Z32 turbo pistons in SR20DET - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

timtiminy · 09-22-2008, 01:50 AM

hey guys i was looking around and found that some FWD SR guys are putting Z32 300zx turbo pistons in there DE motors as a cheap alternative to expensive forged overbore low compression pistons. The info i have on them so far is that they are 87mm and 8.5:1 compression ratio and fit the oem rods. I have yet to hear of anyone using these in their rwd SR20DET, I may try it as i have to bore out my block and need to save money somewhere. Plus I wont be going over 350hp so I think these will be a good option. If anyone has any info on this or has done it before, please post. I am really interested in this option rather than spending $500 on forged pistons.

GSXRJJordan · 09-22-2008, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

... Plus I wont be going over 350hp so I think these will be a good option.

Earth to tim... EARTH TO TIM!

You don't need aftermarket pistons for 350hp... just a good metal head gasket, a bigger turbo, and the associated fuel mods.

BTW, stock SR pistons arent bad. I would imagine the only advantage to the VG pistons would be 1mm overbore, but I'm not all that comfortable boring the already-thin-walled SR anyhow.

timtiminy · 09-22-2008, 02:29 AM

only reason why i am even considering this option is because i have to overbore.... otherwise i would use oem sr pistons..

TheWolf · 09-22-2008, 05:21 AM

you can buy forged mahle SR pistons for $350 with rings... how much cheaper are the z32's...

Ali 556 · 09-22-2008, 11:33 AM

Or You Can Get Some 2JZ-GTE Pistons...they Are 86mm And 86.5 And 87....If they Fit On The SR Rods ( I don't Think So)

And On Supra's They Made Up To 1017Whp On STOCK Engine Then the rod bolt's gave up....

Ali

trsilvias13 · 09-22-2008, 11:35 AM

isn't the stock sr20det 8.5:1 compress stock?

GSXRJJordan · 09-22-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trsilvias13

isn't the stock sr20det 8.5:1 compress stock?

Around there, yes.... but read his earlier post:

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

only reason why i am even considering this option is because i have to overbore.... otherwise i would use oem sr pistons..

Interesting. So you've got scoring and must overbore? I'd say it's a decent plan... I'm guessing a set of 4 Z32 pistons is less than $100?

timtiminy · 09-22-2008, 02:02 PM

about that brand new... looking at getting some used ones for free though...

*fliprayzin240sx* · 09-22-2008, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

about that brand new... looking at getting some used ones for free though...

Why the fuck would you wanna use some used one. You already found a cheap alternate, atleast slap some new ones in there....

timtiminy · 09-24-2008, 02:32 AM

new ones won't be any different than used ones if there is hardly any wear on the used ones and i would put new rings on them. its not like pistons wear out or get weaker over time...

TheWolf · 09-24-2008, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

new ones won't be any different than used ones if there is hardly any wear on the used ones and i would put new rings on them. its not like pistons wear out or get weaker over time...

this is why 240's will become the new dsm...

Def · 09-24-2008, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

new ones won't be any different than used ones if there is hardly any wear on the used ones and i would put new rings on them. its not like pistons wear out or get weaker over time...

Actually they do. It's called metal fatigue, and aluminum constantly fatigues and never reaches and infinite fatigue strength like steel.

Whether it will fail as a result, I doubt it. But to save $100 and risk the PITA of replacing pistons or scrapping a block - why would you even think about tossing in used OEM pistons?

*fliprayzin240sx* · 09-24-2008, 03:42 PM

Personally, use the Z32 pistons and get better rods/bearings instead of the stockers. Im not a big fan of OEM rods...

timtiminy · 10-25-2008, 08:20 PM

i have heard that Sr Rods are actually a strong point to the motor... Check this out... 4G63 Turbo Rebuild with VG30DETT Pistons 87mm - Zerotohundred.com - The Automotive Lifestyle Network I guess they rebuilt a 4G63 with the VG30DETT pistons and are pushing 600hp.. oh and thats with used VG turbo pistons and stock rods.

timtiminy · 01-05-2009, 07:53 AM

Alright so i sourced a set of low mileage used VG30DETT pistons, Dirt cheap and in great condition. I also found a guy who has a SR torque plate that is willing to let me use it to get my block overbored the 1mm needed. Machining cost are going to be the most expensive thing but i think after everthing is said and done I will have saved hundreds of dollars from going aftermarket pistons and only have spent a little bit more than if i would've had a good block to have started out with and was just doing a OEM rebuild. So basically I will have an 1mm overbore OEM rebuild when everything is said and done.

Teambadrun · 01-05-2009, 08:01 AM

Just make sure the pin height , and amount of CC in the dish...

you need around -12cc of dish on a stock SR or there abouts...

