Can this piston be salvaged?

[DaddyGlenn]

I am sure I know the answer. But I have been wrong before and it never hurts to ask. So here goes.

Piston from a 1988 944NA leapt out of my hands and hit the garage floor resulting in a small chip in the skirt.

Any chance it is salvageable? Could it be smoothed out and the other pistons be made to match so everything stays balanced?

[PHillary]

I don't think so or at least I wouldn't try to salvage it. One used piston is cheap! Just get one matching your current profile and you'll be fine...and be careful next time!!!

[Techno Duck]

Used pistons are cheap, finding good blocks not so much. Make sure the replacement piston is from the same group.... it ranges from 0, 1 and 2.

[DaddyGlenn]

Thank you. That is what I expected. And I’ve been searching for a replacement.

[kdjones2000]

That is an '88 piston, so "not so cheap", and kind of hard to find.

Good luck in your search...

[v2rocket_aka944]

what is the intended use/goal for the engine?
i'd be tempted to put that piston and the other 3 on a lathe and make them "short skirted" and say it was for weight savings...lol

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

what is the intended use/goal for the engine?
i'd be tempted to put that piston and the other 3 on a lathe and make them "short skirted" and say it was for weight savings...lol

That's kinda what I was thinking. The engine will be for a dedicated track car with some significant (stupid) $$ spent on performance enhancements. Although I'm spending too much for what I will get, I'm still budget conscious. If I cannot source a new piston, I'm forced to go lower compression used stock or new aftermarket. Neither are desirable.

If "short skirting" to reduce weight is a viable option and would not have significant reduction in durability, I'd consider it.

So, is that a thing or are you completely kidding.

Glenn

[DannoXYZ]

If you're going to spend $$ on performance enhancements, best bang-for-buck is big-bore hybrid stroker build. Toss all pistons and use Chevy SBC pistons with sleeves. I've even got 106mm JE pistons on shelf waiting to go into something. Costs around ~$2k and you'd easily have +50bhp. About $3k on 951 big-bore hybrid engine gets you 600bhp.

As with all engines, best mods start inside-out.

[kdjones2000]

You can get near the same compression ratio by skimming your head and using standard pistons. The 944 Spec guys have rules as to how much a head can be shaved, depending on if you have '88 pistons or not. Both equate to the same HP.

Now, if you are going to shave your head AND use higher compression pistons, then you can get more power than normal...

[v2rocket_aka944]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

So, is that a thing or are you completely kidding.

Glenn

it'd be a last resort thing, if a replacement really wasn't available.

but the 968 with 9mm more stroke used a short-skirt from the factory.

the higher compression (and revised tune to suit) got the 88 what...5 hp? over the 9.5:1 1987 model.

skimming the cyl head to the max over standard pistons should get you close, as someone else mentioned.

you might even be able to cheat a little and cut the block deck just a hair to make the pistons protrude slightly - reduces piston->head clearance with stock gasket.

or just put a Cometic 0.027" gasket on stock 82-87 head/pistons and that will take 9.5 to ~9.8:1

thinking out loud.

ive got an 85.5 head clean and ready for rebuild if you wanted to experiment with cutting it down, $75+ship, if interested.

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by v2rocket_aka944

{Snip} ...
ive got an 85.5 head clean and ready for rebuild if you wanted to experiment with cutting it down, $75+ship, if interested.

I appreciate the offer, but I've got an extra head already. I'll keep looking for a replacement piston.

[PHillary]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

I appreciate the offer, but I've got an extra head already. I'll keep looking for a replacement piston.

Have you tried 20th Street Auto Salvage? Great guys and good prices more than likely they probably have one??? If not Ill be surprised....

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by PHillary

Have you tried 20th Street Auto Salvage? Great guys and good prices more than likely they probably have one??? If not Ill be surprised....

Thanks! That was a source I did not know about. But, alas, they do not have my piston.

The search continues.

[PHillary]

Well I am truly surprised...

Here is a store I found on Eb try giving them a call or shoot them a line to see what they have

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=944+pistons&rt=nc&Brand=Porsche&_dcat=33623