New pistons for basic rebuild

[Rumbul]

Hi guys just pulled the engine down on the vr4 to freshen her up. Im just building it for everYday use. Can you recommend a place to buy a standard build kit? I have seen a kit on eBay with Nippon pistons and a gasket set for $330 . This sounds very cheap but are Nippon any good ?
I am only replacing the pistons,rings,bottom end bearings, water pump and timing belt , using the old rods.Balance shafts are removed, heads been reconned already, just need to buy some gear at the right price .
Is there anything else you would recommend doing while it's apart ?

Any help much appreciated

 

[trq-str]

I have used Nippon complete gasket-seal kits in the past with great success!

The replacement rings they sell for the factory pistons and their MLS head gaskets are very good as well. I have used them on two vr4 builds without issues.

I cannot comment of their pistons however, as I am yet to give them a go.

 

[Rumbul]

Great thanks for the feed back. I have been tossing up wether or not to use forged pistons or put in standard pistons. I am using acl bearings and arp studs and bolts, so I guess if I use some forged pistons I can then move on to a decent turbo down the track.
How many hp are the standard rods good for?

 

[JayRome]

i bought a cheap head gasket from Nippon through ebay, it is actually really good quality and half the price of a cometic and other MHG's

in regards to the pistons, there is no real need to upgrade them if they are in good shape, just a clean would do... if you plan on upgrading the pistons
might as well go all out and upgrade rods to match....

some of the guys on here are running over 250kw on stock bottom end (someone correct me if i'm wrong on this one) and seem fine...

 

[trq-str]

Asking yourself the following questions could help you decide whether or not your pistons will need replacing:

Are the piston ring lands or the crown damaged (any pitting or deformation)?

How bad is the surface wear on the thrust side of the pistons?

Any cracks on the lower skirt or around the boss?

 

[Rumbul]

Just got a call from the recon shop . Needs a 30 thou rebore. And piston in poor shape . Ordered Nippon gasket kit and pistons with arp studs and new water pump . Crank had a grind and have some acl bearings on the way also.
Hopefully I can find some time to put it all back together in the next month or so . Kinda helps that I have a three month holiday from driving starting tomorrow

 

[EVO-00X]

The Nippon Racing headgasket says "MADE IN JAPAN" and the design looks identical to the OEM 4 layer so its alright in my books (wouldnt surprise me if its one in the same item!!) :thumbsup:
Definitely better than a Cometic for half the cost