Of all the dumb questions that I have asked here so far this one is to take the cake. For purposes other then changing copression ration, what else does upgrading the pistons (not rods) does for me?

 

ration=ratio. Type-O, I am not THAT technologically impaired.

 

Allows for a stronger piston and ring land structure that is more resistant to detonation.

 

forged pistons weigh slightly less than cast aluminum so they'll rev up a little fast - you probably won't notice it

otherwise it's for sheer strength and durability

 

Let me re-phrase my querry. I am looking to upgrade the engine to run maximum boost allowable on stock compression ratio. Assuming that tuning is fine and nothing buckles under new power I can get away with 9.5 psi (enough power for my goals). Now, I am looking to build a reliable engine on a limited budget. A set of pistons will set me back by at least $1500. I was thinking something along the lines of balancing, knife edging and polishing the journals on the crank, putting in Pauter rods, and this is it for the bottom end. For the head I would do the port/polish job, cryo-treat the valves, polydyne the springs, adding titanium retainers and bronze valve guides, then putting the whole thing back together with ARP head and main studs, an upgraded gasket and an intake manifold that would permit me to make power after 6600 rpm (ECU reflash will be done). So now, can I leave my stock pistons with such set up or am I asking for trouble. Also, if anyone sees any bad ideas in my list, then please let me know. I thank everyone in advance for their input.

 

i think that a lower compression ratio on a fi engine would outweigh any benefits of a higher compression ratio simply because it would be far less prone to detonation. also the amount of hp difference between the the two setups could easily be made up for by a slight raise in boost in the lower compression setup and would be more reliable...I am by no means an expert on this but i've learned plenty from the f/i section, do a search and you will find alot more info on this from people that know their stuff. If you're going to build the engine make sure that you do it the right way cause forged internals can fail too, they just give you more of a buffer against damage occurring.
peace