Thread: VE-T people, what pistons?

what compression are you guys running on your turbo VE motors? what can stock pistons handle? do you have to lower compression?

Boost with low compression is ideal. Do lower compression

Stock pistons on VE head is 10.3:1 CR, this is rather high! But VE's are superb at detonation resistance too. I ran 15 psi and it seemed to not detonate, this is pushing it though. Other option is stronger DET pistons, that will lower the compression to a pretty good 9.3:1. You can also get VET pistons, that will lower it below 9 afaik. Honestly I wouldn't go below 9.3 unless you want to run 20+ psi.

Another thing to keep in mind, VE has oil piston coolers, that means you have to use pistons that are notched for that (VE, DET, VET).

I run CP SR20VE 9:1 pistons on mine. No issues at all.

I will be using the same.

As will I.

ashton did you have to mess with gapping the rings much?

I run cp 9:0.1 pistons. they are also swain coated.

Yes, i had to file down the rings and gap them myself. The ring gaps were very very tight before filing, If i remember correctly somewhere in the .005-.007 range before filing and they needed to be over double that gap.

No you do not need to lower the compression. Stock VE pistons can handle 450+whp, they can't handle poor tuning and detonation.



Boost with low compression is ideal when tuning is not an option or when limited with poor octane gas.



10.3:1 is not high by any means.

Going with a DET piston will limit RPM with the lack of valve notches.

Cant say "15psi" is pushing it as 15psi from a T25 is more stressfull to a factory VE than 15psi on say a GT35R.

To the OP, if you list what your setup will consists of, only then can someone tell you what is safe to run for a piston/turbo etc.