To JE piston or not to JE piston, that is the question

[KendallF]

There is a lot of dated info regarding the TRWs in various responses in this thread. The TRWs are not a heavy piston, and they no longer come with the heavy pin. The pin oiling design has been revised with oiling grooves along the pin boss since the early pin problem days. Especially if the pin fit is checked (which you should do on any piston), in my experience they won't have problems.

Nobody's disputing the advantages of the JEs lighter weight, floating pin, tougher alloy, yada yada. I just hate to see misinformation spread.

Cal, I hear you on the .030" overbore...if you can hone the block and run .005" pistons, that's a nice bonus. Has the machine shop had good luck getting a straight bore on these with just a hone? Several blocks that I've checked had .003-.005 taper from the top to the bottom; they would otherwise be good candidates for this but it's hard to hone several thousandths of taper out without getting the big part bigger.

 

[Buick Mark]

I have the TRW's in mine, last time I checked the bearings 'cause of a wiped cam, I noticed the wrist pins were a bit tight, Kendall, do you know when TRW revised the pin design, Im sure I have the old style pins in mine Thanks, Mark

 

[HighPSI]

Originally posted by KendallF
Cal, I hear you on the .030" overbore...if you can hone the block and run .005" pistons, that's a nice bonus. Has the machine shop had good luck getting a straight bore on these with just a hone? Several blocks that I've checked had .003-.005 taper from the top to the bottom; they would otherwise be good candidates for this but it's hard to hone several thousandths of taper out without getting the big part bigger.

We haven't had any problems and probably built 15-20 engines with a .005 over bore just this year. Last year even more.

 

[2 QK 4 U]

I'll probably go with the TRWs providing the pin is improved and up to sufficient oiling.

Who has the best deal on TRWs? I'll be ready to buy around the middle of this month. TIA, Jason

 

[getchasum]

Originally posted by 2 QK 4 U
I'll probably go with the TRWs providing the pin is improved and up to sufficient oiling.

Who has the best deal on TRWs? I'll be ready to buy around the middle of this month. TIA, Jason

Called Postons yesterday, they had a 30 over in stock for $299. I'd like to think they were the new style w/ the lighter pins and revised oiling improvements as I looking for the best price on a set also.

 

[2 QK 4 U]

Originally posted by getchasum
Called Postons yesterday, they had a 30 over in stock for $299. I'd like to think they were the new style w/ the lighter pins and revised oiling improvements as I looking for the best price on a set also.

Thanks Man!

 

[tminer]

Would those be .005 oversized pistons, or just the typical overbore needed for std size forged pistons?

I have only seen .020 & .030 oversized JEs listed, are std or .005 custom pistons?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[HighPSI]

They are .005 oversized that I have J&E build for me.