have an oem and a kimpex. they look like the same exact piston.

What would be the harm in running one of each. I would imagine a engine with worn rings on one side would be about the same thing. as far as the not firing even rule goes.

depends on wich aftermarket piston you go with i know wisco`s are forged why would you not do both?? to just get you home or a week worth of riding i can see...but.

I dont know but there may be a weight difference in the 2 different pistons.Just a guess? :withstupid:

The mechanic who works on our sleds told me not to run anything but oem, because the other brands don't work as well. I'm not sure why but thats what he believes and he's the best mechanic I have ever seen.

Originally posted by 2002 zr 800 efi@Jan 8 2003, 03:18 PM
I dont know but there may be a weight difference in the 2 different pistons.Just a guess? :withstupid:
Wiseco offers balanced piston kits. You've never heard of that?

Oem for most Cats is Genuine Suzuki. Some of there pistons have had recent update because of skirt breakage. If you have an old one you may want to check to make sure it is not one of the ones prone to breakage.

Reasons not to run different pistons

Weight differences (can cause excesive vibration and lead to other component failure)

The old piston is warn and will have a different fit in the jug usualy it creates less heat.
This can cause head gasket problems in mono head motors due to uneven heat levels
(the same thing can happen with mis adjusted carbs)

Usualy the old piston has more compresion new one (Until the rings seat) and less after they seat

Putting in an old piston is like putting a used oil filter back on your car after an oil change.
It may work fine for years or it may break next week.

My 2 cents

yes arcticzrt600 i realize they make balanced kits but he is talking about using and oem part and an aftermarket part.On car motors you can get forged pistons or hypertectic pistons and there is a weight difference in these two so i thought maybey there was a difference in two different brands. See ya.

With the cost of a Kimpex piston kit at $45- why risk it - just put in two new pistons and rings and be ready to go for several thousand more miles.
You will already have all the gaskets to do the job for both pistons- so I would do them both up.


Tony