Engine SwapEverything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.
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This is self-explanatory. I know forged, and for sure titanium pistons can handle nitrous. And I know that cast pistons can't. But what about hyperutectic? Can they handle it? Or is that NOT a good idea. I apologize for the spelling, and appreciate any help!
You're going to get a lot of hearsay, and myths perpetuated in these answers. I've never heard of a back to back test with the same pistons/same nitrous hit to verify the anti-hypereutectic people's claims.
A lot of newer cars use hyper pistons (like new F-bodies) and are still able to run respectable amounts of nitrous.
There was probably a time, when the technology was new, that they couldn't take any detonation at all. Things have probably changed. There was also a time when you couldn't run 5w30 oil on the highway.
Anyways, forged is the absolute best, but hypers aren't going to grenade with reasonable nitrous.
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No guts, no glory.
[This message has been edited by NTChrist (edited September 05, 2001).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by jharms: This is self-explanatory. I know forged, and for sure titanium pistons can handle nitrous. And I know that cast pistons can't. But what about hyperutectic? Can they handle it? Or is that NOT a good idea. I apologize for the spelling, and appreciate any help! </font>
Well all in my IMHO of course but the thing Hyper pistons can't handle is detonation. They are more brittle that cast pistons. They are strong however and as long as your jetting and timing are set correctly to avoid detonation they will be fine.
Personally I was looking to put on, IF I did go with nitrous, around a 125 HP shot. So detonation, they can't handle, but if I get the timing and all right then I'm OK? Well since this would be my first time going nitrous, if I do, then I will assume I will most likely have detonation, 'cause I'm an idiot sometimes, and that'll be bad. Can I buy a bare bones 350 motor from the factory that comes with cast pistons? Also, why did they go with hypereutectic rather than cast? Cost? Thanks for the help!
I think you got the wrong impression. Hypereutectic is more desireable then plain old cast pistons. Hypereutectic is actually a cast piston but the metal structure is held in a 'eutectic' stage (thus the same) and is more durable then a normal cast piston. In addition, the hypereutectic metal doesn't expand as much with heat as a normal cast piston and allows for tighter clearances between the piston and cylinder walls. This helps to make more power because you can build more cylinder pressure. You would want a hypereutectic piston over a normal cast piston. However, if you're building a motor and have a choice then forged is the way to go.
I agree with your philosophy about using the 125 shot. Accidents do happen and it would be a shame to lose your motor because something wasn't tuned to near perfection.
Are you going with a regular hypernutetic piston, like sterling or something, or like a keith black silvo lite piston. everything i have read is the KB's will take it. in the instructions it has all sorts of ring gaps for what type of application you are runnin, NOS, blower, etc. MAKE SURE YOU SET THE RING GAP CORRECTLY ON KB PISTONS, THEY WILL BREAK THE RING LANDS OFF!! i am gonna run these pistons in my 406 with a 150 shot. hope this helps some.
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Wide Open Till You See God...Then Brake
I'm sorry, on my earlier statement about "why don't they go with cast instead of hypereutectic." I MEANT why don't they go with forged. Not cast. Just thought I'd clarify. And actually as far as the hypereutectic pistons were concerned I'm not sure what type. You see my plan is/was, to go with a stock GM 350 the one that makes around 250 HP. It has hypereutectic pistons, and take off the heads, cam, intake, etc. and put an Edelbrock performer RPM package on in it's place and make around 400 HP for around 2650. I didn't think that was half bad. But I am just wondering if those pistons can handle the "juice". If not I might not go that route, or might not run nos... Opinions?
I would not put more than 150 shot on it. This is just my preference, and I have no facts to back up what would happen if I went with more, so you can see why I don't want to find out.
