I have two questions for the smart guys out there. First, I found a set of used TRW pistons with a part # of L2166N for sale at a decent price. This part number isnt a current part number that TRW uses, the new ones have a NF ending, so can anyone tell me if these are the same pistons, just an older model?
Also, is it even smart to buy used pistons, the rings lands etc all appear to be in good shape, just wondering if the savings of buy used is even a smart idea. If so, is there anything that can be done to recondition a piston?
Thanks in advance, again.

Fivian,
The piston is the same as the NF version, even though the new Sealed Power pistons are a little different than the old TRW forgings. Personally, every single time I have seen a customer purchase a used set of pistons, they wished they had never done it. There is nothing you can do to "recondition" a piston. If its worn out, its worn out, period. In the larger sceme of things, pistons are relatively inexpensive, and probably not where you want to save money.
Only exception might be if the seller was willing to let you take them to your machine shop and have them checked out first. Even then, it's a shakey proposition in my opinion.

I guess that makes sense, a used piston doesnt sound real smart, its probably being sold for a reason, duh lol. Just wish I could find new ones for for less then $319.
Thanks for bringing me back to reality Bill.

Fivian,
I dont know how much HP you are trying to make, but cast pistons are not all that bad and will hold up fine in the majority of street engines. If you have not purchased any parts for the engine, I can usually get some pretty good prices BUT only if I put together an entire engine kit. As soon as you start to buy things seperately, the prices escalate pretty quickly.

J,

FWIW, Competition Products sells flat-top and domed cast hyper pistons for right around $100 or so if my cat. isn't too old.

You might try them at;

http://www.competitionproducts.com

I don't know if you want to use a cast piston or not, but they were used in all 300hp/327 and smaller motors until the 340hp/360hp/365hp and 375hp/327 motors and the 290hp/302 motor came out..

My 295hp/350 motor had cast pistons in it too.

Hope this is of help..

pdq67

PS., and I ran my W/JCWhitney cast pistoned old junk 301 motor above 7,000 rpm alot and it did fine!!

Thanks for that link PDQ, I'll check it out. I was thinking of going forged, but I'll see what kind of prices they have.