Are Nickies and JE pistons worth the $$? Options

[rwilner]

Just wondering what the thoughts are here on Nickies and JE pistons vs. boring out stock 1.7 barrels and using KB pistons.

The Nickies approach adds at LEAST $2k to the build. What's the real-world benefit...horsepower? Longevity? Does anyone here have experience with both they can share?

The application here is 96mm, so this is not going to be some overbored insanity engine...a fun street car that will see a few AX / DE events, not a purpose-built track car.

(Reading on the 356 forums guys love them, but the 356 engine is a different animal and some of those guys have cars that cost $100k so an extra $2k in the engine is easier to justify.)

thanks
Rich

[McMark]

Probably not, although, I built a big bore 912 engine (616 engine) with Nickies and it run delightfully cool with all the stock tin. IMHO, if you can afford them, they are a nice upgrade for a 2270 because they'll keep things cooler and last longer. But building an engine without them isn't a bad idea. They aren't a necessity.

[Jake Raby]

Probably not, although, I built a big bore 912 engine (616 engine) with Nickies and it run delightfully cool with all the stock tin. IMHO, if you can afford them, they are a nice upgrade for a 2270 because they'll keep things cooler and last longer. But building an engine without them isn't a bad idea. They aren't a necessity.

The 616 engines benefit more from Nickies because the reduced cooling capability of stock cylinders.. Also the price differential isn't as great with Nickies Vs. OEM solutions in regard to the 356/ 616 engines. I won't build a 356 engine without them.