The soul single reason these pistons have failed, is due to thermal stress detonation fatigue, there are many variables for thermal stress detonation fatigue.

Poor oil quality, contaminated fuel, wrong ron/mon rating, this applies more to you guys here in the USA than Europe, incorrect engine timing, which then effects the timed fuel pulses, and this is critical for the N14 and N18 engines!

 

I was way beyond stage 3. And beyond want my tuner recommended as "safe". I was hoping to tune with a GT28RS before the rebuild but I guess not.

The reason this happened was detonation. I was using 100 octane race gas without any problems. Then it got hot and I was experimenting with different brands of premium fuel. I was getting knock codes and started to keep out of the high boost. Then we got a few days of cooler weather and i tried a brand of 92 octane. This happened at about 3500rpm and the boost was just over 29. Oops!

I don't want anyone to be discouraged by tuning. The alta stage3 tune is very safe as long as you are running premium gas. I was tuned way beyond stage 3. I have an upgraded turbo and we keep pushing the boost and timing. The map I was running was ok with race gas but obviously not on pump gas. Anyways looking at the internals there is very little wear except for the broken piston. Bearings are like new. Cylinder walls still have the hone crosshatching. I change the oil every 5k or sooner.

My next step is to rebuild. I'm not sure if I'm gonna go all out and have ABF build the engine for 9000 rpm or just put in upgraded rods and pistons. I have a previously installed gt28rs kit sitting in the wings. After this minor speed bump my next step is 300whp. I'll gladly answer any questions & update and things progress.

 

I'm looking forward on your build. I would go with Mike's block and have him do your head for a bullet proof motor. I'll be doing that on the next few months. GGGGOOODDD LLLUUUCCCKKK!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks....I have 2 e-mails in to Dez now. I assume they are racing this weekend.



Ray

 

Not racing, just having fun. He should be back in the office Mon or Tues .

We were going through some pic's when Hubie built the Fireball car and came across all the engine build pics. Once I get these from him I can show what internals look like. It had everything we could possibly offer for an R56 engine.

 

Great. Not to rush things here but now I'm driving a 99 civic. BoRing...............

 

Looking forward to hearing the results on your rebuild and the quest for 300 whp. That's going to be some beast.

 

LOL I can get you a dunk exhaust and a VFAC if it will make you feel better.

 

I found this makes plenty of sence to me, sad for me couldn't see this earlier, just sharing in case is useful to all of you

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/drivetrain-cooper-s/212951-so-i-blew-a-piston-on-my-jcw-and-the-fun-begins.html

 

need a new engine now lol