I think sometimes we get hung-up on the word "better". When is better really 'better'?
Using an analogy of a Peterbilt road-tractor, it is made to tow trailers, therefore it must be "better" at pulling a small lawnmower trailer simply 'because' of perception! Arguments can be made all day that the Peterbilt has a bigger engine than a pick-up truck, therefore it is easier to pull that 500 pound trailer. Another argument is a Peterbilt has 10 tires whereas the Pick-up only has 4 tires, ...therefore there is better traction for stopping & starting. The Peterbilt is bigger in size so therefore it must be safer in traffic. Yes, these are all truthful arguments someone could make however for the purpose of towing a 500 lb lawnmower trailer, is it really 'better'?? I see this as the same argument between is the Chevrolet pistons "
better" than the reproduction Silvolite manufactured Model-A piston?
I do agree the Chevrolet pistons are cheaper than the Silvolite pistons however who is seeing that benefit? Some might argue that a modern Hypereutectic alloy piston is modern engineering, --and yes it may be, but just like the Pete vs. a ½-ton pick-up) is it better in our application on a stock Model-A? Yes, the narrower rings cause less parasitic drag, ...but how much horsepower are we gaining with the modern rings --maybe ¼ horsepower?? Like Purdy mentioned, there will be a slight increase in chamber volume but will the Hp loss from this lower compression be detectable?
Carl, I said all of that to say this; the Egge pistons are lighter than the Model-A and the Chevrolet piston by about 100 grams so there is some advantage there, the Egge piston does not require a wrist pin modification nor a special connecting rod like the Chevrolet piston does, and it does utilize the thinner ring. The biggest downside to the Egge piston IMHO is the much greater expense. I think this will be where Rich's new piston will excel over the Egge piston, the Silvolite and the Chevrolet piston.
Think this through for a moment and you will see why I do not agree the Chevrolet piston is better. Remember it is
heavier than what the aftermarket Silvolite piston is!! Presently the Silvolite reproduction piston itself is nearly 90%
HEAVIER than what Ford's pistons originally were!! The original pistons were spec-ed to be 319-323 grams in total weight whereas the Silvolite pistons will weigh-in just under 600 grams out of the box!!
AND, this is without the pin which the Silvolite wrist pin will weight approximately 200 grams and Ford's spec was like 110 grams +/-. Again, remember the Chevrolet piston & pin is even heavier than the reproduction piston on the market now, and it puts that Chevy piston combination in at double the weight as what original pistons were. No wonder we complain about babbitt longevity and vibrations!!
The less weight we are slinging around is much better than how much drag the rings are feeling in my view.
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