Anyone use Probe Pistons?

[smittyb]

So, I just got off the phone with the sales rep at Probe. According to him, there is absolutely no difference between their FPS pistons and TRW forgings. On Probe's own website, they had this to offer:
Forged of VMS-75 High Silicon Aluminum for lasting performance.
Light weight forging design is typically about 70 grams lighter than TRW’s.
CNC Diamond machined skirts and ring grooves for increase power.
Tight piston to wall clearance design for better ring seal.
Reinforced piston skirts to eliminate piston skirt collapse.
Radial Anti Detonation Grooves reduce detonation by clipping pressure spikes.
Pressure Equalization Channel enhances ring seal, making more power and increasing fuel economy.
Increased valve relief depth for high performance camshafts.
Offset wrist pins for reduced noise and lasting operation.
Stock size rings grooves and press fit piston pins.

Seems like a little difference to me. The whole point that started this is I am looking for a new set of pistons that will clear a 1.94 intake valve without notching. The sales rep, obviously, said theese will not. BUt, as clearly stated above on Probes website it says "Increased valve relief depth for high performance camshafts." So, does anyone run theese pistons with say a 1.94 intake with about 530 thou lift? Or simply know if they will clear? Thanks.

 

[wicked93]

I am running probe forged pistons in a 408ci stroker and vic jr heads that have a 2.05 intake and 1.60 exhaust with 544 / 560 lift do not know if this helps with your situation or not. Personally i like the JE SRP pistons

 

[stock50LX]

If you are buying aftermarket pistons, you should have no trouble finding an application that will easily allow the clearances you specified, especially if you are running an inline valve head. I know Probe makes pistons that will work for your application, but I cannot say if the pistons you are contemplating will work. What kind of compression are you referring to?

 

[smittyb]

Yes, I realize there are a myriad of piston manufactures that make products that will work with my intended application, but the FPS pistons are only $315 a set new. That's quite a difference from the 5 or 6 hundred dollars for JE, SRP, Wiseco and others.
Wicked93, are you running the FPS or SRS seies pistons? I know the SRS will work, but they are also around $450 a set.
I will be running inline heads, looking for about 9.5-9.7:1. Thanks for the responses.

 

[86bluecobra]

i was talking to a probe piston tech yesterday and he says there pistons are much better then trw's. i have no reason to disbelief him. he said trw will not stand up to boost or nitrous. i said well i have forged trw's and i have been spraying my engine for 6 years. oh he said well i guess i could be wrong. probe actually has some of the same designs as trw. rep told me they bought design on some series from them. the federal mogul guy told me the same thing. so i guess they are all pretty much the same thing.

 

[MTMMAN]

I've got their Sportsman pistons in my 331. I know more than a few people in the Northwest that have used them. I've seen no problems so far.

 

[smittyb]

Yes, while I appreciate the replies, my inquiry was not as to whether they were quality pistons, but if the FPS's did indeed have larger reliefs than stock, or if I would have to move up to a more costly alternative. So, has anybody used a set of the FPS's where an otherwise stock unit would have required notching?

 

[white 89 GT]

I've got their Sportsman pistons in my 331. I know more than a few people in the Northwest that have used them. I've seen no problems so far.

I have the same probe pistons (331) and they are lighter than the trw`s in my old engine. I hope they work good, as my new engine is under construction.