89 Carrera Cylinders

[bcheney]

Where some cars built with Alusils and others with Nikasils? Are there stampings that clearly tell you what type you have? My car is an 89 Targa with approx 192K on the clock and I may now be faced with a rebuild because of a suspected noise that could be connecting rod bearing related. Just wondering if P&C's could typically be re-used after inspection, cleaning and honing.

[AlfonsoR]

You can have either. Read this thread and post questions. Nikasil and Alusil

[bcheney]

So it sounds like 11 fins = Nikasil if you have a 3.2 engine??

[Flat6pac]

3.0 has the same count too.
2.7 can be either way because Mahle also made alucil cylinders too.
Bruce

[AlfonsoR]

Originally Posted by bcheney

So it sounds like 11 fins = Nikasil if you have a 3.2 engine??

That's what I got out of it too, however, some additional clues are, I think...

The alusils should have a brighter finish on the outside. The Niks should be dull (typical aluminum-like surface corrosion I believe) if they have seen some miles

Also, not a sure thing, but the Mahle nikasil castings seem to have some characteristic casting marks.

[KTL]

Be they Nikasil or Alusil both can be reused. Not hard at all to clean them up, inspect & measure.

Nikasil seems to be more durable over time and the other benefit to Nikasil is using alternate pistons besides original Mahle. You can use JE, CP, Omega/Accralite, Wossner, Cosworth......