datsun280zxt

hello everyone

i am going to start rebuilding my engine on my 81 280zx turbo, but can not find any pistons at .020, .030 oversize but only .040.

my question is how reliable would it be on .040 over i am planning on boosting 12-18 psi down the road

Thanks in advance.

NismoPick

Reliability doesn't have much to do with the size of the piston... it has to do with the quality of the piston / other parts, and the proper build procedure. I am running Nismo .040" (1mm) overbore pistons, along with a host of other modifications / upgrades.

datsun280zxt

o ok cool and i am getting itm cast piston, arp head studs, arp main studs, victor reinz head gasket. Practically, if everything is build right with the machine shop i should have no issues. I guess my goal is a nice, fast, reliable car.

NismoPick

If you're going ARP and all the other upgrades, why skimp on the head gasket? Go MLS.

FricFrac

I'd get ARP head and con rod bolts. Not too worried about the mains - that's a Chevy thing... Good call on the ITM - they are hypereutectic which is a step of from a normal cast piston. As NismoPick pointed out with all those key pieces a MLS is something you'd want to consider. If not o ringing the block has been recomended by a lot of the four banger L series guys and it makes sense especially with a stock head gasket.

You're build isn't as important as how you are managing whats going in and out of the engine. These things are prone to knocking so efficiency on the turbo side (type of turbo, intercooler, etc) is super important to bring the charge temp down. Methanol also does wonders for these engines as well. A tuneable ECU and a proper tune is another key ingredient.

datsun280zxt

Thanks for the info.. i was searching for MLS head gasket only found for a 280zx it did not say turbo are they the same.. and it also asks what thickness i prefer but i am not to sure any suggestions,, also what are some good bearings for a rebuild i was thinking clevite