Hey guys,

Any of you running 'Claimer' pistons or know anything FIRSTHAND about them?

 

They are named that because they are cheap. The advantage is that they usually are designed with things like a single valve trough etc that will help make compression and power, but are still a very low $$ casting. At best some are Hypereutectic, but usually the cheaper line of them.

They were designed for some low $$ roundy pounder classes where the loser can "claim" the winners engine for cheap..usually $500 or so. It keeps folks from spending big $$ to dominate a low $$ class just because they can. Helps keep the costs of racing cheap so little guys can compete.

I would steer away from them unless it is truly going to be a low budget engine that will NEVER experience any chance of detonation or high rpm. They are used for racing but if they blow the whole engine is just chunked.

I'd use a basic TRW/Sealed Power replacement forging if possible if better parts can't be afforded for this particular motor or aren't even needed.


JIM

 

thinking about the claimer Hypereutectic's for my 383

 

I haven't experienced any problems with them. Make sure your final home is set up for a hyper-piston so the clearances are right

 

Here's my engine combo:

.060 block
3.75 stroke
6.0" rods

This is pretty much a mild 383 that turned into a 388 when I found my block has already been bored 60 over.
Seems .060 pistons are not in abundance like they are for the .030 bore.

Any of you know what I can find for that setup for 'reasonable' dough?

'Reasonable' to me means in the range of $200~225.......

 

On a mild 388 street motor you shouldn't have any durability problems.
Speed pro also makes an affordable coated hyper. Probe industries has some affordable pistons too, but I have no experience with those

 

Before you decide, do a search here on the Forum for stuff by "TShort". He posted some pics of his claimer pistons recently that came apart in his 383. Engine is back at builder getting forged ones installed.

I just can't see putting a motor together with stuff like that if there is any chance I might play with it. I understand saving money, but this isn't the best place to do it.

If you really want to use Hypereutectics, at least go to something like the KB line. They are better than regular Hyper's even though they are made by same folks who make the others..Silvolite. Just like everything, there are better and then there are cheaper.

Remember, hypers are just plain 'ole cast pistons with a little more silicone in them. Mfg's like them because they are cheap and a little stronger than regular cast. That way they can run tighter wall clearances for emissions etc. But even Ford put forged in the 5.0 Mustangs from '85-early 90's until they got cheap and went to hyper's.

Do some searching for some rebuilder type forged if nothing else. Just watch deck heights with them,....they are often "short" just like cast and hyper ones.


JIM

 

Considering the total cost involved in a rebuild, the extra expense for such a critical component is cheap insurance.

 

How about these boys and girls:

H860CP SpeedPro Pistons....

Maybe just a 'leetle' bit better than Claimers?

 

my 383 is a budget engine for my truck

 

Ok for a truck deal...just watch compression and detonation stuff.

Remember...just a stronger casting....



JIM