Cracked piston skirt for a big bore kit: machine or replace? Options

[porkchopexpress]

I recently picked up a 73 1.7 (was originally told it was a 1.8.... didn't think to check the engine stamp to verify. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) but I got it for a song).

I also and looking at picking up a big bore kit (94mm by Kolbenschmidt) for trade. The original plan was they should bolt onto the 1.8 and be a pretty easy setup.

With the 1.7, I understand I will need to have some head work done to accept the larger cylinders and pistons.

Here is my dilemma: one of the pistons has a chipped skirt. The cause of the broken piece is unknown.






I realize it MIGHT work to just use it as is, but as the person who is offering these in trade so rightly stated: " Emotional side of me says I don't like putting an engine together with something I know is not quite perfect"

So I figure my options are to
a) get all the piston skirts machined off to match
b) inquire on the classified section if anyone has a single 94 mm Kolbenschmidt they would be willing to sell (hopefully cheap since its only one!)

Anyone have input on the first option to machine off all the skirts to match?
Thanks as always!
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[porkchopexpress]

Seems as though most people didn't read the full post. My bottom line question was can I machine off all the slipper skirts so all the pistons match. If that wasn't clear, then that's on me and my bad. I have seen several new big bore kits that have pistons that do not have those slipper skirts so it seemed like a valid question.

Consensus seems to be, "bad idea"

Additionally, I am doing all of this on a budget. Would love to have the cash to send an engine out to one of the guru's on here and have them do it for me, but for now, that's just not in the budget. And in case you didn't notice the "Newbie" designation, I still have a lot to learn. And I enjoy learning so its great to ask about these things to try to figure out what I can, or am willing, to do myself.

I am all for being sarcastic, and can take and dish with anyone.... just wish some of you might have added something valuable to say along with it. Even if its "no clue"

Next time I will be less likely to ask, which sucks.

[HalfMoon]

I agree. And I'm sorry if you got a browbeating over what was/is a valid question. Don't let the naysayers rule your curiosity friend.
Actually, back in the day when we were making go fast Triumph dragster bikes, it was fairly common to chop the skirts thus reducing piston mass to gain some piston speed. If you chopped off all the skirts so that each piston weighed the same this would work. Durability and or longevity? Well that's quite hard to say.
And remember this....there are no dumb questions, just dumb answers.

Seems as though most people didn't read the full post. My bottom line question was can I machine off all the slipper skirts so all the pistons match. If that wasn't clear, then that's on me and my bad. I have seen several new big bore kits that have pistons that do not have those slipper skirts so it seemed like a valid question.

Consensus seems to be, "bad idea"

Additionally, I am doing all of this on a budget. Would love to have the cash to send an engine out to one of the guru's on here and have them do it for me, but for now, that's just not in the budget. And in case you didn't notice the "Newbie" designation, I still have a lot to learn. And I enjoy learning so its great to ask about these things to try to figure out what I can, or am willing, to do myself.

I am all for being sarcastic, and can take and dish with anyone.... just wish some of you might have added something valuable to say along with it. Even if its "no clue"

Next time I will be less likely to ask, which sucks.

[Johny Blackstain]

I agree. And I'm sorry if you got a browbeating over what was/is a valid question. Don't let the naysayers rule your curiosity friend.
Actually, back in the day when we were making go fast Triumph dragster bikes, it was fairly common to chop the skirts thus reducing piston mass to gain some piston speed. If you chopped off all the skirts so that each piston weighed the same this would work. Durability and or longevity? Well that's quite hard to say.
And remember this....there are no dumb questions, just dumb answers.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) & if you machine 1, you have to machine them all (balance). How this will hold up I have no clue. I'd take Curt "the cabinetmaker" up on his offer & pay for postage. Seems to be the easiest/cheapest solution by far. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)