Free Pistons

[kcf7z]

I have an interesting question. I have a 1979 Euro 930 3.3L that is in great condition. It has 100,000 miles on it with a recent solid compression test and it runs without issue. I drive it very little as it is essentially a weekend project.

Now to the question: The engine has never been rebuilt, but I plan to make that a project in the next few years. I have a friend who is an engineer for Mahle who can get me any set of pistons and cylinders I want for close to nothing, but I may need to get them in the near future before I start the rebuild. Would it be resonable to get them and store them and should I replace the pistons with the stock set or is there a better alternative (larger size - newer model pistons).

Thanks

[chrisp]

Get me a set too and I'll answer your question

Seriously. Since pistons stay in these cars for years and years and more often than not re-useable and within spec you should be totally fine storing them. I don't think the metals used in our pistons creep all that much.

I cannot answer your upgrade question. You should do a quick calculation to see how much of the upgrade cost is piston and how much is other stuff. If it's all piston then make the decision now. If very little of it is piston then wait.

Since your discount is so deep you could buy the most expensive set and then resell them down the road. It may not be what you need but if you buy the right ones it could pay for your upgrades down the road.

I generally refrain from advertising that I have access to deals like this in a public forum.

[David]

If it was me, I'd get 3.4l, 8.0 compression pistons. When it's time to install them you can send off your existing cylinders to be bored and replated. As long as you're getting them cheap, you might also think about a second set of rings, in case you want to freshen up the top end later (or in case you break an oil ring installing it).

[vash]

hell, i would be happy with a free t-shirt.