Is Ceramic coating pistons worth it?

[andy2]

Dave's Franken motor was working well and I don't think it could take a whole lot more abuse.I believe it held together well due to having the huge turbo on it.This keep the torque down at lower rpm and let the HP get up there.My compound turbo setup forced so much air in at lower rpm producing High torque which makes the cyl head flex.I believe high torque (225-275+lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) will cause the IDI head to flex.

A couple years ago my engine held together at 161 whp and 225 lb-ft.

My 2 cents,Comments welcome

[jackbombay]

The turbo will be off of a stock cummins 5.9. VNT, could see upwards of 32psi.

  Do you have a compressor map for that turbo? I'm sure it can push 32 PSI, but it won't be happy doing it with the low lbs/minute that is the reality of the 1.6, you'll quite likely be pushing that turbo into surge unless boost doesn't come on till way high RPMs.

[monomer]

The turbo will be off of a stock cummins 5.9. VNT, could see upwards of 32psi.

  Do you have a compressor map for that turbo? I'm sure it can push 32 PSI, but it won't be happy doing it with the low lbs/minute that is the reality of the 1.6, you'll quite likely be pushing that turbo into surge unless boost doesn't come on till way high RPMs.

I do not.


whats the recommended turbo then? I dont need 32 psi, but i would like a VNT, as autocross demands quick accel.

[jackbombay]

The turbo will be off of a stock cummins 5.9. VNT, could see upwards of 32psi.

  Do you have a compressor map for that turbo? I'm sure it can push 32 PSI, but it won't be happy doing it with the low lbs/minute that is the reality of the 1.6, you'll quite likely be pushing that turbo into surge unless boost doesn't come on till way high RPMs.

I do not.


whats the recommended turbo then? I dont need 32 psi, but i would like a VNT, as autocross demands quick accel.

  Thats a tough one, with such small displacement you'll be off any compressor map (that I know of) at 28+ PSI. If you want notably more than 30 PSI compound turbos would be the way to go, although the fab work and the sizing is certainly far more complicated.

  As I don't know of any compound setup that has run for more than a few weeks (I'm not sure about the details of Andy's setup) I'd be inclined to run 30 PSI with a VNT 2052 fuel it till it smokes a bit and call it a day. Any ponies beyond that will get spendy way quick, and or consume LOTS of your time.

  A VNT 2052 will drive a pressure ratio of 3:1 which is the best I know of and it will spool quick on a 1.6. Of course people run their turbos off the compressor map all the time, and they don't blow up instantly, but if you can keep everything in, or close to, its "happy zone" you'll be ahead of the game, IMO.

[jtanguay]

if you could find a ball bearing turbo that would really help... but then again $$$

[monomer]

  A VNT 2052 will drive a pressure ratio of 3:1 which is the best I know of and it will spool quick on a 1.6. Of course people run their turbos off the compressor map all the time, and they don't blow up instantly, but if you can keep everything in, or close to, its "happy zone" you'll be ahead of the game, IMO.

next question, -good place to find said VNT?

[andy2]

A good compound setup IMO for say 25-35 psi is a k24/T3 turbo and the 3.0 T3 merc turbo.Should be enough air for 170-180hp.

The vnt 20 will work well as long as you can control the vanes properly.

[monomer]

A good compound setup IMO for say 25-35 psi is a k24/T3 turbo and the 3.0 T3 merc turbo.Should be enough air for 170-180hp.

The vnt 20 will work well as long as you can control the vanes properly.

the 3k/AirResearch turbos arnt to great above 20psi.



I do have a 1992 2.5 diesel here with a popped head.  Down side - the turbo has 421k miles!