Steel Pistons?

McRat

McRat

Diesel Hotrodder
Aug 2, 2006
11,249
26
38
64
Norco CA
www.mcratracing.com
Anyone got them in stock?:mad:

It's been 5 years since it became apparent that aluminum pistons aren't ideal for high boost applications.

If my intel is correct, the Audi roadrace team first tried fiber-embedded aluminum pistons, but still saw cracking issues. Now they use Mahle steel pistons.

And if my intel is right, they aren't significantly heavier than aluminum. Why? You must overbuild the alum units since the strength of alum at high temps is only 25% that of steel, yet alum is 1/3rd the weight of steel. So a steel piston of the same weight is stronger than an alum one.
 
TrentNell

TrentNell

Finally underway !!!!!
Jul 7, 2008
7,543
0
0
44
slc tuah
I keep hoping they build them , for now I am going to push these Arias right to the limit and see how they fair , hoping to see 1400-1500 MPH proven hp this year if all my calculations are correct , that is if i ever get the stupid thing finished :rofl:
 
paint94979

paint94979

Beer Nazi
Sep 18, 2006
11,715
8
38
37
TrentNell said:
I keep hoping they build them , for now I am going to push these Arias right to the limit and see how they fair , hoping to see 1400-1500 MPH proven hp this year if all my calculations are correct , that is if i ever get the stupid thing finished :rofl:
Click to expand...

lazy ass :hug::hug::D
 
Chevy1925

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
21,691
5,848
113
Phoenix Az
McRat said:
Anyone got them in stock?:mad:

It's been 5 years since it became apparent that aluminum pistons aren't ideal for high boost applications.

If my intel is correct, the Audi roadrace team first tried fiber-embedded aluminum pistons, but still saw cracking issues. Now they use Mahle steel pistons.

And if my intel is right, they aren't significantly heavier than aluminum. Why? You must overbuild the alum units since the strength of alum at high temps is only 25% that of steel, yet alum is 1/3rd the weight of steel. So a steel piston of the same weight is stronger than an alum one.
Click to expand...

shouldnt they cost less as well?

TrentNell said:
I keep hoping they build them , for now I am going to push these Arias right to the limit and see how they fair , hoping to see 1400-1500 MPH proven hp this year if all my calculations are correct , that is if i ever get the stupid thing finished :rofl:
Click to expand...

yeah i call BS, now take the pile of cards and a shot JD :D
 
paint94979

paint94979

Beer Nazi
Sep 18, 2006
11,715
8
38
37
TrentNell said:
a bit pricey up front but if you knew they would last you 3-5 years instead of .5 - 2 .................. I would pay it .
Click to expand...

as would I... reusing stock pistons is not a great option regardless of what we have done with them. Steel pistons would also hold up to a DD application better than forged Aluminum pistons correct?
 
McRat

McRat

Diesel Hotrodder
Aug 2, 2006
11,249
26
38
64
Norco CA
www.mcratracing.com
Arias are what I'm using for our next engine.

Even with the stock pistons, we did get about 100 passes a set, but since we typically run the truck 20-40 passes per drag event, it's just too pricey to replace pistons.
 
Chevy1925

Chevy1925

don't know sh!t about IFS
Staff member
Oct 21, 2009
21,691
5,848
113
Phoenix Az
McRat said:
No, they are more money. Mfr processes to steel as well as the tooling is a lot more money than using alum. There isn't much metal costs for either one, you're really paying just for eng'g, tooling, forging/casting, machining.
Click to expand...

ahh that makes sense.
 
B

Bryce418

Still slow
Oct 5, 2009
611
0
0
I know a few guys that would buy a set if the start building them. Hell I would eventually buy a set myself.
 
RKTMech

RKTMech

Idiot with a wrench
Aug 18, 2008
936
0
16
The Norco's
[/B]
TrentNell said:
I keep hoping they build them , for now I am going to push these Arias right to the limit and see how they fair , hoping to see 1400-1500 MPH proven hp this year if all my calculations are correct , that is if i ever get the stupid thing finished :rofl:
Click to expand...

Now were talking Trent, i,d like to be at the track when a duramax breakes the sound barrier :thumb: If anyone is working that hard its you for sure!
 
NJ_LLY

NJ_LLY

Back in action
Nov 4, 2008
560
0
0
Browns Mills, NJ
I called Mahle a few weeks ago to ask when they will be available and was told that by this summer they would have them in testing. And yes I was also told that they cost 2x what forged do so we will be looking about 5k a set.
 
doug9940

doug9940

Ca LLY
Dec 6, 2009
391
1
18
56
Corona, Ca.
TrentNell said:
I keep hoping they build them , for now I am going to push these Arias right to the limit and see how they fair , hoping to see 1400-1500 MPH proven hp this year if all my calculations are correct , that is if i ever get the stupid thing finished :rofl:
Click to expand...

RKTMech said:
[/B]

Now were talking Trent, i,d like to be at the track when a duramax breakes the sound barrier :thumb: If anyone is working that hard its you for sure!
Click to expand...

No kidding!!!!! Mach 2+ in a duramax that you can daily drive.....I knew it would happen....just a matter of time.
 
Trippin

Trippin

SoCal Diesel
Aug 10, 2006
663
2
0
I've been working with Mahle on this since 2005. Held a prototype in my hand at SEMA 2010.
Was supposed to have a set for McRats engine in July.
Looks like the delivery has been pushed back to Oct.-Nov.
Weight for the GM models is heavier than a LB7 or forged piston we currently use, but is right about the same weight as a LBZ/LMM factory piston.

The cost is not for the faint of heart...........:eek:

Hopefully with volume the price will come down.
 
blackdirtymax

blackdirtymax

New member
Apr 15, 2010
825
0
0
augusta, ga
Trippin said:
I've been working with Mahle on this since 2005. Held a prototype in my hand at SEMA 2010.
Was supposed to have a set for McRats engine in July.
Looks like the delivery has been pushed back to Oct.-Nov.
Weight for the GM models is heavier than a LB7 or forged piston we currently use, but is right about the same weight as a LBZ/LMM factory piston.

The cost is not for the faint of heart...........:eek:

Hopefully with volume the price will come down.
Click to expand...
So Guy what is your thoughts on if this will be the answer for high horsepower motors and longevity on the street??
 
Trippin

Trippin

SoCal Diesel
Aug 10, 2006
663
2
0
It will definitely raise the threshold of piston failure.

However, racers being racers, we will find the new threshold eventually.
 
B

Bryce418

Still slow
Oct 5, 2009
611
0
0
Trippin said:
The cost is not for the faint of heart...........:eek:

Hopefully with volume the price will come down.
Click to expand...

No kidding being in the neighborhood of $10,000 for a rotating assembly will surely limit how many can afford them.
 
TrentNell

TrentNell

Finally underway !!!!!
Jul 7, 2008
7,543
0
0
44
slc tuah
RKTMech said:
[/B]

Now were talking Trent, i,d like to be at the track when a duramax breakes the sound barrier :thumb: If anyone is working that hard its you for sure!
Click to expand...

All the parts are here, shot block is done, just need to start putting the long block together, and build the turbo kit, If it actually lights look the f#*& out :D

doug9940 said:
No kidding!!!!! Mach 2+ in a duramax that you can daily drive.....I knew it would happen....just a matter of time.
Click to expand...

My setup will be too big to daily drive, but I believe a high 9 sec truck you can daily drive is pretty doable these days ;)

Back on topic hopefully these pan out I would love to try a set!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom