Nikasil Replating of Alusil Cylinders
 

I am planning a 3.4 conversion of my 3.2 which has Alusil cylinders. I am inclined to re-bore my 95mm cylinders to 98mm and replate with Nikasil for use with JE pistons. I have spoken with EBS and they believe that this is a very viable option compared to buying new Mahles or Nickies. I welcome any advice on this. Thanks

Peter

Do some more hunting on the forum and you will find that many have done it with success.. it really seems economical compared to your alternatives. I just had it done myself.. I haven't had a chance to check the piston to cylinder clearances yet, but the work looks first rate.. my cylinders look brand new and the JE pistons look impressive too.

Thanks,
Who did you use for this process? I have spoken with EBS.

The process of plating Alusil cylinder with Nikasil produces a nicer product than stock Nikasil cylinders.
The reason is the high silicon content of the Alusil aluminum is more stable and in turn expands less. The key of course is to use a company with experience in the process.
EBS is a great source for this product. In some cases, they even have an exchange product on the shelf and a reasonable price.

I used EBS... they are nice to deal with. I was having 95mm SC Alusil cores re-plated in Nikasil (to accommodate new JE's) and then changed plans midstream when I came across some Mahle Carerra cyls and got bitten by the 3.2SS bug. They worked with me and gave me a nice credit for my cores.. do it!

In these instances, what does one do about the motronic? Get a custom chip from you preferred supplier?

Can someone hint at the all-in price of this conversion?

Thanks to all for your input.

I also used EBS to do my cylinders. I have no complaints.

The car will run with the stock chip.

$8000

R-mm: In my case this conversion will also include head work (valve guides and seats), improved exhaust with SSI's and sport muffler, cam regrind to 964 profile and dual plug modification. A custom chip is required for all of this. This conversion is designed to maximize performance w/o compromise in reliability. As others on this forum will attest, a 3.4 conversion opens the potential of improved performance and this temptation can make the story more complicated than just P+C's.

I was going to say that 8k is a more than double brand new euro high comp 3.2 p&c. When this is said to be economical, is that in comparison to? Does the 3.4 overbore require twin plugging?

Sorry I was assuming head work and a complete rebuild.

I also did cams when I did mine.

I do not have twin plugs on my car.

Can someone give us an idea what the cost for overboring, re-plating and JE pistons & rings would be?

I was quoted a price of $900 for over-boring and Nikasil plating or the set of six cylinders. The JE pistons are going to be approximately about $1000 from our host.

Very good deal indeed. Mine were in spec during my top end, but ill think about this in another 100k miles...