2600 rings are not the same.

Both three and four ring pistons were standard. I’m pretty sure the parts book notes this. I’ve had both in engines I overhauled.

Are you sure you want to reuse your original pistons? The 2000 is known for its sub-optimal piston-pin-rod angle design. Generally, this results in accelerated wear of the piston skirts and cylinder walls. Yes, you can often re-ring them, and they’ll run fine, but piston-slap sounds eventually become evident. It’s not all that much money to buy new pistons and have your block rebored.

 

Piston Slap

Piston slap can be reduced and eliminated by knurling the piston skirts. Knurling should be heavy enough to require the pistons to be pushed into the liner. They will "self-size" on run-in.

 

Hi Don and All,
My friend in the Netherlands is going to start the revision of his 102.04 engine that has two bad pistons.
What would you propose as a good alternative for the 102 stock pistons?
Are all the pistons that are being offered by the vintage alfa parts suppliers from the same hand and do you have any idea of the quality of those pistons, or is there more choice of piston makers? Is there something on the American market that has proven to be a good modern piston for the alfa 2000?
Does choosing a modern piston means also the replacing of the connecting rods?
Thanks for your advice.
Merry Christmas to all of you,
Thierry

 

Hello Thierry,

Where are you located? Do you also have a 102?

To answer your questions....

There are two kinds of parts in old Alfas: unique factory parts that are almost impossible to find in usable condition, and more generic parts which can be easily duplicated by fabricators in that particular line of work.

Fortunately, pistons are in the latter category. Furthermore, modern, automated machinery is capable of making very high quality pistons, at a reasonable price, and with requested modifications.

I am currently using JE pistons made here in the states. I’ve heard of a company, CP Pistons (I think) in Europe. The various retail merchants in Europe will each have their preferred manufacturer. They may buy from the same, or a variety. For use in a standard road-going car, they are probably all good.

Your friend will certainly need a local machine shop to assess certain things. If pistons are bad, there is a very high likelihood the cylinders will need to be bored. Before ordering pistons, find out what size is needed. Then order that size, take them to the machinist, and have them bore to match the pistons.

It is unlikely your friend will need “new” rods, but he should have the machine shop check them, and overhaul them. They may need bushings, and/or the big ends could need to be reworked.

Pistons rarely go bad by themselves. Usually, there will be more components needing attention.

 

Hi Don,
I have no 102 car myself. I have a couple of Giulietta’s waiting for a resurrection. The 102.04 engine ,that my friend is going to restore, is for his 102 berlina. The car had that spider engine in it when it was bought.
Thanks for the information. It is a good start for our search.
Rgds from Belgium,
Thierry