VG pistons in a SR sounds good if its that cheap thou.. go for it

timtiminy · 01-05-2009, 06:00 PM

Its been done before i know that alot of fwd na SR guys use the na VG pistons to bump compression up. The VG turbo pistons are even more stout then the SR turbo pistons too. I will take pictures of everything as the process goes along.

alexander500 · 01-05-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

looking at getting some used ones for free though...

Hold it, hold it, hold it

This sounded like a good idea until it shit all over itself right here.

I genuinely hope this works out, but I can tell you from experience that it is cheaper to do it right.

MadScientist · 01-05-2009, 06:18 PM

HKS Driver (NOB) Nobuteru Taniguchi uses Z32 pistons in his S14 SR20.

I have been thinking of this and keeping it on the DL... This is one of those rare things you hear little about.

-Drew

GSXRJJordan · 01-06-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadScientist

HKS Driver (NOB) Nobuteru Taniguchi uses Z32 pistons in his S14 SR20.

I have been thinking of this and keeping it on the DL... This is one of those rare things you hear little about.

-Drew

I didn't know that! Wow. Does that mean he's running HKS forged Z32 pistons, or OEM? Moarrr infoooooz pllzzzzzz.

MadScientist · 01-06-2009, 07:55 AM

He is using stock Z32 pistons... not the HKS.

He also suggest that the Z32 pistons creates a 2.1 option... if you look at the pistons (SR vs Z32) the Z has a shorter profile.

This is a Z32 Piston from Wiseco (88mm)

This is a SR20DET Piston from Tomei (87mm)

-Drew

slider2828 · 01-06-2009, 10:51 AM

How does this affect tuning and the overall performance? This is interesting....

timtiminy · 01-07-2009, 09:55 PM

Alexander500: I dont see why its such a bad idea to reuse used pistons? plenty of rebuilds are done reusing original oem pistons. I will be using new rings. The pistons dont necessarily wear out...The only thing to worry about is metal fatigue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Def

aluminum constantly fatigues and never reaches and infinite fatigue strength like steel.
Whether it will fail as a result, I doubt it.

timtiminy · 01-07-2009, 10:00 PM

MadScientist: Please tell us more about this, I am quite interested.

s13envy · 01-07-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timtiminy

Alexander500: I dont see why its such a bad idea to reuse used pistons? plenty of rebuilds are done reusing original oem pistons. I will be using new rings. The pistons dont necessarily wear out...The only thing to worry about is metal fatigue.

i think what everyone is getting at is why would you not replace something critical to your motor like pistons, especially when they are so cheap to replace???? to me its a no brainer whether or not to replace the pistons in this situation.

!Zar! · 01-07-2009, 10:14 PM

I never have heard anything about this before.

timtiminy · 01-07-2009, 10:36 PM

I dont see it as such a big deal as most people are making it out to be to use new pistons rather than good condition used ones. I think that if i agreed that it was such an important thing to use new ones then i would also want to get new rods, which see about the same abuse as pistons do in my mind. I have yet to get pistons so my mind isn't completely made up in whether or not i am going to get new pistons or just use used ones.

slider2828 · 01-08-2009, 08:44 AM

I have actually heard this in other cars. Like 2zz motors used like honda pistons or something like that.... I think the esprit's mrs does that....

timtiminy · 01-08-2009, 10:55 AM

yeah i have heard of D series honda motors using suzuki grand vitara pistons which lower compression and are stronger, they use them when the turbo the D series motors and have been able to get like 400hp with no problems. Thats what got me looking into alternative pistons for the SR motor, especially since i have to overbore my block and didnt want to spend and arm an a leg on forged slugs since im not planning on making huge power.

slider2828 · 01-08-2009, 08:45 PM

z32's would rock... Try it! But I would spend a little more and sleeve it though.... Just for piece of mind.

09-22-2008, 01:50 AM	#1
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Z32 turbo pistons in SR20DET hey guys i was looking around and found that some FWD SR guys are putting Z32 300zx turbo pistons in there DE motors as a cheap alternative to expensive forged overbore low compression pistons. The info i have on them so far is that they are 87mm and 8.5:1 compression ratio and fit the oem rods. I have yet to hear of anyone using these in their rwd SR20DET, I may try it as i have to bore out my block and need to save money somewhere. Plus I wont be going over 350hp so I think these will be a good option. If anyone has any info on this or has done it before, please post. I am really interested in this option rather than spending $500 on forged pistons.

09-22-2008, 05:21 AM	#4
TheWolf Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Orange Park, FL (Jax) Posts: 1,468 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	you can buy forged mahle SR pistons for $350 with rings... how much cheaper are the z32's... __________________ Eye on the Prize

09-22-2008, 11:33 AM	#5
Ali 556 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Far Far Away...... Posts: 359 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Or You Can Get Some 2JZ-GTE Pistons...they Are 86mm And 86.5 And 87....If they Fit On The SR Rods ( I don't Think So) And On Supra's They Made Up To 1017Whp On STOCK Engine Then the rod bolt's gave up.... Ali __________________ '95 S14 Se With HKS's - BREMBO's - ES/SPL.

