JE pistons for my 3.0 SC

[CMDR Perry]

Any reasons why I should not buy these in 9.5 :1 CR for my top end rebuild?

[juicersr]

I'm running 9.8:1 JE's in my new rebuild and no problems so far.

Zero start-up clatter that everyone talks about.

[CMDR Perry]

Thanks Juice for the feedback. I was really hoping for more than a sample of one.

Henry, Walt, Chris, Bill and Ed must have an opinion on JE pistons. Please post all pertinent information as I would like to place an order on Monday.

Thank you in advance.

[tyro]

You'll go slower if you don't buy them.

[CMDR Perry]

Tyro speed is important but so is long term reliability. Just trying to get more info so I can make an informed decision and keep up with the Turbo"s, LOL.

[chris_seven]

I have two concerns with JE unless they have changed the alloy they use:

The expansion os 2618 is quite high and does need larger cold clearances than the original Mahle Alloy. I would imagine that this is less important with Nikasil barrels than with Biral.

Ring Grooves in 2618 are also more prone to wear than higher silicon alloys.

We have successfully produced 81mm, 84mm and 95mm diameter in a 4032-T6 Alloy.

We have made the 95mm dia pistons with a 10.5:1 compression with molycoated skirts.

We have only used these pistons in Nikasil coated barrels and never tried an Alusil type as i believe there would be problems.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by chris_seven

I have two concerns with JE unless they have changed the alloy they use:

The expansion of 2618 is quite high and does need larger cold clearances than the original Mahle Alloy. I would imagine that this is less important with Nikasil barrels than with Biral.

Ring Grooves in 2618 are also more prone to wear than higher silicon alloys.

We have only used these pistons in Nikasil coated barrels and never tried an Alusil type as i believe there would be problems.

I'd concur with Chris on this. We've resorted to hard anodizing top ring lands in the quest for extended life.

While I do understand the reasons why people make this choice for street engines, the piston-to-cylinder wall clearances using the off-the-shelf 2618's is too wide for best ring life and minimum blowby, as well. We've had better luck specifying our own dimensions after careful measurement of each cylinder.

Cost aside, the hands-down best choice if longevity is a priority is Mahle.

[CMDR Perry]

Thank you Chris and Steve for the in depth technical details. You saved me some money and possible future headaches. For now I will stick with my stock pistons and install new rings with redone heads. It is mainly a street car so 6 more horsepower with a 2,500 lb car is insignificant in terms of overall performance.

Again this forum and it's membership come through when needed so my thanks also go out to Wayne and his staff of moderators.

[fintstone]

I have had the 9.5:1 JE with webcam 20/21 in my 3.0 since 2003 (Nikasil cylinders). Engine is amazingly strong and has had no problems whatsoever. No cold clatter either as some have reported...Henry built my engine...so skill/expertise is likely a significant factor. I am pretty sure he special orders his own dimensions as well.