Custom pistons??

[Widge]

Right having had a setback on my 2.7 I have decided to take the time to totally plan what I'm going to do.
So I'm costing up the options of:
1) Having the block and pistons machined to use with 320 rods
2) Having a decompression plate made to use with the 2.5 rods which means there is no machining.....
Both these mean using a vernier timing pulley which is another cost.
3) Having custom pistons made - which will save on the above and also allow accurate comp ratio setting and possibly a +1mm overbore which will give a 2.8

So my question is who in the UK makes custom pistons??? So I can get a quote. They may be more (will ) expensive but in the long run are the better answer than the other two options and may allow a bit of overbore

[Jimbob]

Mate you always mention how budget your 2.7 is and then you go and ask how much for custom pistons!!!

Machining costs won't get near them!

[Widge]

Yeah but I have only actually spent Ԛ£50 so far! And I have nothing to show for it except a 320 crank
I'm just wondering - I'm not remotley comitting - and anyway I'm only working out what may be less hassle.

[Jimbob]

I'd say a set of JE Pistons would set you back Ԛ£550, custom probably Ԛ£800ish.

[Widge]

Who is JE I've never heard of them?
Ross Racing USA will do a set for Ԛ£428 + shipping

[Fushion_Julz]

Custom Pistons:

Try
Oselli Engineering in Oxford

or

Clifford Cox Engineering, Milford Rd, Reading

or

If you know the exact size try FPS (Ferrari Piston Services) in Reading..their catalogue is pretty immense and you might be lucky in finding a piston that will suit off the shelf.

[Turbo-Brown]

Accralite will custom forge pistons for about Ԛ£180 each

[Widge]

That's a lot of dough when Ross racing's ones work out at less than Ԛ£100 each.

[Jimbob]

Ԛ£180 each is a good price really

[Widge]

OK that may be a good price, but as I said Ross racing do them for Ԛ£428 which is Ԛ£71 each. And I have a mate who lives in the US who could bring them over in his luggage.

But obviously I'd rather talk to someone with an english accent when ordering

[Simon13]

mate why are u talking about this when u are trying to scrimp through a 2.7 bulid? if u want a good 2.7 u need to spend the dollar or u will end up with 170bhp and sh!te torque!!!

[Widge]

I though I had already covered that one!
You all have this impression of me as trying to make a Ԛ£50 2.7!
I know I said I was going to do it on a buget, but I am just researching all the options befor I dive in! Since my crank fuck up I have been thinking long and hard about weather I want do a 2.7, and if I do what would be the best/most cost efficient way of doing it. I thought I'd get more of a helpful attitude from you lot not a slagging off just for asking - plans change guys just be nice!
I expected more understanding from you Simon - I'm well aware of how to build an engine and how 2.7's can be done badily, hence I'm doing my fcuking research before I do it.

[chu346]

I'd say a set of JE Pistons would set you back Ԛ£550, custom probably Ԛ£800ish.

They quoted me about Ԛ£550. BUT that's with the compression ratio of 9.5-1

[Andy335Touring]

M30 = less money and more power/torque

[Jhonno]

No one is slating.. its a case of you've been talking bout doing the 2.7 cheaply (or to a budget) n suddenly its Ԛ£600 custom pistons coming into it..

custom pistons are the best option by far but the most expensive also.. there is that company in the US that does a 2.8/3.0 conversion with custom pistons.. they may be worth a shout

[Widge]

No one is slating.. its a case of you've been talking bout doing the 2.7 cheaply (or to a budget) n suddenly its Ԛ£600 custom pistons coming into it..

As I said before mate it's not suddenly , I havent even decided anythig, I just thought with my setbacks I should take the opportunity to assess all the options.

Ireland Engineering in the USA do a 3ltr conversion which uses a machined S50 crank and custom pistons and con rods RRP $2495 = Ԛ£1385
Or a similar 2.9 stroker kit for $1990 = Ԛ£1105. That's probably quite a cost effective way to 3ltrs, but there is still fuelling and engine rebuilding on top of that, I just wish I had the cash to do it.

[e30bb]

What about the right length conrods?

[Widge]

You know what I have just thought of that, I've just found custom pistons on the Irealand engineering site for $850 = Ԛ£472 and I'm now going to see if I can find a con rod maker!

[e30bb]

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ic&t=14476

[Simon13]

i wasn't having a dig i'm just confused by your actions/logic!

[e30bb]

Is their a con rod out there with a correct length?

(Do all bmw con rods fit other cars?)

[Widge]

No worries simon, I haven't done anything yet so you are finding my train of thought confusing!!

I have read that thread and have asked Stevin what the pisons are and could have sworn he said E30 M3 - which would put the bore at 93.2 mm - way too big for an M20 and possibly the wrong shape! I must have missed what type he ment! The M40 318i rods are interesting though, anyone know how long they are?