Tell me about Nikisil lined cyclinders

[Sunroof]

My 2.4L engine out of my 1973,5T is getting a new set of pistons/cylinders due to some newly discovered piston damage and I brought up the Mahle Nikisil lined cylinders as a replacement. More expensive, but an increase in compression (from 7 to 8), added horsepower (10-15) and cooler cylinder temperatures are what I can expect.

My research into Nikisil indicates that Mahle used Nikisil lined cylinders in the famous 917 and 1973 911 RSR engines. The Nickel Silicon Carbide coating is applied to the cylinders walls by electroplating to a thickness of 80 to 180 microns. The only negative I have read thus far is what high sulfur content fuels can do to the material. It appears several BMW engines had issues with Nikisil in the past.

This is about the extent of my knowledge on Nikisil. I assume I made the right move on the cylinder/piston choice.

Can anyone lend any more info, good, bad or ugly on the subject? I believe I read that the cast iron rings mate well with the Nikisil.

Thanks

Bob

[Flat6pac]

I thought the V8 or V12 of BMW motors had to do with the US gas and alocil coated cylinders.
Nikisil is the long term liner for most 911 applications after 1974. Occasionally, there was some K/S alucil also used in the builds. In the 2.7 builds alucil can be found in both Mahle and K/S
Nikisil is definitely the preference.
Bruce

[GH85Carrera]

There are many air cooled 911 engines using Nikisil cylinders that have 200,000 and even 300,000 miles on them, and the engine has never been apart. I had my engine rebuilt after 150,000 miles and the cylinders still had the original hone marks and they looked like new.

Porsche figured out Nikisil and how to make it work.

[Sunroof]

Great news so far. Thanks.

I had two options: standard piston/cylinder set and Nikisil lined cylinders and pistons and I opted for more $$$$$ for the Nikisil. I read Mahle came up with this lining in 1966.

[darrin]

if you're getting new p&c, you'll also have the option of increasing displacement (larger bore) to (I believe) 2.7l --

[Sunroof]

Can these Nikisil liners handle gas additives like Sea Foam or Chevron Techron without any harm?

[GH85Carrera]

Sure. I have used Techron many times in the 20+ years of driving my car before the rebuild and after.

[Trackrash]

Nicasil is basically bullet proof. The only thing that will ruin it is moisture. So as long as your motor stays out of a flood you are good to go.

There are a number other options beside new Mahles for your motor. Mahle nicasils being the most expensive and best.

Another option is to bore your present cylinders and use new JE pistons.

It is possible go to a larger bore, but going beyond 86 or 87 will require also boring the case and heads.