The V8 Owners Forum -

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of rebuilding my 3.5 RV8, and I'm wondering which way round the pistons go? There is no 'front' marking on them at all, even though the haynes manaul shows one. It has not been ground off either, there are other markings on the crown.

The pistons are +20 thou vitesse pistons (9.75:1) from real steel.

I know that the bosses on the con rods must face each other, but just wondered if the pistons need to go in one specific way (offset gudgeon pins?)

Cheers,
Jeff

I think it was only the later engines that had offset pistons to cut down on slap. I don't think the 3.5 had that.
Might be worth checking with RealSteel in case their replacements are offset but if there are no markings then I doubt it.
Mike

I could be wrong but I think that the conrods are handed so if they're fitted to the pistons you need to get them the right way round.

The conrods on both my 3500's are handed. You have to install them with the dimples facing each other on each pair. The standard pistons I got from RS are not handed.

4.2 pistons have slightly offset pins as standard and must be installed the right way around.

it's a 3.5 so the pistons can mount either way round.

Boosted.