forged or cast pistons ?

[novaxe235]

is there an easy way to tell whether or not the pistons on a 2.0 xe are forged or cast with-out removing them (with just the head off) thanks in advance for any help.

[Pistol Pete]

Are they standard pistons? IIRC they are cast, aftermarket are forged. I think.

[Benn]

Dont think so.

[novaxe235]

they are standard as far as i know but standard pistons can come in forged or cast depending on the year of the engine i think. just need to know how to tell which is which though.lol

[Pistol Pete]

Only way to tell is to take them out. What year is your engine?

[philip]

if took sump off you could 'maybe' see the under side of the piston with a torch or something.

86p on the underside means there forged mahles;)

[Will F]

Early XE's were forged - you can see if you take the sump off and shine a torch up the bore....

You should be able to see 'Mahle' stamped under the piston head.

[novaxe235]

thanks for all the help guys so there's no way of telling from the top.il have to get the sump off and have a look then.

[craig green]

I thought they were forged upto the dispak engines??

ie; Blue injectors (3 bar), dizzyless w/air inlet temp sensor. = chocolate pistons & weaker crank.

[philip]

cranks are ment to be the same so to speak. the earlier is better material so lighter. the later is slightly worse material so made heavier...i think!lol

[Will F]

I thought they were forged upto the dispak engines??

ie; Blue injectors (3 bar), dizzyless w/air inlet temp sensor. = chocolate pistons & weaker crank.

Nope, the earlier 20XE and some early C20's were forged ONLY.
The later ones hardley had chcoclate pistons! lol

The cranks are stronger and lighter from teh 20XE again, but for normal road-going engines it isnt really a concern (in either case)