Forgetting cast pistons, forged pistons have been the mainstay of the aftermarket for years. However, there are some limitations involved with their use.

Over the years, the performance engine-building community has gone from using an original-equipment-style cast piston to a stronger forged design that also allows more freedom in manufacturing and a reduction in the reciprocating mass. High quality, advanced aluminum materials are employed and forged pistons are now available with outboard or with the narrower inboard pin towers. Additionally, they provide excellent load paths and rigid structures and attract an array of competent coatings to protect them.

Billet pistons such as the one on the left are machined from a solid bar of aluminum. They are ideally suited to teams who require frequent changes to cylinder head configuration, to bore and valve sizes, and to valve pocket depths, pin boss dimensions or load paths.