Choosing 1.6TD pistons for rebuild.

[malone]

Currently, there are two different brands of 1.6TD pistons I need to choose from for a 1.6TD rebuild.

As far as I know, Kolbenschmidt are factory OEM pistons. An aftermarket option is Gotze.

Does anyone know the weight/metal/strength/etc. differences between them? Until Gotze is proven to be superior, I'll default with OEM.

I have not yet consulted an engine shop who might know something about different brand 1.6TD pistons, but I figure a handful of experts here might know something...

Thanks,
Mark

[vwmike]

How much are the kolbenschmidt pistons? The cheapest I've found pistons at all was vwdieselparts.com at $350 US per set with rings.

[malone]

My first quote was $110 CAD per piston with ring, but I haven't asked which brand.

According to shox75's post, he paid $80 CAD per piston & ring. He doesn't remember which brand piston he got though.

Anyway, price is not an object in this thread.

[greggearhead]

kolbenschmidts are the bomb (for gasser stuff) if you are sticking with cast pistons.  Goetze can be great, also can be Brazilian manufacture, which doesn't make them bad, but for  a full-tilt motor, I would go with the Kolbenschmidts.

[malone]

Thanks for your input Greg.

I'm curious; why are Gotze pistons at least 20% more expensive than Kolbenschmidts?

Anyway, Kolbenschmidt 0.040" overbored pistons are coming tonight. I feel that OEM pistons are strong enough

Cheers,
Mark

[935racer]

Mark I got the pistons and they are sitting in my garage. Get your car over here and I will start the rebuild.

[malone]

Mark I got the pistons and they are sitting in my garage. Get your car over here and I will start the rebuild.

Hey Dave, Brett seemed too busy to help with the tow tonight. Maybe tomorrow.

[greggearhead]

Damn, wish you guys were in Colorado.  I have a towbar setup I use all the time, plus it would be nice to have the Diesel crazies close by.

[TDIMeister]

I wasn't aware that Goetze is a supplier of pistons.  I have only known Kolbenschmidt, Mahle and another Brazillian company (can't remember the name off-hand) that supplies VW pistons.

Goetze is a supplier of gaskets, AFAIK...

[malone]

Thanks for willing to help out, Greg

Yep, I have a Goetze 1.9L headgasket.