mmmjesse

So, we all know the limits of the stock rods but i keep seeing where the pistons are fine. What i dont see is any kind of power limit on the stock pistons. I know that number all depends on the quality of tune but does anyone know an average hp where the pistons are at the limit? sorry if this has already been covered but i searched several times and found no answer.

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

300hp ish or something but I'm just guessing. What is more true is how healthy the tune is determines the health or usage out of the piston.

I would think in most cases where pistons are being replaced are due to mechanic failure and the bore is all scuffed so you have to rebore & hone to a larger size. Thus, larger pistons are required.

Itty

Also messing with compression ratios. Most people swap pistons to get more CR for naturally aspirated builds or less CR for turbo builds.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

if you're not on e85 or race gas and want to go past 300 you need pistons.
that's about it

though you should probably do pistons over 300 no matter what

mmmjesse

Thanks guys, i knew it would be a matter of the tune primarily, but i wanted to see if there was a particular torque or hp people have seen pistons die at. I would be shooting for 300whp max eventually. I am building a spare 1.6 for that goal but wanted to keep the budget reasonable on the rebuild.

patsmx5

iTrader: (16)

I'd say 300whp on pump gas with perfec tune, no knock, big turbo. 330-350whp same setup on E85. A breathe of knock at those power levels will crack a stock piston in half. I've done it twice.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

Every time you build a 1.6L, a kitten dies

mmmjesse

Hah, good thing im a dog person! i would just like to say that im not fully building anything. I am just rebuilding the engine i have with a little less suck.

Monk

iTrader: (3)

Girz0r

iTrader: (1)

This is why you're a dog person.

aidandj

iTrader: (5)

1.6 is a better engine. It revs faster.

Itty

Yeah, that's probably because it has 200 mL less rotating mass.

aidandj

iTrader: (5)

Revs faster means better spool

Itty

https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-pe...se-help-87270/

Here's a data point. 14 psi with shitty tune.

deezums

iTrader: (3)

1.6 master race.

1.6 is master race because it is cheap. If you spend money on it, you aren't 1.6 master race, you're just stupid. Get another 1.6 for $200 should be the only option you consider.

Monk

iTrader: (3)

I have literally had people give me 1.6s for free.
I declined because I'm the dumbass building a 1.8.

mmmjesse

i heard that the stock 1.6 would make 400hp at 9krpm on a T-25. Thats why i am sticking with the almighty 1.6.

aidandj

iTrader: (5)

Can't tell if troll.

Itty

He's trolling his own thread. What a trooper.

mmmjesse

You have to put your big boy pants on before making a thread on this forum. Ive got no problem with that. Just to show that im not completely dumb, here is a 1.8 turbo that i did for a friend including a partial wire tuck. Cant find the finished pics but here is one from when it was getting close.