Here is a twist on the age old 2618 vs 4032 debacle. We all know cast pistons aren't great yet they run forever and ever in NA applications and in a LOT of forced induction applications as well. Not too long ago that poor little stock 4.8 made 1200 hp and didn't even seem to care. So if a stock cast piston can do that then why is a 4032 such a bad option? Forged is obviously stronger than cast or they wouldn't make them in the first place. I'm wanting a short block that will last like a stock production engine and I don't plan on and shouldn't have the need for anything more then about 16 psi max. I am looking at 76cc chamber heads and with a +6cc flat top I should have a compression ratio of 10:1. My thinking is a flat top will provide the most meat in the center of the piston as possible compared to a dished piston. So that being said if a cast piston can do it then why can't a 4032 do it?

 

I've argued this point for years.... People just want a piston good for 2k HP in their 700HP engine. Same deal with the cams, heads, and turbo's...

 

I don't get it either. It must be some sort of scare tactic for some reason. Everyone says if you run 4032 you have to have CNC laser etched spot on exact tune or its instant destruction and then with stock cast pistons its like ehh just fatten it up a little and don't get too wild on your timing and have fun with it.

 

Interesting points. Subscribed

 

Bump.

 

Well, look at it this way. How many people that are saying 4032's are junk have actually used them and had a problem? Id say none. This subject seems to be a victim of my neighbors brothers sister in laws cousin had them and it broke... kinda thing. I'm using them, autotec 4032's that stock48 hooked me up with. I'm having no issues at 14 psi, and I tuned the motor from scratch so there were obviously some runs made that were not spot on. Stock48 ran them at 22+psi at a 9.65 1/4 et several times, with many more runs in the 10's without issues. You want what I want, something that will last like stock, just stronger, seems to be working for me. I am changing some things up this winter, ported heads, bigger turbo and more boost. We'll see how it does.

 

Thank you for post based on actual first hand experience.

A couple other thoughts without going too far off course. Ford Mustang 302 pistons. Those things last forever and were known for their cold start piston slap. What material where they, 2618 or 4032?

What about diesels? They last for hundreds of thousands of miles and their source of ignition is detonation.