Re: Do the SRT-10\'s have cast or forged pistons?
From and earlier VCA discussion:
Ken wrote:
The newer cars use a cam with the same lift and duration as the earlier years, but the valve overlap is reduced from 66 to 60 degrees. This took some of the lumpiness out of the idle to reduced NGR (Neutral gear rattle) and improved emissions. The greater overlap of the earlier cams probably explains part of why the earlier cars respond better to exhaust mods (plus they also had poorer flowing exhaust manifolds to begin with, so there was more to gain). This change cam change made the newer cars 'creamy smooth' compared to the earlier ones.
Coincidentally, the pistons went from forged to cast as well. The cast ones are lighter and actually free up a little HP in theory, but don't have the toughness to take more than about 5-6PSI in boosted applications since the ring lands are much closer to the top of the piston. Generally not an issue unless you are considering a high boost application.
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DCX was making the Viper a better car overall, but not necessarily better for heavy modifications later on.
But nevertheless, there are some pretty quick "creampuffs" out there with the Hypereutectic cast pistons, and we can expect to see many very fast cast piston SRT-10 Vipers coming out as well, regardless of them not having stock forged pistions.
-Dean.