Hitchcocks Forum

Hi guys

My 53 Meteor is a bit low on compression so looking like a top end rebuild is in order... Now I know Forged pistons are better quality than std etc but has anybody experienced any issues with the std, presumably Indian 350 pistons?... Yes I know you gets what you pay for but as I'm not going to be thrashing the Meteor what's the consensus of opinion on going for the std over the forged jobs.. The money saved will fund the rebore..

REgards

Tom

Simply put: forged: the metal is heated & then formed to the desired shape using dies & pressure, then machined, then heat treated.
Cast: molten metal poured into a die, then machined & voila!
A forged piston will always be stronger than a cast one & why they are preferred by racers, engine tuners etc etc.

With "casting" the molten metal settles into the dies as it pleases - without getting too technical the molecules/grain of the metal just go where they want creating weak points, porosity can occur... Forging avoids these issues: the grain of the metal is more or less uniform. Its because of this that items such as side stands are forged & not cast, well at least on Triumphs

Re pistons: FWIW I've used mr H's higher compression bullet pistons in the past & not had any problem with them however if money wasn't an issue i'd definitely go for the forged variety

Thanks Marko.

I was goi g to stick with standard 8:1 Comp.... I've heard of a few 500s that have let go before but never a 350....as I'm not intent on racing etc I am considering the standard cast option..

REgards
Tom

You can still find new old stock meteor pistons too if you look about. I just got one to put in my 350 bullet.

Perhaps something of a halfway house in terms of both cost and longevity?

Hi Stinkwheel

That's interesting.. I'm quite happy to go lo comp.. 6 or 7:1

Tom