VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Aluminum pistons for 194 CI engine

Any strong pros or cons regarding the use of aluminum pistons in a 1930 engine (.040 over) Do they take the same rings as steel pistons?

Thanks,

Frank

I am a big fan of aluminum pistons.They take a big load off the rod bearings and make the engine more flexible.If you do very little higher speed driving or if its going to be a trailered car there is no big reason to use them.They are best suited for cars used a lot and for higher engine speeds.I have them in my '34 and '39 and would never go back to iron.Engines run as smooth as a watch.
The replacement .040" oversized pistons that I have in the 1934 also fit all engines from 1929-36.They use the same rings as any 1934-36 engine (they are old stock not modern replacements)....the ring width changed a few times between 1929 and 1933 and all replacement pistons went to the 1934-36 ring grove width (also GM pistons).The problem is that the modern replacement Egge brand pistons are not always up to par.

Aluminum pistons are fine if that's what you prefer to use. However, Egge pistons are junk and I would suggest that you stay away from them if at all possible.

:( :( :(

I always appreciate a heads up on a manufacturer's product when it is not up to snuff. But more important, can you list the reasons the pistons qualify as "junk"?

I have rebuilt '31-2 engines with aluminum and some with cast iron pistons. Also driven the vehicles on tours and on the road. I personally prefer the cast iron as they seem to result in a smoother and quieter running engine. I fully understand the weight argument for aluminum, supposed faster acceleration, less stress on the bearings, etc. but have never had a problem with the cast iron. Anyone want to buy some aluminum pistons? Have several sets that can be yours. They are old stock too.

I have EGGE aluminum 40 over pistons in my 194 and they have given me several thousand miles of trouble free driving, the weight difference and less stress on my babbits are what sold me. I drive my car 55-60 mph (highway) and the acceleration is much improved. What ever floats your boat, just reporting my experience!!

I have install EGGE pistons in 5 - 1926-28 engine and 2 -1929-33 engine+ Harley motorcycles.
No problem at all. All works great.

I have not talked about my EGGE pistons in a while because of the bad press I get but I have 5000 miles on mine and no problems.

We had a fellow in our local AACA Chapter with Egge pistons in a Pierce Arrow. He had a problem. Egge replaced the pistons and paid the labor for the work to change them out. I would say they will stand behind their products.

I put NOS aluminum pistons in our 31 in 1964 and they are doing fine. Last year when I checked I could not remove any shims from the mains or rods. About 40,000 miles.

I talked to a fellow that had EGGE pistons in his early 1930's Cadillac. He continually had problems with the pistons and he replaced them twice! Never could correct the problem with the EGGE pistons so he finally installed NOS pistons and never had a problem again. Also, as a TA it is not uncommon for me to get phone calls about piston problems and so far every one of those contacting me had EGGE pistons installed in their engines.

On the flip side of the coin there are those that have had good luck with EGGE pistons, but there are also a lot of dudes that have had bad luck with EGGE pistons as well.

:( :( :cry:

It seems that there are some vendors that have good products all the time, but, buying some other vendor's products are like rolling dice, I may roll a point every time, but some guys always roll "snske eyes" with the same dice.....
I don't like to roll dice when I buy car parts, since I can mess up several things I start.