Standard Pistons

[AHM]

Hi All,

I'm in need of a set of standard size pistons.

I read somewhere that someone had bought Lotus' stock of old pistons and was flogging them off - who? How much?

thanks,

Simon

[ardee_selby]

Hi All,

I'm in need of a set of standard size pistons.

I read somewhere that someone had bought Lotus' stock of old pistons and was flogging them off - who? How much?

thanks,

Simon

Simon,

Stardate October 2006...

Quote "I looked at the Miles Wilkins pistons and there is nothing wrong with them, he bought 500 sets from Lotus when they cleared their old stock. However, they are for the standard engine not the big valve..."

(From: elan-f15/porous-block-t13757.html)

Cheers - Richard

[pereirac]

I have 3 old ones which came out of my car when I had the engine rebuilt... Can't remember what happened to the 4th one though..I was a long time ago??

Carl

[AHM]

cheers Richard,

That is the thread I was looking for. I suspect he still has a few hundred sets - will give him a call on Monday.

I saw one set on ebay last weekend that went for a tenner. I didn't know then what size I needed, there is another set on ebay now that are currently ?125 someone finds it easy to spend money!

Anyone with a set of standard pistons they don't need?

Simon

[qedmotorsport]

Miles should still have some. Alternatively, our cast-replacement, forged pistons are always available, as are our forged high-compression pistons

[alan.barker]

sjsportscars have standard pistons small cutouts ?25.25 + vat each
Alan B

[Jeff@Jae]

If your simply looking for inexpensive then do just get a set of the standard cast pistons if your bores are truly perfect. I personally would only use forged pistons with the contemporary piston ring designs. They last forever, the ring lands on the piston don't spread open on the thrust sides, and current ring designs offer much lower drag and last many times longer than the ancient original style rings.

[prloz]

Hi,
Any pistons available that are only a few thou oversize to allow for a cleanup/hone ?
Thanks.
Regards,
Peter.

[AHM]

Thanks All,

I now have my new old pistons from Miles Wilkins - ?80 including postage, Vat

QED - Yes I have some of your pistons in the engine that I had built last year... Nice... at a price!

This engine has only covered 35k and is not very worn. Crank and bores are in spec, but it had an odd piston, a cracked piston, a burn't exhaust valve, a broken inlet valve guide, and a bent inlet valve.

The bores cleaned up ok - The top rings are in spec and the oil controll rings are on top limit at 20 thou so just in spec. I see what you men about the old oil control ring design Jeff.

So here is the question

I have a set of new oil control rings ( top rings are broken) much newer design with the spring and quite a lot less pressure. They came from Christopher Neil some years ago and I had assumed that they were for this engine.

I fitted them to check the gap last night and there was no gap - slightly too long.

If I open up the gap would they be ok to use?

I have thought about it, and as it is spring the only thing I can see happening is a small increase in pressure due to the additional compression but still probably less than the old design rings.

Any reasons why I shouldn't do it? The choice is between slightly modified new rings and ok new/old design rings.

Simon

[alan.barker]

Simon,
when i bought my 1972 Elan Sprint fhc it had done about 67000 miles. It was the time to strip the engine and to check it out. The rings were worn and 3 broken, but no scoring. for the mileage i think it was good. Bores are standard, so i deglazed, bought a set of standard pistons and fitted them. i fitted new shells, big ends and mains plus thrust. A new standard oilpump. The original pistons had been very good for 67000 miles, so i can't see anything at all with the design of original pistons. I don't race or do any track sessions and for normal driving no problem. It goes like stink and faster enough for me to enjoy.
If i was you because your rings are on max tolerance, i would be tempted to gap and fit the new type rings. That was it will stop pressure in the sump and run better. I would suggest you be care how you gap with rings and mybe use an oil stone
good luck
Alan B

[nebogipfel]

Miles should still have some. Alternatively, our cast-replacement, forged pistons are always available, as are our forged high-compression pitons

On the subject of pistons..........

Are these complete with rings and pins as illustrated?

http://qedmotorsport.co.uk/qed-shop/lot ... ious-sizes

[bill308]

I don't have anything technical to add to this discussion, but I want to thank the folks from QED and JAE for contributing. Your products and services enable us owners to enjoy the Lotus experience and for you, I hope, it increases your business and enables you to feel the pulse of some of your customers. Please feel free to join in on any thread of interest and offer your wisdom and thoughts. You folks have resources to tap beyond those of most of us and your insight is valuable.

Best regards,
Bill

[Sea Ranch]

Excellent discussion. Agee with Bill: thanks to our industry contributors.

And thanks to Alan for his experienced perspective. I'd like to hear some more opinions on Simon's question.

(and more all around) !

Randy

[AHM]

Alan B.

My thoughts exactly....

I'm not too bothered about the fact that they are an old design, less efficient, and on top limit. And if I didn't have a set of (better?) oil control rings I wouldn't hesitate fitting them.

[qedmotorsport]

Miles should still have some. Alternatively, our cast-replacement, forged pistons are always available, as are our forged high-compression pitons

On the subject of pistons..........

Are these complete with rings and pins as illustrated?

http://qedmotorsport.co.uk/qed-shop/lot ... ious-sizes

rings, pin and circlips all included - although rings are not fitted to allow them to be gapped more easily.