Brian Morris

I'm trying to decide between Nikasil coating vs. sleeves for a 3L engine. The cost is about a toss up - Nikasil would be cheaper to have done but I'd have to have it shipped so it comes out pretty close.

The only advantage to sleeves I think would be some extra strength - but I'm not sure this would make much of a difference. Nikasil would be harder, seal better, same expansion as pistons ...

This would be for a 95% track (not racing) 5% street car and it's a 968 block.

Anyone have any opinions on which would be better?

--Brian Morris
89 951

Konstantin

if you wnat to stay with the stock Pistons then you must use alusil or nicasil. if you want sleeves you need new pistons and rings

Konstantin

PS: I would stay with the factory stuff if you do not want to turbocharge the engine. The aftermarket pistons for Turbos are much cheaper.

86944turbo

My 2 cents worth is, if this is a turbo motor, sleeve it. Not with just any sleeves. I believe spun nodular iron is what JME uses. Comes from Portugal.

Brian Morris

The fact that John Milledge sleeves his motors is one of the reasons I would do it. I talked to him on the phone and he said "I sleeve all my high HP motors.".

--Brian Morris
89 951

Konstantin

then you must go with new pistons ;-)

Konstantin