Silver Top pistons w/ 16v head? Any info?

[Abe Cruz]

So I know this is a dumb question to most og guys here, and I've tried looking around for answers with no results, but I wont know unless I ask.

Silver Top 20v pistons with a 16v head.

Has anyone done this?/ made it work or is it even possible?

I didn't think you can use 20v pistons with a 16v but I'm not sure now. I've heard of people using the rods, block and crank, but never really knew if the pistons also got used.

Also would it make a difference using a 16v or a 20v st oil pump and are these interchangeable? (Not going to use Blacktop 20v stuff, just Silver top stuff)

Going to put together a 16v, using a 20v short block.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

People have done 20v pistons in 16v heads. They will brag about how well it worked with the only significant evidence being that they haven't blown the motor or had directly related mechanical failure.
It's definitely not ideal. The piston topography is wrong. Valve reliefs are in the wrong place.
Will it run? Probably.
Will it be ideal? No

If you get the latest rev OEM or Aisin oil pump there would be no benefit of running a ST oil pump. In fact most my ST customers get the 16v pump because it's more available. I don't actually know if there is any difference between the ST pump and 16v pump.

[oldeskewltoy]

As yoshi points out not ideal... engine will now be interference, but static compression will be around 10.5 so as long as you don't break a belt, or skip too many teeth on the timing belt it should work ok

silvertop uses the same pump as the last generation 16V so should be no problems with oil pump

[Abe Cruz]

Ok.

Thanks guys. I have silver top pistons lying around and planned on having them as wicked cool paper weights.

I'll store them and have them on the side. Now I'm not sure what to do with them though lol.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

What are your goals? Do you just want something that runs? Or do you want something that really goes?

[Abe Cruz]

Longevity.
If I can get my 16v to make decent torque then I'd be ok with it also.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

Well theoretically the 20v pistons shouldn't have any significant impact on longevity as long as you don't break a timing belt or get detonation.
With that said the best thing you could do for longevity is start with an oversized piston and brand new fresh bores.

Torque means nothing until you apply RPM. At which point you can measure how much work/time it can do. Otherwise known as power.
What matters is where you want that power. Generally when someone says they want more torque they mean they want more low RPM power.
The best way to get low RPM power is boost or displacement. It would cost a bit more but a 7A build would help there.

[sirdeuce]

+1 on that 7A build for low end output.

[oldeskewltoy]

7A with correct corresponding machine work.... but if it is like many 7A builds... it might be easier to stick with the 4A and build in higher cylinder pressures. In reality... either requires a careful build, which requires at least some cash outlay.

[Abe Cruz]

Ah ok.

Well know I know that the st pistons can be used, not recommended to use them though. To make any torque I'd have to do either a 7a w/ proper machine work or turbo the biotch.....w/ proper work.

At least I have a better idea of what can and can't be used thanks to you guys.

The motor will mostly be stock, cleaned up the head and block a bit.

[yoshimitsuspeed]

Ah ok.

Well know I know that the st pistons can be used, not recommended to use them though. To make any torque I'd have to do either a 7a w/ proper machine work or turbo the biotch.....w/ proper work.

You can have all the torque you could ever want. Just need different gear ratios.

[mad_86]

Forget 7a!! lol run the ST Piston dude, double check your Timing is spot on and your straight!
clean up the head slap that Sh^t on and get to the track Mannnn,

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