jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

As per title, got a spare engine which I was going to acquire bits for over a period of time when funds allowed to have quite a hi spec motor, however I have thought for a while that my engine thats currently in the car may be knocking a bit. I did a oil and filter change yesterday and the oil seemed to contain a little bit of swarf (however I cannot determine if this was already in the container that I drained the oil into as the container had been used for something else and wasnt entirely clean)
Current engine still appears to drive okay and oil pressure hasnt changed (approx 3 bar when warm on idle and I would say between 6 and 7 bar when warm when planting it)

Anyway back to the thread title, are v9 rods and pistons and a v9 crank (block will be machined) safe for about 320ish bhp. Reason I ask is I want to do it soon just incase car engine expires and then I can rebuild my current one over time as per original plan?
Engine is a phase 1 btw

Next question where is a cheap place to sort out the bits?

Cheers
James

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

bttt

or any other cheap strong pistons and rods that will drop in (oversize)

terryb

Rods and crank from a v9 STI are very good and capable of much more than 320bhp. Pistons should be fine at that level too - but probably not too much more. Be sure to use good quality bearings - ACL Race bearings

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

Cheers Terry, what pistons would you recommend then to be used with the rods and crank?

SSCJAY

Wiseco Pistons will be your best bet, If you source them from America your looking at $525 for a complete set of Pistons & Rings.

With that set up engine will reliably handle 400hp. (if mapped correctly)

terryb

Well for your goals I would say you'd be fine with STI pistons, unless you want to future proof the engine and have a set that could easily cope with 400+.

I used Mahle Powerpak pistons and they are fantastic - living with 504bhp on my 2 litre engine - and 2 bar of boost - no problems - these are used on rally cars that are prepared by AS Motorsport and have been running for over 3 years in the same engines with no problems. Plus I think you'll find that they are not all that expensive either - maybe not as cheap over here as buying from the states - but I would rather put my money with a reputable UK supplier than take the risk of buying from overseas.

Mocom Racing

iTrader: (2)

As Terry states, pistons/rods etc will be fine at your power levels and quite a bit above but if you are having to buy these new it may make sense to future proof and go with some Mahle, or Wiseco pistons and perhaps rods.