Let’s take a look at the various aspects of pistons designed for performance and competition engines. If we consider the extreme environment that regular cast replacement pistons operate in with the combustion pressures and high temperatures, it’s quickly apparent that when these values are increased it necessitates using a much more efficient component that can withstand the elevated levels. We can also add to that the much higher and/or sustained RPM’s of the engine that could quickly devastate a normal cast part.

Manufacturing

There are two types of pistons, cast and forged, and they are manufactured using pretty much the same method as crankshafts except we’re dealing with aluminum instead of steel. In a cast piece, melted aluminum alloy is poured into a mold which when cooled produces a piston that closely resembles its final shape which requires less machining and is more cost efficient. The forging process involves placing a heated billet of aluminum alloy into dies that use … Continue reading →

Building a show-stopping custom is no easy task. From the initial concept to the finished product, a project of this magnitude usually takes multiple builds to perfect. Keith Sayers achieved perfection in his first attempt. This tricked-out 1953 Ford F-250 is loaded to the brim with ingenuity and creativity—it’s a reflection of Keith’s natural talent.

Growing up around cars, Keith is no stranger to working under a hood. “My mom raced stock cars when I was a kid,” he says. “When I got older, I helped my friends work on their mini trucks. I also helped my brother build his ’66 Nova.” Armed with all of that hands-on know-how and the drive to build himself a vehicle, Keith began searching for his dream machine. Driving home from work one evening, Keith spotted an old Ford farm truck for sale. “I’ve always wanted a ’50s Ford truck. I love the rolling fenders and the mean look of the grille,” he explains. … Continue reading →