I dropped my 455 off at the machine shop this week and of course now I'm confused about pistons. The guy at the shop has been building and running buicks for many years and I've gotten good feed back about him. He says I should only run forged pistons and he is really pushing the venolias (not sure of the spelling) but says speed pro would be ok if I can find them. I've heard alot of bad things about hyperutectics (again, spelling). Do I need forged? What about the pistons offered by TA or Postons? Should I spend the money for the venolias or is there a better option for my application? Its going to be a street motor with occasional strip duty with around a 9.5 compression. I would like to get it into the high twelves. Any suggestions would be great!
Mike Would that be Performance Concepts in Rome,Ga ? I just found their web site recently and they're the closest Buick shop that I can find. He advertises TA stuff too.
pistons Mike like rob said for your application the hypers are fine . At my shop when we have a large bore engine using hypers we add a couple tenth,s extra clearance and they work fine. mike Rogers Performance
pistons i would go for trw or speed pro as the hyperutectic's compression ratios are not really what are advertised.there are cheaper but the lost hp really bummed me out. i have a set in my 455 and with the k-b cam i have,ported heads with stage 1 valves and intake,msd ignition system this thing should be much more powerful . plus i just read on the TA performance website that the new speed pro pistons are coated and look preety cool.im am debating to goto forged or ta aluminum heads for more power with the heads shaved 020 and a 040 head gasket i think i have maybe 9 to 1.i am only getting 12.50s at 106 in a 83 regal so thats maybe 350-400 hp .i was hoping for more like 500.if you dont spray nos and is mild (350-400hp) cast would be fine thou but i dont know of any cast pistons with valve reliefs so it will limit cam size ou:
Was the guy at the machine shop in Cumming, Ga.? If so, you really need to listgen to him. (see post about who you would like to see at BPG Nats.) Mark
Hey guys, thanks for the input. I guess forged would be the smartest thing to do. Who knows, someday I may end up putting a bottle on it even though I don't plan on it now and really, whats a couple o' hundred bucks compared to the cost of the total resto the car is getting. Yeh Mark (& Reynold), its Dave MacIntosh. I don't want him to think I'm questioning his judgement but I just like to get second opinions on everything. I'm on a learning curve you know. Anyhow, thanks again.
Why take the chance In reality, the hyperputinics are a cast piston that is lighter and has a silicone protectent on it. They work fine if you know the machine work is right. I personaly put JE Forged Pistons in mine. They are ultra light weight and are a lot more forgiving than hyperputinics. they have a downflaw though they run about 725 a set. To me it is worth it but it depends what your doing with the motor.
455 the hyperutectics have silicone in the metal not on it, the only piston i know are coated are the new speed pro pistons from ta
