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LS1 pistons.....

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Old Dec 21, 2009 | 10:40 PM
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Default LS1 pistons.....

Anyone know if the 99FRC car came with cast pistons or forged pistons?

TIA
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Old Dec 21, 2009 | 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by LT1vette
Anyone know if the 99FRC car came with cast pistons or forged pistons?

TIA

I'm pretty sure they are Hyperutectic.
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Old Dec 21, 2009 | 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by torkman15
I'm pretty sure they are Hyperutectic.

Are the ZO6's forged?
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Old Dec 21, 2009 | 11:18 PM
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Hypereutectic actually refers to the material used and not the manufacturing method. Both LS1 and LS6 pistons are hypereutectic forged pistons.
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Old Dec 21, 2009 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark C5
Hypereutectic actually refers to the material used and not the manufacturing method. Both LS1 and LS6 pistons are hypereutectic forged pistons.
Wow, forged pistons are stock in an LS1 and LS6?
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Old Dec 21, 2009 | 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Wow, forged pistons are stock in an LS1 and LS6?
Lucky, after my last experience relying on a manual I'm a little gun shy, but that's what my reference tells me. I'm using "How to Rebuild GM LS-Series Engines" by Chris Werner. Unfortunately I know he does have some errors in the book but I don't think he's mistaken about the pistons.

I do know I'm correct about the meaning of hypereutectic.
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Mark C5
Lucky, after my last experience relying on a manual I'm a little gun shy, but that's what my reference tells me. I'm using "How to Rebuild GM LS-Series Engines" by Chris Werner. Unfortunately I know he does have some errors in the book but I don't think he's mistaken about the pistons.

I do know I'm correct about the meaning of hypereutectic.
A hypereutectic piston is a cast piston with a high(er) silicone content. It is not a forged piston. While hypercutectic pistons will take more abuse than your base cast variety, there is no substitute for forged pistons. If you notice, forged pistons are in every motor built for high performance, FI, etc. I'm sure many of us, including myself, wish the LS1/6 came from the factory with forged pistons and rods.

GM finally got it right with the FI LS9, forged pistons and rods.

Last edited by lucky131969; Dec 22, 2009 at 12:08 AM.
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
A hypereutectic piston is a cast piston with a high(er) silicone content. It is not a forged piston.
I have to disagree with this as a blanket statement. A hypereutectic piston can be cast or forged. Hypereutectic only refers to the material used, not the manufacturing method.

If you are sure the LS pistons are cast I'll defer.
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 12:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Mark C5
I have to disagree with this as a blanket statement. A hypereutectic piston can be cast or forged. Hypereutectic only refers to the material used, not the manufacturing method.

If you are sure the LS pistons are cast I'll defer.

Most factory hypereutectic pistons have a silicone percentage of 16-19. Alloys used for forged pistons have much lower percentages of silicone 11 or lower.

You don't have to believe me, I'm sure there is hours of reading on the subject on the net.



As long as I know what I have, that's all that matters:

My 99- hypereutectic
My 65- Forged

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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 12:49 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Most factory hypereutectic pistons have a silicone percentage of 16-19. Alloys used for forged pistons have much lower percentages of silicone 11 or lower.

You don't have to believe me, I'm sure there is hours of reading on the subject on the net.



As long as I know what I have, that's all that matters:

My 99- hypereutectic
My 65- Forged


Hi....So we are getting close!!!!

On a 99 FRC car with a factory stock engine. Are the pistons the same quality as was installed later in the Z06 engine...........

TIA
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 12:55 AM
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Originally Posted by LT1vette
Hi....So we are getting close!!!!

On a 99 FRC car with a factory stock engine. Are the pistons the same quality as was installed later in the Z06 engine...........

TIA
.

I'll let you be the judge.....I'm out....

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...4322&engCat=ls


http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...1268&engCat=ls
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 01:16 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
That seems to be pretty definitive!.....same pistons..interesting.

I'm thinking of adding NOS to my 99 and was cautioned because of the quality of pistons. That they were as not as good as the Zo6 piston, hence would not take the abuse....

Thanks for the help
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 08:49 AM
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There are a number of reasons why a manufacturer would choose to use hypereutectic over forged. In the case of the LS series engines, the need to keep tight bore to piston clearances for reduced vehicle emissions is one of the key reasons. Forged pistons typically have a lower percentage of silicon and require higher bore to piston clearance due to their higher coefficient of thermal expansion. The LS series engines with their short skirts, reduced mass and deck height make it a challenge to control piston type noises. Keeping tight piston to bore clearances and a low coefficient of thermal growth are a must to negate cold piston type noises. The LS9 has forged pistons and the only LS engine that I’m aware of that does.

Last edited by Eric D; Dec 22, 2009 at 11:15 AM.
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 11:28 AM
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I thought the LS9 shared the same Ti connecting rod as the LS7?

The piston is forged, but the rod is titanium.
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by ~Joshua
I thought the LS9 shared the same Ti connecting rod as the LS7?

The piston is forged, but the rod is titanium.
.....forged titanium......

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/..._pursuit5.html
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Old Dec 22, 2009 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
Ohhh... gotcha.

Thanks.
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