Pistons--Hyper or forged ???

[turbojack]

I`m gonna start building my new eng.(4.1) was wondering about hyper pistons because forged 4.1 are very expensive!!Will the 4.1 hyper hold up to turbo use??Only looking for hi/mid 13`s.Anybody out there have any input on this??? Jack-- ----------------P.S.-If anybody has a set of forged pistons,new/used ,E-mail me please.

 

[Buick From Hell]

my understanding is that the stock pistons are hypers, and I've heard several complaints from owners with forged pistons, that they're too noisy (not a problem on a race-car tho!)

 

[turbojack]

Pistons ????

Thanks for the reply BFH,I found some JE forged .035 over (used) that I think I`ll use.On my way to mid 13`s!!!!!!!!YAhooooo

 

[cool 84]

It really comes down to personal preferance. You could probably go mid 13s on the regular NA 4.1 piston. Hypers would be all you will ever need. Personally, all I run is forged pistons because I beat the hell out of the car and there always seems to be a small fuel or ignition problem that causes huge detonation and I like the extra insurance. I have forged .035 8.5:1 JEs, you can have my part# if you want. They were $600 including pins and retainers. You can get them cheaper using the stock wristpins.

 

[turbojack]

Stock 4.1 pistons

In reference to stock pistons,they didnt have raised ridges around pin area & looked thin in skirt area (compared to 3.8 turbo piston).I like the "Insurance" Idea with forged,after all when I hit mid 13`s, knowing me,I`ll want mid 12`s,& so on.I`m going to build bottom end strong,dont want to do this again,No surprises please!!!!I got lucky with this eng.,junk yard sold it to me for 50.00 !! I see what 3.8/4.1 block/cranks are going for,wanna keep this one together for a long time. THANKS for Input,,,Jack#############P.S tell me, are your JE`s ring lands 1/16 1/16 5/64 ???What Rings work best for you???

 

[turbowrenchhead]

If you want to do it right put a block girdle in it with at least two steel caps.
How's your engine for noise Matt?

 

[TurboBuickSix]

I recall there being 2 different hypers for the 3.8,one turbo one not.The stock pistons are good quality cast pistons.Seeing your doing the 4.1 the hypers are probably designed for an NA application,I'd go forged on the 4.1.

 

[cool 84]

I haven't fired the 4.1 up yet. But I ran the 3.8 with TRW forged pistons for a few years and never had any noise. It was set up pretty loose too. I don't know how people have noise problems with forged pistons. I've been around 4 different GNs with forged pistons including my dad's 4.5L stage II car with forged JEs and no piston noise. I hear about forged pistons making noise when cold on the internet but in real life I've never heard it.

My rings are total seal gapless 1/16/ 1/16 3/16 as recommended by a guy from total seal. Since the pistons were custom I called the total seal guy first and asked what would be best for a high 10 second daily driver and that's what he told me- I wish I had a chance to try them out lol. My dad is running the total seals in his daily driver T-type (hypers) and stage II car with very good results.

I went as far as buying hypers for my 4.1 but sold them at the last minute (for a $100 loss) because I know my driving habits. I was running forged pistons and a girdle when I ran 12s just for insurance. Totally not needed but I have no luck when it comes to breaking cars. If I had the money I would run a stage II bottom end even if the car only ran 11s so I could beat on it without worrying.

 

[turbojack]

pistons/clearance--bearings ?

Then using JE forged,4.00 bore,what clearance do you suggest ? Also main/rod bearings,I`ve been told tri-metal works best.Clevite makes a "V" series bearing,is this ok for turbo engs.? What would you suggest???Jack