally know their stuff but their horrendous Customer service in the past has made people avaid them.

[aleroboy]

JE will also do custom pistons
I can get ahold of a stock piston to send off if needed.
in fact my friend will be getting custom pistons made by JE soon.
About the boost though
There are a few running 13 psi on our stock pistons.
With lower compression you will be able to add more boost, but you will loose bottom end torque.

[Dr_Kyle]

Originally posted by aleroboy
With lower compression you will be able to add more boost, but you will loose bottom end torque.

Very true, and in everyday street driving, it will be slightly more difficult to keep the car in the powerband with an automatic tranny. I'm not at all saying that this won't kill everything else in a race, but it will definitely feel different (with the mildly increased lag). I think it's safe to assume you (craig) already know this though, I just wanted to add my $0.02 so I can feel smart :D

[Craig99SE2]

Originally posted by aleroboy
JE will also do custom pistons
I can get ahold of a stock piston to send off if needed.
in fact my friend will be getting custom pistons made by JE soon.
About the boost though
There are a few running 13 psi on our stock pistons.
With lower compression you will be able to add more boost, but you will loose bottom end torque.

And you have to run high octane! I am building mine to run 14psi with 92 octane! This calculates to a cr of 8.4.

[Craig99SE2]

Originally posted by Dr_Kyle
Very true, and in everyday street driving, it will be slightly more difficult to keep the car in the powerband with an automatic tranny. I'm not at all saying that this won't kill everything else in a race, but it will definitely feel different (with the mildly increased lag). I think it's safe to assume you (craig) already know this though, I just wanted to add my $0.02 so I can feel smart :D

Yes ... That is why I am running the Profec A-spec boost controller. I'll have Lo and Hi boost levels. Lo will be for street driving to help reduce lag. If it is bad enough, I might even get a ball-bearing cartridge for the turbo ... but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. My project is strictly designed for the drag strip BUT I also want to keep it "street legal" and "capable" as a daily driver although I will not drive it to work everyday! :)

[aleroboy]

Originally posted by Craig99SE2
And you have to run high octane! I am building mine to run 14psi with 92 octane! This calculates to a cr of 8.4.

I belive homegrown is running 13-14 psi with 93 octane

[Craig99SE2]

Originally posted by aleroboy
I belive homegrown is running 13-14 psi with 93 octane

With the old turbo he was around 9psi. He had problems above that. Haven't heard much since he installed the new T4, but the roads here in MI SUCK so he hasn't checked it out yet.

I'm not saying it can't be done! I'm just going by my calculations and I don't want to sacrifice integrity to do it. I plan on keeping and racing this car for a long time! :D

[Babalouie]

All of the companies (ie JE, Arias, KB, Ross) will make pistons for any car. The big question is...how many THOU-Over do you want your pistons to be??

[mfuller]

Mantapart produces good quality parts, it's just the wait and difficulty on contacting them that frustrates people. But they are mainly a race shop, so that really shouldn't come as any surprise (they are co-sponsoring a Beretta in this year's Grand Am Cup). Regardless, I may look into this if my motor blows and I decide to rebuild it...I wonder how this mill will handle 10.5:1 compression?