If he is willing to sell the pistons REALLY cheap, I will buy them but at $600, I will stick with used pistons. As for the cutouts, I wander if the valves float at the rev limit. I am just amazed why they don't make the cutouts bigger and dome out the piston to maintain compression so the valves don't bend if the timing belts break especially for the low compression turbos.

 

I think you've answered your own question - how better to get owners coming back for regular expensive service or DIY-ers to buy a $600 tensioning tool than to NOT do so? Fear of a breakdown inspires people to pay for maintenance. . . A page right out of the General Motors "how to make an extra 50% over the purchase price" manual. . .

Sorry, that was a low blow. I just absolutely hate everything about American cars; I've owned several and will never do so again.

 

I sent you a e-mail

 

are these forged or cast? do you have a set for the s2 motors?