|
Forged pistons have advantages when it comes to density, strength, and durability over other piston materials. The forging process eliminates porosity in the metal, improves ductility, and will allow the piston to run cooler than a comparable cast piston. The alloy used in all forged pistons contains a light silicon content which promotes longer life and increased scuff resistance while still retaining all of the load carrying capabilities and durability advantages of a forged piston. Most forged pistons are made to minimize piston weight without compromising strength making them better able to withstand the high cylinder pressures and skirt loads imposed by race use and can survive limited detonation and piston to valve contact that can occur during a race. (Although these are both conditions you really want to avoid!) Forged pistons are right for street performance, endurance racing, drag racing, or all out street performance applications. If you plan to run a very high compression ratio (11:1 and over), high boost supercharger, nitrous oxide, or an engine that will be operating under extreme conditions approaching detonation, you will definitely benefit from a forged piston.
|