[piggdekk]

A piston gave up on my stock 2.2T and I'm pondering what's the best path to rebuild the engine. I would like to get 150-170 wheel HP, nothing too extreme, and definitely a long lasting engine.
- Cost wise a set of Mahle motorsport 2.2S P&C costs 4500 Euros, and it comes with the great advantage of being all aluminum.

- Next option is AA biral cilinders at 700 Euros + 1300 Euros for a set of nice pistons, 2000Euros total. Add maybe another 4-500 if I get them nikasil coated as Henry suggests.

- Boring out my Cast iron cylinders is probably going to cost me as much as a set of AA biral cilinders, so I'm not sure it's worth it.

I was inclined to follow the Mahle route, but it would cost me 2000-2500 euros more, and it looks like most people here use biral instead. Is only cost the reason why people use biral over Mahle, or is there a technical advantage?
2500 Euros will buy me a lot of other parts, but I cannot make my mind of whether is worth it or not.

If I go the Biral route I could also go to 86mm bore and make a nice 2.3 engine.