Rover K Series odd piston

[80sprint]

I am pulling apart a 1.8VVC 160 engine and all looked well ( apparently under 60k miles) until i got to the pistons.

I didn't even notice at first but the valve cut outs are different , they are deeper, but the rest of the piston looks the same as the other three marked 160 .

The odd one had K13 and G2 on the piston top along with the usual direction arrow and AR.

What would this be from ?
I am assuming there would be a very slight weight difference due to the larger cut out. I plan to use the engine on track, but not racing.
If i need to source another, second hand or new, would you use the original liner with a second hand piston or a new liner ?
All pistons will have new rings and the liners re-seated. Current liners have hatch marks present and look in good condition.

Thanks
Mike

[DVandrews]

That is a stock K16 piston rather than a VVC 160, my guess is that they have had an ‘incident’ on one cylinder and have replaced the damaged 160 piston/rod with a standard K16 piston and rod. The VVC 160 pistons are tougher, they have extra buttressing under the crown and the ring lands are wider and stronger, they have ‘160’ marked on the crown and the pockets are smaller which strengthens the top land, The stock piston will likely fail on the second ring land in a 160 engine.

Replace the liners and rings, or alternatively glaze bust the liners with a flex-hone. On no account try to hone using a three stone honer. If you can , source a single VVC 160 piston and rod as the stock one is doomed to fail, I may have one VVC 160 rod and piston kicking around, I will check.


Dave

Edited by DVandrews on Monday 16th October 10:38

[DVandrews]

In case you need one, I have a spare 160 rod/piston with new rings here.

Dave