pistons question

[alainman15]

are all the pistons for the gen II 3.1L the same?

i got a 91 sunbird 3.1 and i am just woundering if the grand prix turbo pistons are stronger or not. im thinking of putting some sort of forced induction system in it.

[bracketracer]

When I was shopping for replacement pistons with my engine builder, we discovered that there were at least 2 different sized "dishes" offered for 3.1 pistons. The ones that were supposed to be for a minivan application had less total "dish area," so we went with those (because I am shooting for higher compression). They are Silvolite part #1496c. If you are boosting you probably want less compression, and you might want to pay extra for something better and stronger than the regular hypereutectics that I went with.

[alainman15]

When I was shopping for replacement pistons with my engine builder, we discovered that there were at least 2 different sized "dishes" offered for 3.1 pistons. The ones that were supposed to be for a minivan application had less total "dish area," so we went with those (because I am shooting for higher compression). They are Silvolite part #1496c. If you are boosting you probably want less compression, and you might want to pay extra for something better and stronger than the regular hypereutectics that I went with.

do you know anything about the turbo grand prix pistons and if they are stronger?
I think the have a deeper dish cuz the comp is a little lower than mine

[Superdave]

no, the TGP pistons are just cast like regular ones.

you should be able to find forged pistons for that engine somewhere...

[alainman15]

are u serious? aww man i was hoping 2 get beter piston 4 it. are there any after market hypereutectic pistons anyone would recomend

[sharkey]

there are indeed 2 different pistons for a 3.1l. the 3.1l ironhead uses an 12cc dished piston, were an aluminum head 3.1l piston is around 26cc.

[alainman15]

there are indeed 2 different pistons for a 3.1l. the 3.1l ironhead uses an 12cc dished piston, were an aluminum head 3.1l piston is around 26cc.

i checked with a magnet and my head are aluminum, the magnet wouldn't stick 2 the heads. so if i wanted more power i would switch 2 the 12cc dished heads. right? they do work with the aluminum heads... right? no mods required

i do kinda want 2 boost. what do u recomend? 26cc dished or 12 cc

[sharkey]

quick calculation that ends up at 11.25:1. you will need to run premium fuel and have a pretty good sized cam to make use of that. dont forget computer tuning.