Pistons in Australia

[RUSS]

Warning, not Laverda relevant.
Does anyone know if there are recommended people in Australia who manufacture racing pistons? I have a friend who is after 84mm pistons with 18mm pin made to suit. I suggested I would ask on this forum due to the high number of experienced engine builders here.
Thanks
Russ

 

[Kiwi Laverda]

oops.... miss read that one, thought you were talking about the Aussie pastime of excessive imbibing.

 

[Yogi]

I'd send a PM to Red if I were you - he might be able to assist given some of the projects he is/has been working on..

Yogi

 

[sfcpiet]

I recall having a piston made by Repco in Melbourne many, many years ago.  Don't remember any details about quality, price, etc, but was OK for my 250 DKW field bike... took something like 3 1/2 months till I got the freshly honed barrel with a new piston back, missed a whole summer of hooning around!

piet

 

[piranha-bro2]

My bro (tippie) had a couple of very hi-quality pistons made by a guy in Dandenong (Vic). I expect he'll see your post and reply - he might be out at sea (in the North Sea 4 weeks-on 4-off).
qf

 

[GregT]

In this part of the world - Oz & NZ - it's getting harder to source small numbers (less than 4) of forged pistons.
Basically, most of the world's piston forgings come from the US and due to insurance concerns most if not all of the US makers decided to stop selling blank forgings a few years back. You now get finished pistons from them...

There are still one or two places who will supply blanks but I've not had any luck lately.

julian posted a link to a european source who will do pairs to order at a good price. sadly i've lost the link...

 

[Dellortoman]

You could try casting your own in your back yard like Burt Munro. What do you need them for?

 

[RUSS]

It is for this Cam,

 

[mauricejota7604]

Try JP Pistons in Adelaide they can make lots of stuff!

 

[Dellortoman]

OK. I was going to suggest JP Pistons too http://www.jp.com.au/JPPistons.html, but a little more handy to where the bike is located would be Special Piston Services in Dandenong http://www.specialpistonservices.com/

 

[redax5]

Special Piston Services are the go, they use forged blanks, used to use Ross blanks but not certain what they use now, I had some made years ago from them.

I would not use JP if they supplied them for free, they use cast pistons that weigh a ton, at least all the ones I have seen from them are cast, found some in some Laverda engines we have rebuilt

 

[RUSS]

AS USUAL!!
A one stop shop for technical know how.
Thanks so much everyone
Russ

 

[piranha-bro2]

My bro (tippie) had a couple of very hi-quality pistons made by a guy in Dandenong (Vic).

... and endorsed by Red! That's the place.

 

[Tippie]

Mine were from Arias blanks from SPS in Dandenong. Are top quality. He can take a very long time, so really press the urgent button when you talk to him if time is important. It could be good to send a sample of what you want (in smaller diameter e.g). I believe JE in the states do fairly small series to order as well.

 

[redax5]

JE do not do small runs anymore, they got bought out by someone big and want large orders now
Is why we went to Ross Racing Pistons plus Ross do a great product as long as you specify the correct dimensions

 

[Yogi]

as long as you specify the correct dimensions