adrian928se

Hi All

I have some sets of new 968 Mahle Motorsports pistons made in the USA, but I have been told that these pistons do not work successfully in Alusil bores as the coating is different to the factory Mahle's. Even though these pistons have an additional spray on coating on the skirts, I am told this comes off quickly resulting in major engine problems eg blocked filter, piston slap and damaged bores). Has anyone ever come across these pistons and used them successfully in an engine with the normal Alusil silicone bores? Both EBS racing and Pelican have been selling these pistons.

Any help/info appreciated.
Adrian

Thom

Interesting ... I suppose those are high compression (NA) pistons ?

In what do they differ from the stock 968 pistons ?

adrian928se

see pic. I believe they have a ferro coating which has been shown to make more power. Not sure if the rings are different. Looking through the 944 turbo archives similar ones are mentioned with a lower compression for the 968 turbo. Looks like many still supply them such as Lindsey Racing.
Rgds

RajDatta

These are made for the alusil blocks. They are identical to the factory 968 turbo S pistons but those were made to run with nikasil.
There are quite a few people running these successfully.
Raj

Jason Judd

I'm running the Mahle pistons in my turbo RS replca; I've had them for about 5 years now without any problems.

Although, I'm pretty sure mine are 104.5mm, and it looks like the pictured pistons are marked 104. Is that correct?

Raj, aren't they supposed to be 104.5mm?

RajDatta

They came in both sizes, 104mm and 104.5mm.
Raj

adrian928se

Thanks guys, but are you saying these versions only work in Nikasil bores? I know the 968turbo S ran Nikasil, but these pistons are sold for use with alusil and have a different USA only coating.
Adrian

Barry Johnson

They'll work fine in an alusil bore. The ferroprint is what is compatible with alusil, and from what I hear, the swaintech PC-9 works as well (so far).

You have multiple sets, right? Maybe some people would be interested in buying if you were to sell?
What compression ratio are they made for?

333pg333

So what c/r are these if they're identical to the turbo pistons?

FRporscheman

Also interested in knowing the CR, and possibly interested in buying a set if for sale.

RajDatta

They should be 8:1.
Raj

adrian928se

Hi, I bought these as standard 968's, however I have just spoken to Mahle motorsport and they said these were made for those that want to run steel liners and will need recoating to use in Alusil bores. I went back to the supplier (who has many sets of these for sale) and they are now discussing direct with Mahle to resolve. All a bit confusing, but I will post the outcome and the supplier. A new set of the 4 pistons was originally US$780 including new rings, but I guess they will not sell any bore until there use is clarified.

Separately to this does anyone have any used 968 104mm KS pistons for sale? if so please pm me.
Adrian