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School me on Pistons....
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
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From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
School me on Pistons....
Looking at a Wiseco piston kit for my 103 build.
Whats the difference between Flat top Pistons and Dome topped, is this simply a compression thing?
Additionally, do Dome topped Pistons require head work for clearance reasons?
Whats the difference between Flat top Pistons and Dome topped, is this simply a compression thing?
Additionally, do Dome topped Pistons require head work for clearance reasons?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
Generally, domes are for more compression. Flat tops are ideal configuration of combustion flame travel, too, especially in current wedge head combustion chambers. Ancient, true hemi head pistons (IE Ironhead Sportsters, Shovelheads) had huge domes to fill the combustion chamber and give decent compression ratios but benefited from dual spark plugs to light the fire on both sides of the dome, as flame travel "over" the dome was poor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
Assuming twincam.. It's a compression thing. if selected right the dome will fit. Wiseco domes should be no problem on a 103 providing the domes are meant for heads. Talk to wiseco customer service to be sure.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 127
From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
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From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Piston crown design is just beginning to show promise in the automotive circles. Harley may never get to the level of GM's Corvette LT1 design. But, it sure would be nice as I'd love a DI engined HD.
Grand HDF Member
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From: Iowa
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: poway
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Iowa
A full skirted piston extends further down the cylinder and provides more resistance to the Piston pivoting on the pin. Less chance of warping rings and the Piston travels closer to parallel of the cylinder walls.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
I have a 02 RKC (about 80K) with about 60K on a set of 95 ci 10.8 to 1 slipper skirt early wisecos. It's easily had 100 dyno pulls at various times, made as much as 110 hp, had ccps as high as 220 psi (depending on the cams) and been run hard at times even with temps over 100F. It hasn't blown up yet. Burns maybe 1/2 qt in 3000 miles.
I'm not worried.