Pistons for 73 911 2.4

wrongwaywayne · 04-02-2004, 07:33 AM

It looks like my engine has been rebuilt at some point in its history (unknown to me). I have the eninge out of the car to do some valve work and synchros on the tranny. I am concerned, but don't know for sure that the ring grooves are worn out on the existing pistons. A R&R of the pistons/bottom end doesn't seem like so much more work at this point sooooo.....

What piston solutions are available for a 73 911? I notice that the JE pistons are not available for early year 911's. If I am wrong and they are available then what choices are there? Do they fit the stock connecting rods? I don't feel like replacing the rods or cyclinders for that matter at this point do to the cost and I am not sure how long I will own this car for - maybe two years.

I wouldn't mind a higher comp piston but wont regrind the cams.

Thanks for your help.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

You can get JE's for early(84mm) cars. I've got a set that I just put in my 2.4T/E. There are still good sets of 2.2 and 2.4 liter pistons out there(they're the same size, 2.2's have more compression though)

Have you machinist check your pistons you never know what condition yours are in.

davidl · 04-02-2004, 09:14 AM

Where can we buy pistons for the early cars?

Shasta.?. no reply to emails yet

PP.. no stock..

EBS.. no reply to email yet

Any more to try?

David

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

I got mine (JE's) from my machinist/raceshop but it took FOREVER and when they did come in they were domed too much (@~11.0:1) so they had to be sent back.

I do have a set of 2.2E pistons that I SHOULD be getting back from the machineshop today. They've been checked out just fine. PM me if you want them.

davidl · 04-02-2004, 09:53 AM

Thanks, Tim.

I'm looking for race 2L pistons just now...

thanks anyway..
david

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

try wwwLNengineering.com their the PP suppliers or give PP a call?

wrongwaywayne · 04-02-2004, 02:22 PM

I have just dropped the whole (heads,pistons,cyclinders) lot off at the machine shop for inspection and R&R. If the grovves are too worn I'll be in the market for a set of "in spec" used pistons/cylinders.

TimT · 04-02-2004, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Where can we buy pistons for the early cars

You CAN buy them direct from JE...

just a thought

scottc · 04-02-2004, 03:49 PM

several years ago, when I rebuilt my 2.4S motor I upgraded to JEs with a 85mm bore and 9.5:1 compression. That way my machinist could easily over bore my slightly ovalized Biral cylinders to make them round again. The 9.5 compression added a nice bit of torque. Over all I am very happy with this change and it was a bunch cheaper than going to 2.7L. I would think this would be a great upgrade for a T or E too. It runs happily on standard unleaded pump premium 92 octane. I live and drive at around 2000ft but it seems fine at sea level too.
I got the pistons from Engine Builder Supply and had very prompt service from them. I have also received prompt email replies from them lately.
Scott

wrongwaywayne · 04-02-2004, 04:29 PM

That sounds great Scott. That is exactly what I should do. I assume that this was a 73S. Do you recall what the cost of the pistons were? What size of rings were required for the oversize bore? How much over were they bored? Did Engine Builder Supply have the rings as well?

scottc · 04-02-2004, 07:43 PM

EBS supplied both the pistons and rings (Hastings rings as I recall, which I have had very good luck with in the past). I recall paying around $975 for the package, call it $1k to be safe. The pistons are beautifully made. I did carefully debur and polish the edges of the valve pockets as the edges are sharp as received. This will help greatly in avoiding an nasty detonation problems. Not sure of your experience level but always check the ring end gap, don't assume they are correct and install them without careful measurement and filing if necessary.
This was on a 73S. 85mm bore eqautes to close to 2.4L
If you have cast iron cylinders from a T you can have them safely bored to 86mm without worries of distortion. EBS does this and can supply pistons and rings for these. For the same price you get a bit more displacement.
Good luck. You'll be happy with the result compared to a stock T.
Scott

davidl · 04-05-2004, 12:52 PM

Hello again, Guys.

I'm getting seperate now.. Tim do you have an email address for JE?

I cannot find one.. the website is hopeless..

And still no replies from ebs or Duane, (Shasta)..

Doh!

David

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

I got mine via my local race shop.. I can't recommend going through them though.. it took FOREVER. try calling pelican?