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In searching for pistons for my 54 I found that most suppliers are only offering cast pistons. I am curious as to why since the originals are aluminum. Seems strange that on the older cars (such as 32)that came with cast pistons suppliers offer mostly aluminum and on the later (54-62) that had aluminum they are supplying cast.
Steve D
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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I never heard of that one before. I doubt if anyone is making iron pistons anymore.
The iron pistons were used in 235 engines from 1941-1953 (except 1953 PG) .....I like the chevrolet aluminums becasu they are slightly taller and bump up the compression ratio a little. That was the reason for the HP increase from 108 in 1953 to 115 in 1954. CR ration up from 7.1 to 7.5.
Gene Schneider
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Rock Auto has only one Al piston (.030) and Patricks only list cast for all sizes.
Steve D
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If you check further you will find that the "cast" pistons are cast aluminum. They use the term "cast" to differentiate from "forged" aluminum pistons required in high horsepower, high compression, high rpm applications.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
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I spoke with a rep from Kantor yesterday. After asking him twice, he replied "yes, we have cast iron in stock at standard, .020 and .030 over. ,a set of 6 for $220.00."
When I asked, he could not name the manufacturer "we deal with 500 different suppliers".
I'm thinking now he may have misspoken. Definitely needs further investigation.
If it ain't broke…..fix it 'til it is.
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Or a different supplier. They're on e-bay a lot....Joe
See America's First...Chevrolet
1931 Sedan Delivery 31570
1933 Standard Sports Coupe 33628.
1934 Master Sedan Delivery Canadian 177/34570
1968 Z/28 Camaro
1969 SS 396 Camaro
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Cast iron pistons are available. They were produced many years ago and not sold at that time. Don't know of anyone producing new cast iron pistons for our old Chevys.
As far as I know all recently manufactured replacement pistons for our old Chevys are aluminum. Cast for the less expensive normal applications and forged for the high performance engines.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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Thanks Chipper as that makes it a lot easier to find them. Just checked RockAuto again and they have some for $29.79 made by EngineTech. My low budget engine rebuild is starting to escalate as the machine shop advises the head is cracked. What bothers me most is that the head and block castings are both F294 so I really wanted to keep them together.
Steve D
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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There's a cyl head shop here in Tucson that can fix most cracks if your shop can't....Joe
See America's First...Chevrolet
1931 Sedan Delivery 31570
1933 Standard Sports Coupe 33628.
1934 Master Sedan Delivery Canadian 177/34570
1968 Z/28 Camaro
1969 SS 396 Camaro
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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The shop I am using and others in the area can stitch it but I don't want to spend that kind of money (500-600)to have a repaired head. Gene has given me some excellent and pertinent information regarding using a Powerglide head (which I have) so I will go that route. Hopefully it is a better one.
Steve D
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Joined: May 2009
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
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How about Egge Machine Co. in California…been around for many years….Billu38
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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Not the most trusted name in the business and especially on this site.
Steve D
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Didn't realize that…live and learn! Billu38
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