[weirdbeard]

Would you ever consider buying used pistons for your motor?

I am doing a 1200 conversion on my sportster and I found some used Wiseco pistons on ebay for cheap... New they are about $300 which seems like a lot for a couple of slugs..

How bad an idea is this?

[Centerline]

Back in the day people used to replace the rings (re-ring) engines on a regular basis. If you think about it anytime you do a "stock" rebuild and you're installing the original pistons back in the block you are in essence using "used" pistons.

When considering using "pre-owned" pistons one must understand that they need to be cleaned and checked for cracks and damage. If there is none then for a daily driver they are almost always fine. If you're building a performance engine then used slugs probably aren't a good idea.

I'm using a nice set of +.060 pistons in the early hemi that's going in my deuce. Not really building it for performance but it will have a mild cam and 3 deuces. But given the fact that it will see maybe 1000 miles a year I'm not terribly concerned about using a set of pre-owned pistons. Others may disagree though.

[oldbogie]

Originally Posted by weirdbeard

Would you ever consider buying used pistons for your motor?

I am doing a 1200 conversion on my sportster and I found some used Wiseco pistons on ebay for cheap... New they are about $300 which seems like a lot for a couple of slugs..

How bad an idea is this?

You can buy new Wisecos for this money. http://www.wiseco.com/Catalogs/VTwin/EvoSportster.pdf

For less bucks with a cast piston you can look at Hastings http://www.hastingsracingproducts.co...avidson/Detail

Bogie

[weirdbeard]

Yeah I think pretty much $200 is as cheap as I could find new pistons.
I am seeing used sets for under $50.

I might just get them and look them over real good.

I hope I don't blow up my bike.

[timothale]

I've mixed pieces whe putting together engines originally made in the 20's. the key is cleaning and carefull inspecting and measuring. I have used the knurler out of my lathe tool box , made a wood block support and pushed hard by hand to knurl aluminum piston skirts then measured and hand sanded them to fit.

[OHD]

You are doing a HIGH PERFORMANCE upgrade, get NEW pistons to fit the cylinders, after final prep (boring honing etc) has been done.