p/c on ebay

[Doug Steinel]

Guys, I know there isa thread asking about these pistons. Anybody know anything about the kind of p/c on this ebay auction?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7954500765&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

The only bolt on p/c that changes a 3.0L to a 3.2L that I am aware of are the Max Moritz ones. Are these a second option?

[asphaltgambler]

Appears to be Mahle pistons with conventional dome configuration not wedge style (Max Moritz). I think the price is too high considering you'll still have to purchase rings and the motor was not assembled properly in the first place.

You could have your cyl's bored and plated, and use JE's with any dome config for @$1600 ready to go. Or if you have to have Mahles I believe Andial is getting $2300 for a new set 98mm P/C's

[Doug Steinel]

asphaltgambler,

I agree with your ideas.... when buying something on ebay you are taking a chance and that has to be figured in. Better to go with JE's and bored/replated cylinders. Where would you have that done if I choose that option?

[ChrisBennet]

I thought Mahles were more like $3600 not $1600. I would have used these for the motor I'm building now if the customer hadn't already ordered JE's with replated cylinders.
-Chris

[Doug Steinel]

Chris,

Why would you have used these p/c rather than replate and use new JE's? Is it price? performance?

[Carrera3.5L]

Those are the Mahle "RSR style" forged pistons that are generally used for SC motors converted to carbs or mfi. The deeper valve pockets allow for extra clearance to run bigger cams. I would use those over the Max Moritz style in a CIS motor if twin-plugging.

Interesting that the CR is listed at 9.5:1 on the ebay ad when Mahle says the CR for that set is 10.2:1. BTDT, I would probably agree with the seller's claim over Mahle's.

I used the same style (only 100mm's for a Carrera) for my 3.5L twin-plug Motronic motor.

$1950 for those pistons & cylinders would be a GREAT price IMO if indeed they are in the condition that the seller describes them. WHOLESALE on that set is just about double!

I think it mentions that the 5 ring sets are included? If so, call Andial and ask how much a replacement set for #6 are, they keep the big bore piston rings on the shelf (or wall in this instance!)

Ralph

[jpnovak]

When I inquired about rings for my 98mm RSR pistons, Andial was about $300-400, in stock. I just had to verify the ring land depth since they were available with different sizes from Mahle.

My donor engine is in transit and so I will have a better price shortly.

BTW, those would be a nice upgrade to a 3.0. I have basically the same set. I am surprised they did not sell at that price. They have been relisted several times.

[asphaltgambler]

I spoke with Jon at EBS (engine builders supply) about boring/ honing/fitting new JE's. The total price was @ $1600. They have an excellent reputation for quality and service.

I have seen on Ebay (in the past) new 98mm P/C's and they had Mahle pistons. I only can assume they were from Andial. The 'buy-it-now" price was $2300.

[KobaltBlau]

Originally posted by asphaltgambler
I spoke with Jon at EBS (engine builders supply) about boring/ honing/fitting new JE's. The total price was @ $1600. They have an excellent reputation for quality and service.

so this includes their nikasil replate? I guess it would have to.

[Doug Steinel]

I am also assuming the JE's come with rings...

[asphaltgambler]

Yes and Yes.

Interesting note here. I've seen postings here that say the OE Mahle's are cast but the replacement's are forged? Maybe someone could clear that up. The JE's are forged and are lighter weight than the Mahles believe it or not.

IMO. If the P/C's on Ebay came from a reputable builder
or other circumstance than what the seller is CLAIMING I would see this deal differently. If all that was wrong with the 'new' build was improperly installed /timed cams that 'ran around the block once', why would you just s--t-can the P/C's too? Doesn't make reasonble sense to me.

[Doug Steinel]

If you can have your 3.0L cylinders bored, replated and mated to new JE pistons with rings at a reputable shop like EBS for $1600, why in the world would you buy these ebay p/c? They cost more, they will not outperform the JE setup, and since you are buying them on ebay sight unseen, you are taking a big risk that they are as described in the ebay ad. I think there is no risk in getting EBS to set you up. Am I missing something or is this a no brainer.

[asphaltgambler]

Doug, that's the exact way I see it. But there are some that only would use Mahles. Period.

After some research, I found EBS and spoke with Jon. This is what he quoted me (P/C's)on my 3.2 to 3.4 build. EBS has a very, very good reputation for quality, price and customer service.

It is my understnding that the Max set-up refers only to a wedge dome that was developed (by him?) back in the day. This was to improve the combustion characteristics from the stock dome design on a single plug app. You can order the new JE's with the same dome config.

[Shuie]

EBS is a first class operation. I think their price for a set of rings is ~$225. As mentioned, they can also get you set up with a set of plated cylinders and new J&Es.

I dont know how often stuff like this comes up for sale for less than the retail from Andial (~$3600), but $2k is a good deal deal if they are in spec. In spec is the key. You are obviously out the major $$$ factor of your rebuild if they are out of spec. I would not buy them unless they could be documented as being in spec and undamaged from the previous improper rebuild.

Originally posted by asphaltgambler
I have seen on Ebay (in the past) new 98mm P/C's and they had Mahle pistons. I only can assume they were from Andial. The 'buy-it-now" price was $2300.

Was that about a month or so back? Those were probably mine. Retail on these P&Cs, and the Max Mortiz setup, is well over $3k right now and I have never seen them discounted anywhere when new.

[asphaltgambler]

Yes, they were 2 new sets in the box, I don't remember the seller.