Where to get the best quality pistons/rings for my A?

[adavis]

I'm installing new pistons in my model B engine and am wondering if there is a brand that is higher quality that I should purchase? I've heard that some manufacturers have gone to lower quality materials and outsourced to India but I dont know which. If anyone has a suggestion I'd appreciate it. I don't want to waste money and time on poor quality.

Thanks....

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[Lawrie]

Get onto the EGGE machine co in LA,ask them about their A pistons that have the modern ring set in them, VERY nice,AND made in LA
Lawrie

[Railcarmover]

https://www.rosspistons.com/

[adavis]

Anybody know anything about Snyder's piston set? The website says they're made by an OEM manufacturer but not sure if that means anything good.....

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by adavis

Anybody know anything about Snyder's piston set? The website says they're made by an OEM manufacturer but not sure if that means anything good.....

They are more than adequate for non-competition engine. They are not considered the best but satisfactory for most engine rebuilders.

[Synchro909]

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Agree with Brent. Why do we all want the best when adequate is all we need? There are PLENTY of Model As out there running quite well on those readily available vendor sourced pistons.

[Flathead]

Does anyone carry Sil-Vo-Lite pistons? They used to be popular.

[Jeff/Illinois]

adavis here's a link for Hastings piston rings. They used to be pretty good
They still list piston rings for Model A Fords. Looks like that is what Snyder's sells.

https://www.hastingspistonrings.com/ring-finder

[redmodelt]

No issues with Snyder's pistons, but then again most any of the good A parts suppliers are going to carry good ones. Be sure to Google "fordbarn; piston clearance". Don't want to get them too tight in the holes. (no comment on that one that starts with M, no experience with theirs)

[Railcarmover]

Full skirt snyder pistons are real good. Ross pistons are lighter and have thinner rings that seat better.the rosses cost about 100 bucks a piece,so for a little more you get a lighter rotating group.Just set up a set of McQuay Norris split skirts and they are a well made piston as well.

There are folks who build and use chevy pistons with good results..

[Pete]

There is an old saying.
"If you want fresh clean oats, you must pay a fair price.
If you can be satisfied with oats that have been through the horse, that comes cheaper."

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Get onto the EGGE machine co in LA,ask them about their A pistons that have the modern ring set in them, VERY nice,AND made in LA
Lawrie

My engine builder refuses to use pistons from Egge due to past experiences and failures.

[Jim Brierley]

Ross are the best but not really needed for a stock or touring engine. With stock type pistons, use .0035" clearance or better or they will stick in the cylinders and scuff them badly. Ross may require a bit more? I use Ross in my race engine and set them with .008" clearance.

[SteveB31]

We have used the Snyder’s pistons on 300 engines we have rebuilt with Hastings rings. They work perfect. No failures with many of these engines with 20k plus miles. We stock them and use them. As mentioned above, correct Clarence is critical.

Steve Becker
Bert’s Model A Center

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by SteveB31

We have used the Snyder’s pistons on 300 engines we have rebuilt with Hastings rings. They work perfect. No failures with many of these engines with 20k plus miles. We stock them and use them. As mentioned above, correct Clarence is critical.

Steve Becker
Bert’s Model A Center

But, can you trust "Clarence" to stay correct??

[johnneilson]

Something to consider is that different piston designs have drawbacks if not properly applied.
Ross makes some of the best pistons available. There are others too, but if a racing design is used in a restoration motor, it can be noisy, and that may be undesirable.
Longer skirt designs are quieter but have more drag than a shorter slipper skirt.
Ring package technology has come a long way in 80+ years. Look to modern motor designs and guess what, they can be used in the "A/B" motors.
Venolia made me a set years ago, longer skirts and modern motor ring package, ran fantastic and was quiet, reasonably so.
Do your homework and choose wisely, John

[Jim Brierley]

I've used a lot of 1954-56 Olds pistons, with great success. Not sure if they are still available?

[Mikeinnj]

Here is a good article from Hemmings listing many piston manufacturers and their piaton's features :

https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mu...s/3698931.html

[1929]

Originally Posted by Railcarmover

Full skirt snyder pistons are real good. Ross pistons are lighter and have thinner rings that seat better.the rosses cost about 100 bucks a piece,so for a little more you get a lighter rotating group.Just set up a set of McQuay Norris split skirts and they are a well made piston as well.

There are folks who build and use chevy pistons with good results..

I put the Ross Pistons in my new rebuild.

[Purdy Swoft]

Check the classified section . From time to time , new old stock pistons in many different brands are offered . Sil-vo-lite pistons are a good choice . I have never had a problem with the pistons that Snyders offer . I usually allow one thousands clearance per inch of bore . I've never seen a too tight engine last very long or run very fast . Forged pistons are not required . I have had good luck with cast pistons in my driver model A's . Cast rings usually seat quickly for me .