cast vs forged pistons: should I care?

[Daffy]

I am in the final decisions on a black '99 or '00 RT/10 (very excited), the main differences I've been told mechanically are in the pistons - cast vs forged. My question now is, if this will matter to me.

The viper is my dream car, I've waited 6 drooling years to be able to have one & intend my purchase to be a long love affair. What I foresee is at least 2-3 yrs of newly-wed bliss (only mod being cat back for sound & K&N's), then perhaps a perfomance upgrade to re-new my affections; such as, a mild supercharger setup to 100-125hp.

With this potential future, should I consider the pistons in my purchase decision - or put my focus back on whether I go for tan or black interior?

Thanks, All.

dave.

 

[Ulysses]

I think you have nothing to worry about with either of them.

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

I agree with Ulysses that you will not have to worry,but I believe that a forged piston is a stronger(stress-wise)piston than a cast one.

 

[Daffy]

Thanks everyone, I'm feeling quite comfortable considering the input. I will follow John's advice & call Levin, I've seen many posts about his SC services & he certainly sounds like the authority with that regard. Thanks again!

BTW; as of this afternoon I'm strongly leaning towards a black with tan '99 RT/10, God I feel like a sixteen year old again - but that's the point!

 

[bad viper]

If you are anticipating serious mods i.e.
nitrous or supercharging go with forged.

 

[Chuck 97 GTS]

Hey Wayne aren't you running 650+ HP to the wheels with nitrous, all with stock forged bottom end?

 

[Daffy]

Thanks again, all.

I have concluded my deliberations & have decided to go with the black/connolly 1999 RT/10, I'm starting the transaction this morning. Thanks again for the advice, I think besides the interesting interior, the value of the '99 price, the forged pistons are a little potential icing on the cake.

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself guys. I would prefer forged over standard pistons if I had the option only if....

For non nitrous or supercharger applications you would be fine.
If you were anticipating bolt-on mods with HMS, I would prefer standard cast pistons for less reciprocating mass. Big block engines have more mass to rotate, so the lighter cast pistons would be better. For nitrous or supercharger applications, forged pistons will handle the higher stress and expansion needed for higher cylinder temperatures. The Viper engine utilizes a short rod that side loads under high stress and can score the bottom sides of the cylinder walls, so cast pistons would not be the best candidate for high horsepower applications.
You can still use standard cast pistons for either nitrous or superchargers, as long as you keep it on the conservative side.

Enjoy your new car!
Doug

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