Monty2556
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| posted on 6/7/14 at 08:31 PM |
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1300 pistons into 1600 engine
I've got a 1600 xflow and a set if 1300 xflow pistons. Both are standard. I understand that changing the pistons will increase the compression
ratio. Is it simply a case of swopping the pistons over (with new rings) or do I need to do anything else?
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 6/7/14 at 08:47 PM |
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If the pistons and the bores are in good condition with no wear then it would be OK but the chances of finding unworn components are pretty slim. It
would be a very good idea to check valve to piston clearances which are likely to be reduced
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leon51274
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| posted on 6/7/14 at 09:56 PM |
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I did this to my old car with no problems. Bowl was in the piston as opposed to the head. I also went 60 thou over bore so I had clean bores and new
rings.
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Paul Turner
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| posted on 7/7/14 at 08:03 AM |
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Since the newest x-flow you will find is now at least 34 years old the chances of finding one with bores in good enough condition to simply fit new
pistons in is absolutely zero. To keep the engine on a standard bore the block would need liners fitted, not a cheap option. Most people take the
opportunity to rebore the engine and fit oversize pistons when they do this. By fitting +90 pistons you increase the engine to almost 1690cc which
gives a small increase in power but a better increase in torque.
Doing this to any engine is pretty much a major rebuild and even the dedicated and experienced DIY builder will need the services of a good and
trusted machine shop to help out, without one forget it.
Whilst the 1300 pistons in either standard or overbore sizes will give a useful increase in compression (and power) the valve cut outs are only really
suitable for a standard Ford cam. You really need to get the valve cut outs increased in depth and diameter to suit and future upgrades that you may
decide to undertake (even if you think it will never happen it will). The pistons will also need balancing.
The main problem is the standard cast Ford pistons and the oversize alternatives are really quite weak and they are very heavy. They break where the
oil ring fits because of the design if much more than 7000 rpm are used on a regular basis.
A better alternative is to fit a forged piston. They are more expensive but pretty much indestructible and normally come with a decent compression
ratio increase and adequately sized valve cut outs (but I have had a set of Omegas that when measured gave 14:1 compression and only had standard
sized valve cut outs). They are much lighter which results in a freer revving engine and the better ring design used also give less friction resulting
in an additional power increase.
Something to think about.
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jollygreengiant
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| posted on 7/7/14 at 04:52 PM |
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Well, lets put it like this, IF you already have a1600 AND you HAVE a set of 1300 pistons, then providing the they are both the same type of piston
(there were 2 type of Xflow piston, one had a pure bowl in piston with NO cut out for valves, whilst the other type had cut outs in the bowl rim for
valves, when comparing the two types the difference IS obvious) then why not. While changing them take the chance to check crank and grind IF
necessary, but also fit new bearings and oil pump. BUT, most importantly of check the pistons are the same bore, re-bore block IF necessary but at
least a hone of the block to remove wear lip/glaze AND replace the little end bearings in the Con rod, or sure as eggs is eggs you will suffer little
end failure when giving it large. (Trust me I know about this from experience).
Back in the day this sort of thing was considered a weekend engine re-tune for back street wanna be's with a minimum of work and time to
drastically up rate the Xflow engine (it also worked on the 1300 by fitting 1100 pistons  )
I eventually did my own rebuild by using twin-cam pistons which I have related before.
Beware of the Goldfish in the tulip mines. The ONLY defence against them is smoking peanut butter sandwiches.
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redturner
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| posted on 10/7/14 at 08:49 PM |
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Mention is made of little end failure, but in all the years of building and running x-flows in our race cars I have never had a little end failure.
Lucky or what......
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