Murena 1.6 oversized pistons needed

Titus · June 07, 2011, 06:16:42 PM

I need a set of 0.4mm oversized pistons for my 1.6. Or just one Hepolite one if anyone has one please.

Thanks.

suffolkpete · June 09, 2011, 06:17:50 PM

Keep an eye on international ebay. My pistons came from a French seller "Vaucarre". Looking at his feedback, he has sold a lot of Murena pistons in both 0.1mm and 0.4mm oversizes. Somewhat to my surprise, the +0.1mm seem to go for a lot more money than the larger ones.

I think he may have acquired a supply and is releasing them slowly.

GP · June 13, 2011, 08:14:03 AM

Quote from: Titus on June 07, 2011, 06:16:42 PM
I need a set of 0.4mm oversized pistons for my 1.6. Or just one Hepolite one if anyone has one please.

Thanks.

Try these Titus,

http://www.fwthornton.co.uk/2.html

GP

Titus · June 13, 2011, 06:07:18 PM

Thanks Chaps,

Tried the FW Thornton route already. No luck anywhere on the internet search for 4 pistons, only three. I'll keep an eye on ebay but looks like I'll be sleeving instead.

Jon Weywadt · June 15, 2011, 06:45:53 AM

Quote from: Titus on June 13, 2011, 06:07:18 PM
Thanks Chaps,

Tried the FW Thornton route already. No luck anywhere on the internet search for 4 pistons, only three. I'll keep an eye on ebay but looks like I'll be sleeving instead.

Have you tried looking at Politecnic: http://www.politecnic.com/piecesmoteur.htm

Titus · June 16, 2011, 08:12:41 PM

Thanks Jon,

I see the cost is 145 Euro, assume that is for one. Simon Auto lists 100 Euro for the +0.4

A couple of questions please: Can you use three pistons of one make with one of another and it work correctly and in balance?

Also is sleeving the cylinder whilst using a standard piston better than boring out to use the + 0.4mm piston? I'm told the sleeve will be stronger than the machined out bore with the oversized piston.

Any advice welcome as I'm now having to drive a Ford XR2i engined Rancho to all the classic car shows I attend whilst wishing I had the Murena 1.6S to show off instead!

JL · June 16, 2011, 08:44:52 PM

Hi Titus

The only way to run the different piston would be to have all of the pistons balanced and even then I would be reluctant to do it., Providing you use a decent machine shop there is no reason to worry about sleeving bores and providing there is little wear on the standard pistons just a new set of rings will do the job but your machine shop should be able to advise you. In the past when I have required forged pistons at a sensible cost I have used pistons from alternative engines that are a close fit and machined the piston crowns to get the correct clearances but I would now only consider this as a last resort.

Good Luck
John

suffolkpete · June 17, 2011, 02:04:25 PM

Quote from: Titus on June 16, 2011, 08:12:41 PM
I'm now having to drive a Ford XR2i engined Rancho to all the classic car shows I attend whilst wishing I had the Murena 1.6S to show off instead!

1.6S? We're being a bit pretentious aren't we

You need the body kit and spoiler for that (note to self, mustn't encourage him!) Seriously, I would follow the advice of John. The 1.6 is the absolute maximum capacity for that engine, and by boring it out you are sailing very close to the wind (or the water jacket) so sleeving to standard probably would be stronger. Sleeving can be expensive, but you are saving the cost of the pistons plus the cost of fitting the new pistons to the rods. It all depends on the state of the existing pistons.

GP · June 17, 2011, 03:46:13 PM

Hi Titus,

I do not know a thing about the 1.6 pistons. I have a few contacts locally who may be to help? Can you please provide me with the spec. of the pistons or engine type, what other cars the engine was used in etc.... and I will make some enquiries.

Try the Bristol Branch below first though.

http://corporate.fpsdistribution.com/Home/Branches/tabid/536/Default.aspx

Or cotact these and try.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bradford-Grinders-Limited/_i.html?_nkw=Talbot+Piston&submit=Search&_sid=358204915

GP

Titus · June 22, 2011, 08:06:50 PM

Thanks all for the input.

Graham, I had already tried FPS and although they only supply to trade they were really helpful but could only direct me to all those I had already tried, including BGUK.
I have tried every source with no luck except Simon and Politecnic. They list but are too expensive. My funds can only reach so far and 600 Euros is too high for me!

The engine specialists I am using are looking into alternative pistons or sleeving the originals. They do know their stuff so I will put faith in their knowledge and hope for the best. We shall see.

JL · June 22, 2011, 08:13:00 PM

Titus

Just a thought but have you tried Mick Ward of the Simca Owners Club or Dick Husband from CB Motors who is their spares guru?

Regards
John

GP · June 23, 2011, 05:53:33 AM

http://www.gosnays.co.uk/

Well worth a shot!

GP

Titus · July 04, 2011, 07:21:04 PM

Again many thanks to all.

Mick and Dick were already tried with no luck and although Gosnays could supply them it was a little too high in price. Good find though Graham. So they are available if your funds can stretch. But...last weekend at the Simca UK Rallye I managed to persuade a fan of the 1442 engine to part with his old stock of +0.4mm pistons for the 1.6 at a more reasonable price. Now I'll be full steam ahead with the new engine. Can't wait to have the car on the road again and enjoy it as it should be. Or is that a little optimistic.