KB pistons
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Creswell OR
KB pistons
What do y'all think of the KB hyper.pistons?I realize that forged pistons are better,but they are expensive.I've seem to have gotten the impression that people don't like them very much.If you have used these pistons,what is your feedback.Thanks much
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
I've used them on the last 2 engines in my Corvette. Both sets of them have worked fine. I've been told that you should avoid using nitrous oxide with these pistons so I have had to be content with close to 500 HP from my small block just on the motor.
Use them and be happy! Stay off of the giggle gas.
Use them and be happy! Stay off of the giggle gas.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Victoria Texas
I am running a set in a 67 390 hp 427 corvette that I rebuilt, I like the fact that I was able to get them in .020 over size and not have to bore the block to .030 on the first rebuild.
They run quiet and have held up well, thay have been in the engine now going on 6 years and have seen the red line several times.
If you do use them, make sure and give the second ring the extra clearance that they spec. them to.
Thanks, Mark G
They run quiet and have held up well, thay have been in the engine now going on 6 years and have seen the red line several times.
If you do use them, make sure and give the second ring the extra clearance that they spec. them to.
Thanks, Mark G
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
I have them in my big block and have heard the same thing about using them with nitros. Supposidly, under pre-ignition conditions they are prone to cracking vs melting compared with forged, which means they could potentually be more damaging. I've also heard that they're used by most OEM manufactures including the new Z06 Corvette. If your careful with NOS in avoiding pre-ignition, my understanding is they're safe.The installation instructions give specific piston ring end gap clearances if you intend on using them with nitros. I wanted that option when I assembled my engine and that's how I set it up, but I haven't run any gas through it... yet. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
KB also offers forged. Typically, KB locates the ring land higher up than most other makers ... this higher location seems to correlate to complaints of their failures. KB usually recommends wider ring gaps than typical.
Speed-Pro offers Hyper pistons in just about any type & application you'd want ... SP does NOT locate lands higher up ... SP uses typical ring gaps ... SP quality as good or better that KB ... SP price usually less for same application piston ... SP available through local parts house ... I've gotten best deals on SP at ebay. SP offers forged too.
Speed-Pro offers Hyper pistons in just about any type & application you'd want ... SP does NOT locate lands higher up ... SP uses typical ring gaps ... SP quality as good or better that KB ... SP price usually less for same application piston ... SP available through local parts house ... I've gotten best deals on SP at ebay. SP offers forged too.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 32,519
Likes: 1
From: central America
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
hypers offer a good compromise between original cast and forged. Unless you are a real serious racer (see gkull) then hypers should be fine. Personally I'm running SP hypers in my 355. Took a little while for them to break in, but I've been very happy with them.
trw
trw
