MatraSport Forum

Hello all,

I am rebuilding some 2.2 engines at the moment, and I'll need some oversize pistons on at least two of them.  I've looked at the usual websites and the prices are simply way too much.  Similarly the bearing shells, mains or big-ends.  So I've been checking out my own sources.  It looks like I should be able to get some new pistons at around half the cost I've seen so far.  However, this will involve buying a larger number than I need.  So I thought I'd check with all the owners on this forum first.  Are there any owners doing or needing engine overhauls, or needing new pistons in the near future?  If I can get say 8 or 10 people prepared to buy a set of pistons (0.40 oversize) I can probably get them for around £300 per set of 4.  That's less than half what I've seen.

Anyone who is seriously interested, should contact me and let me know so I can get some idea of actual numbers.  I can supply bearing shells and gaskets at a reasonable price too if necessary, but I am mainly interested in securing the pistons at this good price.  Once I know the numbers I can get a firm price before you commit yourself.  However, I would want a deposit from each purchaser before placing the order, since 10 sets at say £300 is £3000 and I cannot lay out that sort of money without guarantees of others buying too.  So please let me know what you think.  Thanks.

Finally, I have now stripped quite a number of these engines and *every* one that has previously had work done on it, has been wrongly assembled leading to it's early demise.  I can hardly believe the mistakes that are being made.  Have mechanics forgotten how to rebuild engines?  I have provided enough details over the years, and will always give some advice if required.  I can also do the work for you if required.  These are great road car engines if done properly, but they are unfairly getting a bad name mainly since they are not being done properly.

Anyway, please let me know about any piston requirements.  Thanks.

Roy

That's a great initiative.
Please count me in on a set of four for my spare engine, Roy.
Thanks

I agree. I will have a set too.

GP

Thanks Graham, and Anders.  With another possible that I have had directly, that makes possibly five sets so far.  Not enough yet, but we're getting there...

Roy

To bad I already bought pistons for my 2.2 :-[ 


I am curious as to the misstakes you mention, are there anything specific people do wrong with the 2.2?

-Lars-

The offer is tempting, but I have so many things that have priority on the car that I have to pass for now.

Yes.  The most common one is not fitting the rocker arms in the right positions.  Inlet arms do not have holes and exhaust ones all have oil holes.  If these are incorrect, not only will the cam wear out quickly, but even if the fault is spotted before any major wear has taken place, you will still have to have the cam and all the rocker arms refurbished, since once two items have been wearing together, you must not change them around without refurbishment.  If you do the wear will also be excessive as they try to re-bed to the new contacts.

Another common thing is taking the head off without locking out the timing chain tensioner first.  This means it comes apart and the parts drop into the engine.

Another one skimming the head without the upper timing case fitted, so the head face INCLUDING timing case is no longer flat!  Another -  torquing heads before fitting the upper timing case.  Fitting wrong pistons.  Fitting Chrysler 180/2-litre blocks without doing all the modifications required...

I could go on, but most of this was detailed in a club magazine article, also pointing out where the official manual is wrong, and some is in my FAQ's.  Also my skills and experience are my livelihood, so I don't want to give all my secrets away!

Roy

Happy New Year to all Matra owners.

Over Christmas I have received an email from Politecnic, and they state they have Murena 2.2 oversize pistons available - at a staggering 848 Euro for a set!

I would just like to remind everyone that I should be able to get these at more like 300 Euro a set if anyone is interested.

Roy

Happy new year.

 I'm glad you make this effort to help fellow enthusiast, hope this deal goes thru. 

Lars