How strong are the 96-98 Hyper. Pistons?

[bullittmcqueen]

i have a 97 4.6L running an ATI procharger and 3 core intercooler. currently i hit about 14# in 1st gear and keep it safe at 12# in 2nd. i have a problem with not getting much boost in 3rd simply because the engine wont get into the power band before the 1/4 is over.

i plan on adding alky injection next and was wondering if it would be safe to add a few more # of boost, or should i just hang with what i got? i have heard from a lot of places that the hypereutectic pistons are WEAK and cant handle much boost, but i was thinking the alky might help? i would like to add a 3# pulley and keep the boost around 15# if i could

 

[DBMSTNG]

you are playing russian roullette as we speak. it's only a matter of time.

 

[cougar694u]

It's really tough to say, but DBMSTNG is right, maybe not quite so harsh, though. Supposedly they're good for a 125-150 shot, so 15lbs might be a little much. Realistically, there's only one way to find out, put more boost to it; or change to forged pistons and put more boost to it and know you're safe...

 

[bullittmcqueen]

well i am worried about the stability of the motor, which is why i'm asking. i plan on adding the alky anyways, just was wondering if added boost was a definite no-no or not. to answer the question about the russian roulette, i just wanted to know your reasoning behind saying that.........i have a flat 11.8:1 across the board, no detonation, dont ever get on it on the street (unless provoked!!!), and it only sees the 12# for about 2 seconds out of a track run....so basically NEVER.......

 

[DBMSTNG]

well i am worried about the stability of the motor, which is why i'm asking. i plan on adding the alky anyways, just was wondering if added boost was a definite no-no or not. to answer the question about the russian roulette, i just wanted to know your reasoning behind saying that.........i have a flat 11.8:1 across the board, no detonation, dont ever get on it on the street (unless provoked!!!), and it only sees the 12# for about 2 seconds out of a track run....so basically NEVER.......

there is only so much power they can handle, regardless of whether or not there is detenation. 14psi is alot for a stock bottom end to handle. everytime you hit boost, you run the risk of breaking something. the risk probably is further increased due to the age (assuming it has mileage similar to most 97 cars).