5 replies to this topic

[wile e coyote]

Evening all -
Got to the stage where I need to go shopping - my engine is stripped down for rebuild - nothing too wrong with it other than it's 1275 + 30 thou i.e a 1301cc and a new ringset seems to be almost non existent - it's done 50K on that bore and is effectively a large valve MG metro unit. So whilst its apart - time to go to +40 taking it up to a whopping 1310cc.

Currently using Hepolite 21253's but in conversation with my pet "shop" today they're recommending using Mahle pistons - Ok thinks I - I'll research on t'web - but I can't get Mahle aftermarket sit to play ball...

So my questions are twofold - bearing in mind I want to keep CR at c10:1 -

What in anyone's view is the best piston set circa 200 quid and if anyone would like to suggest the most cost effective reliable supplier that'd be great........

and - as an afterthought - any A1 condition 21253's @ +40 second hand about for sensible money????

Cheers!

[Guess-Works.com]

You'll find 21253's are made by Mahle ( apart from the fact they own Federal Mogal and AE )

On a side note... going from +30 to +40 only take 5 thou of the cylinder sidewall, so if there is any discernible lip, then it's more likely that you'll need to go to +60

Your other choice is the minispares Mega piston which are a perfectly adequate piston.

Edited by Guess-Works.com, 10 May 2011 - 07:24 PM.

[Cooperman]

I think I would go to +0.060", i.e. 1330 cc with 21253 pistons.
Never use 2nd hand pistons, it's real false economy.
To keep the C.R. more or less the same you would be advised to stay with the same part number of piston or you may have block deck height issues.
The only pistons I've ever used as an improvement on the 21253 are Karl Schmidt. The last set I bought at +0.040 cost me close to £500 for the set, but they are fantastic quality. I don't know if they are still availablein the 1275 Mini size.

[wile e coyote]

Thanks J & P - the "usual suspects"! -
Hadn't considered +60 but on reflection probably a prudent move - current bores in excellent shape but I'd be the first to admit my kit (not to mention my usage) is not exactly 100% so good call... lump was starting to use a bit more oil than normal but no real alarm bells so inital plan was inspection new rings, big ends & mains whilst dealing with the real issue - the box (and diff change whilst at it - currently has a 3.65 - fantastic for country lane bashing but utterly useless for much else so 3.44 or 3.21 to fit). Gearboxes to me are a daunting prospect luckily I've a super sub 30K spare!
I'll take the advice re 2nd hand pistons, the set currently in use were 2nd hand and have been fine but will chalk that down to good luck then... as ever on a severe budget, car has no aspirations to race etc - just respectable performance and great handling so 200 quid max dictates what I get - they old trusty '253's again then.... best price seems to be £36 ea +VAT + delivery - unless anyone can guide me better?

[Cooperman]

That's a good price you've got there. Who is the vendor?

[wile e coyote]

Here you go -just the result of a quick browse - no ther knowledge as yet..
http://www.britishcl...E_SIZE__35.html