Yeah thats why i started thinking, aftermarket pistons! I did a little bit of research and found that a lot of you guys are running CP pistons from Race Engineering and have had no problems using these and have made some pretty impressive numbers. I also saw wiesco, arias, tomei, etc. but the CP seemed most reasonable for my situation. Now ive decided to upgrade the pistons and i will be contacting Race Eng. about a set of pistons. I really wouldnt want to tear my motor apart later either. And i dont want to run pistons at there limit. I would rather be safe and consistent. As far as the turbocharger goes, a bottom mount s15 bb turbo would get the job done, so ive read. Im still on the block itself.float_6969 wrote:http://www.raceeng.com
As for whether you need them or not. You're power range is kinda in a tough spot. 250hp, I wouldn't worry about the stockers. At 300hp, they'll probabally hold up OK, but you'll really be at their limit, and running anything motor related at it's limit is never a good idea.
Also, keep in mind how much work it will really take to hit 300hp, and how fast of a car that really is. For you to make that kind of power off of a T2 series turbo is gonna cost you. It'll be easier to go top mount with a T3/T4 hybrid, but you've go more fabrication to do.
Decide whether you want 250hp, or 300hp. They are going to be two totally different motors internally and externally.
The front timing belt sprocket is still on my crank, what type of puller is most used on that? I tried some different ones but cant seem to get behind it enough b/c of the oil pump. If i cant get it off by the time it goes to the machinist, theyll take off for me(right tool for the job) but i would still want it off.
I also saw this topic come up, raise compression and lowering boost to try and achieve better throttle response and quicker turbo spooling. That sounds like what i want but i got the impression that its difficult or unsafe if you dont know what youre doing. Can anyone explain a little more on this matter?
Also i gotta find out if i can use the US spec CA oil pump.
PS - man i didnt realize how long some of you dudes have been doing this **** for... great knowledge...