09-24-2008, 03:42 PM	#13
fliprayzin240sx Man w/ CTSV & a Car Seat Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 17,998 Trader Rating: (19) Rides Gallery: fliprayzin240sx Feedback Score: 19 reviews	Personally, use the Z32 pistons and get better rods/bearings instead of the stockers. Im not a big fan of OEM rods... __________________ If you think Zilvia has too many assholes... CLICK HERE!!!

01-05-2009, 08:01 AM	#16
Teambadrun Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Melbourne,Australia Age: 46 Posts: 642 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Just make sure the pin height , and amount of CC in the dish... you need around -12cc of dish on a stock SR or there abouts... VG pistons in a SR sounds good if its that cheap thou.. go for it __________________

09-22-2008, 02:29 AM	#3
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	only reason why i am even considering this option is because i have to overbore.... otherwise i would use oem sr pistons..

09-22-2008, 11:35 AM	#6
trsilvias13 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,995 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	isn't the stock sr20det 8.5:1 compress stock?

09-22-2008, 02:02 PM	#8
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	about that brand new... looking at getting some used ones for free though...

09-24-2008, 02:32 AM	#10
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	new ones won't be any different than used ones if there is hardly any wear on the used ones and i would put new rings on them. its not like pistons wear out or get weaker over time...

10-25-2008, 08:20 PM	#14
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i have heard that Sr Rods are actually a strong point to the motor... Check this out... 4G63 Turbo Rebuild with VG30DETT Pistons 87mm - Zerotohundred.com - The Automotive Lifestyle Network I guess they rebuilt a 4G63 with the VG30DETT pistons and are pushing 600hp.. oh and thats with used VG turbo pistons and stock rods.

01-05-2009, 07:53 AM	#15
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Alright so i sourced a set of low mileage used VG30DETT pistons, Dirt cheap and in great condition. I also found a guy who has a SR torque plate that is willing to let me use it to get my block overbored the 1mm needed. Machining cost are going to be the most expensive thing but i think after everthing is said and done I will have saved hundreds of dollars from going aftermarket pistons and only have spent a little bit more than if i would've had a good block to have started out with and was just doing a OEM rebuild. So basically I will have an 1mm overbore OEM rebuild when everything is said and done.

01-05-2009, 06:00 PM	#17
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Its been done before i know that alot of fwd na SR guys use the na VG pistons to bump compression up. The VG turbo pistons are even more stout then the SR turbo pistons too. I will take pictures of everything as the process goes along.

01-05-2009, 06:18 PM	#19
MadScientist Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NOLA Age: 48 Posts: 1,972 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	HKS Driver (NOB) Nobuteru Taniguchi uses Z32 pistons in his S14 SR20. I have been thinking of this and keeping it on the DL... This is one of those rare things you hear little about. -Drew

01-06-2009, 07:55 AM	#21
MadScientist Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NOLA Age: 48 Posts: 1,972 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	He is using stock Z32 pistons... not the HKS. He also suggest that the Z32 pistons creates a 2.1 option... if you look at the pistons (SR vs Z32) the Z has a shorter profile. This is a Z32 Piston from Wiseco (88mm) This is a SR20DET Piston from Tomei (87mm) -Drew

01-06-2009, 10:51 AM	#22
slider2828 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,040 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	How does this affect tuning and the overall performance? This is interesting.... __________________ Turn and Burn!

01-07-2009, 10:00 PM	#24
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	MadScientist: Please tell us more about this, I am quite interested.

01-07-2009, 10:14 PM	#26
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	I never have heard anything about this before. __________________

01-07-2009, 10:36 PM	#27
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I dont see it as such a big deal as most people are making it out to be to use new pistons rather than good condition used ones. I think that if i agreed that it was such an important thing to use new ones then i would also want to get new rods, which see about the same abuse as pistons do in my mind. I have yet to get pistons so my mind isn't completely made up in whether or not i am going to get new pistons or just use used ones.

01-08-2009, 08:44 AM	#28
slider2828 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,040 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	I have actually heard this in other cars. Like 2zz motors used like honda pistons or something like that.... I think the esprit's mrs does that.... __________________ Turn and Burn!

01-08-2009, 10:55 AM	#29
timtiminy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Socal Posts: 624 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah i have heard of D series honda motors using suzuki grand vitara pistons which lower compression and are stronger, they use them when the turbo the D series motors and have been able to get like 400hp with no problems. Thats what got me looking into alternative pistons for the SR motor, especially since i have to overbore my block and didnt want to spend and arm an a leg on forged slugs since im not planning on making huge power.

01-08-2009, 08:45 PM	#30
slider2828 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,040 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	z32's would rock... Try it! But I would spend a little more and sleeve it though.... Just for piece of mind. __________________ Turn and Burn!