AFprobe

How hard is it to install forged pistons? Also how much would it be to get a set? I saw somewhere that someone was saying that they give you 60 hp gain but I don't think that is correct. Is it? Would KLZE pistons be about as good as forged pistons? Thanks for all your feed back!

rotten97

zepistons - junk
installing pistons is as easy as doing a complete rebuild on your motor .

Fantomas

More like 6hp gain and that's only if you increase the compression. And rotten is right, it's as easy as doing a complete engine rebuild :)

Forged pistons are only able to hold up to higher stress so you could technically be able to put out 60 hp more out of forged pistons then stock pistons with forced induction.

EatMoreCow

You'll get a horsepower gain from some high compression pistons, but not forged.
A forged piston & connecting rod set is used to stand up to forced induction.

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Rick_96PGT

OEM rods on 2.5ltr V6 are forged, shot peening them would help. Not a lot but would be better.

The forging process is better due to material compression, its the micrograin affect from forging that makes the material stronger by compressing more material into the same area. Kind of a rough draft on forging.

Cast is cheaper, its pouring molten material into a mold then cooled to make a part.

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tim87114

Cast style pistons can sustain upto 400hp under certain situations. If your goal is to race or even just do some street racing or maybe add a nitrous kit then the forged would be a way to go. The cost is alot more, but most kits come with pistons, rings and rod bearings. They usually start at around $400.

As for upping the compression for increased hp this is possible but remember while you have the head off you mine as well wip out that dremel tool and start doing some port work on both intake and exhaust. With the increased compression to optimize your piston swap the head should be worked over, or you really won't notice the change. It really isn't feasable to call this an easy job because you can't really do this with the block in the car. It would have to come out. Figure one day to take out, one day to tear down, half a day reworking the heads, another full day reassembling and so on. I could take up to a week to finish the project. With air tools this would decrease dramatically. Plus take into account that either you or a buddy between the two of you have all the tools to do the job. Pullers, pulley installers, torque wrench, and all the other stuff. But don't let this hold you back to much, if you want it you will find a way to do it...