cast or forged? JonB, or anyone?

[Vic]

Hey JonB, or anyone who knows,

What Vin#s have the cast pistons?

I'm looking at a used 2000 GTS, that we think has cast pistons, and I am concerned about reports of cast piston oil oil burning.

This one was broken in strictly according to the book, 2000rpm for certain miles, no more than 2500rpm again for the next interval, then 3000, etc. Oil changed at 500, one more change(?) before current mileage, which is below 3000 miles.

Current owner states that no additional oil was needed on the stick before the last oil change. So it looks like it was broken in well.

Anyone care to chime in on this issue? I know it has been covered before, but I didn't take notes.

 

[C O D Y]

Forged up to 1999. In 2000 they switch to cast pistons. Depending on who you talk to, the cast pistons are suppose to be stronger? The cast will be fine, unless you plan to do heavy HP mods (i.e. nitrous).

There have been running changes every year in the engine. If I remember correctly, I think they have changed the cam almost every year from '97 (maybe '98) to 2000 (to try and help with NGR and because of the new pistons in 2000).

Buy the extended warranty and enjoy!

 

[Y2K5SRT]

All 2000's and later have hypereutectic cast pistons, which are supposedly 38% stronger than forged. The concern you have is probably related to the cylinder sleeves on the very early 2000's. The first +/- 200 cars were built with powdered metal sleeves. Extremely hard, they were designed for longevity and tighter tolerances. Unfortunately, some of them proved to be SO hard that the rings did not seat properly. This resulted in oil burn with some isolated cars. If he hasn't burned any oil since the last change, you should be just fine. Those that were suffering went through a quart every 100-350 miles.

In any case, the car is certainly under warranty and I would buy it with complete confidence. Besides, some of those 2000's seem to run pretty darn strong. You will love it!

Chris

 

[Performin Norman]

I am a little confused here but then again Y2KGTS knew that already. hahaha Historically, forged pistons are the strongest you can find. I heard that Dodge went to Cast/hypereutectics just for their ability to hold tighter tolerances. Unless the Hypereutectics used in the 00 and up Vipers are of a differend design, forged are still much stronger. Notice that I made that comment as a general rule of thumb. Maybe the ones used in the Viper are unique.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

I have a 2000 GTS w/7500 miles and it has used NO oil.

Also, I believe the cast pistons are Mahle and that they are not hypereutectic but merely eutectic. This means the silicon content is somewhat lower than hyper.

 

[Vic]

Thanks everyone, for your replys.

Hope this ones not a sintered liner model.