Pistons

[Bob Bidonde]

About 60% of the power losses due to friction are caused by the pistons in a conventional internal combustion engine. Another parasitic power loss is due to the mass of pistons. Then why are we using 1920's piston design technology in our Model "A" & Model "B" engines wherein pistons have very long skirts?

Is there a Model "A" & "B" engine builder out there that uses modern pistons?

[Rex_A_Lott]

I've read several posts on using the "283" style pistons, which is just a referral to the modern slipper-skirt pistons, I believe.
I think I've even read where some of the racers and hill-climbers are using narrow rings to cut down on the drag you mentioned.
Pete and Jim Brierley to name a couple ought to have some good input on this, if they decide to chime in.

[modelAtony]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

About 60% of the power losses due to friction are caused by the pistons in a conventional internal combustion engine. Another parasitic power loss is due to the mass of pistons. Then why are we using 1920's piston design technology in our Model "A" & Model "B" engines wherein pistons have very long skirts?

Is there a Model "A" & "B" engine builder out there that uses modern pistons?

Pete's automotive in Alb, NM owner John Cosper builds engines and also uses modern piston of the chevy uses the new way with mounting the rods . He has a very good rep of inserted engines . Years ago they were among the first that started the inserts. Johns dad is MR PETE. Many years ago they were the go to guys for inserts. Years have passed and now many and most builders have gone to inserts but MR BOB and John were the ones that got the ball rolling. I would give John a call and talk to him. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA and a very happy customer of PETE'S AUTOMOTIVE 7 year old inserted engine and no adjustments on engine yet.

[johnneilson]

There are many factors to the piston design, too many to list here.
However, the stroke length and rod ratio does have something to do with the longer skirts. Modern lubricants and proper clearance will eliminate quite a bit of the drag, due to the fact the cyl is not cooled uniformly at the bottom more clearance is required, this makes the longer skirt more desirable.
IMHO, the rings are more of a parasitic drag factor then the skirts. I have been having my pistons made with modern car ring packages and like the results. Sealing is very good and the oil control is excellent.

J

[Jim Brierley]

Many use pistons from Pete's. I have used 1955, 324 Olds pistons with good results, they require enlarging the pin hole a little but have the correct pin height. Both have narrower rings.

[John]

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For "New Style" pistons contact Richard Fallucca at the listing below and I think you will be pleasantly suprised.

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[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Actually, the pistons from a Chevrolet are heavier than what is available in aftermarket from most Model-A parts vendors. And, adding to that, those aftermarket pistons are heavier than original pistons by a substantial amount too. Heck, the wrist pins alone have about 100 grams of difference between the lighter original pin and the aftermarket pin.

The best available that I know of are the pistons that Rich Fallucca now offers. They are modern technology and are made specifically for the A/B. Call him if you want more info on them.

[Pete]

I use Ross.
They are forged.
They will make them to your specifications.
They will assist you in selecting the right piston for your application.

[Ed Pitts]

Here are the 283 style pistons that I obtained from John Cosper and recently installed in my car.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Ed Pitts

Here are the 283 style pistons that I obtained from John Cosper and recently installed in my car.

Did you weight them either with, --or without the pins?

[Ed Pitts]

Did not weigh them.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Ed Pitts

Did not weigh them.

My experience is the Chevrolet pistons are heavier. The only two advantages that I knew of was the costs (much cheaper buying in a set of 8) and the thinner ring (less parasitic drag)