Hi,

I've just been told that removing pistons from the rods (or rods from the pistons) will basically wreck the pistons. (1275 +40 thou)

Is this the case?

What pistons are best without spending thousands?

Yes - they are telling you the truth - sort of !!!!

They are a press fit and you basically need a press to take them off and put new ones back on. Any engine reconditioning shop can do this fairly easily and cheaply. Dont do it at home unless you have a good press - read the Vizard bit of this subject.

Good pistons, well yes they can cost from $275 (1275 + 0.040) fitted with new gudgeons and rings - to over $1,000. If you are in good with an engine reconditioner then they can get them for you at trade price plus their markup which will be still cheaper than you can get them for.

What do you want to do with your motor ??? If its just for road use and your not going to pull 7,500 every gear change then the $275 powermax are fine. But if your going to go new pistons the cost of the pistons is only a small part of what needs to be done.

If pressed off properly by people with the right gear (eg Graham Russell) they do not get damaged.
Most places shrink them on these days, by carefully heating the eye of the rod. Avoids press damage to the piston. Don't try this at home..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks, I'll take it up with the engine reconditioner then, see what he can do. If they have to be replaced, so be it, and powermax sound the right price.

Definately a road motor. Want it to do 100000 k's minimum, and it will get regular maintenance!!

Cheers
Matt

Right now, you can but Hypatecs from Minisport in SA for lots less than Powermax, and IMO they are a better piston.
Lots of people racing with them here too.
go to http://search.ebay.com.au/Mini-PISTONS- ... sofocusZbs

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.