For the love of a tractor engine: The life and times of the 18R-G

[o_man_ra23]

My 88270 head had dual springs, then I fitted some Crow springs, available through swmotorsport.com.au

Not sure if the Crow springs are dual, can't remember, will have a look and get back to you. They weren't very expensive.

[SilverRA23]

I have done a quick search, but probably needed to do a longer one.

Is there an aftermarket piston on the shelf for the 18rg? My engine builder has found two of the pistons in my allegedly good rebuilt engine have cracks in the skirt..

Thanks for any hints in advance

Adam

[airfireman1]

Are they standard or oversize?. You may be able to pick up some good second hand ones in standard size and I do know someone hoarding a set of brand new 18rg 9.7 comp ratio Standard ones also. So they are still around. and yes you can get some made.
Cheers

[o_man_ra23]

I have done a quick search, but probably needed to do a longer one.

Is there an aftermarket piston on the shelf for the 18rg? My engine builder has found two of the pistons in my allegedly good rebuilt engine have cracks in the skirt..

Thanks for any hints in advance

Adam

http://www.rhdjapan.com/jdm-low/Kame...t-2200cc-57753

They aren't cheap... but damn these will make your car go!! There are other options, and no doubt something available for less money, though I think if I have to build a new block for my 18R-GTE I will use something like these. Also check with Toyhead Auto, or find out off Teh Witzl who he got his pistons made by (custom)

[Javal]

http://www.rhdjapan.com/jdm-low/Kame...t-2200cc-57753

They aren't cheap... but damn these will make your car go!! There are other options, and no doubt something available for less money, though I think if I have to build a new block for my 18R-GTE I will use something like these. Also check with Toyhead Auto, or find out off Teh Witzl who he got his pistons made by (custom)

The Kameari pistons are discontinued
As such the toyhead ones supplied by kameari are discontinued.

I had to go custom.

[SilverRA23]

It is at 40 thou oversize now. He thinks he can get away with leaving it there, though he would like to go up again if possible.

what is the biggest oversize an 18rg will take?

Either way sounds like I am going custom.. though timbosaurus suggested that toysports used to do them so I will investigate that too.

I think teh witzl used sps in dandenong melbourne so thats not far away from me

[Javal]

It is at 40 thou oversize now. He thinks he can get away with leaving it there, though he would like to go up again if possible.

what is the biggest oversize an 18rg will take?

Either way sounds like I am going custom.. though timbosaurus suggested that toysports used to do them so I will investigate that too.

I think teh witzl used sps in dandenong melbourne so thats not far away from me

They'll go to 92mm to suit the 2200cc pistons, which is a lot larger than 40 thou. I've seen 92.5mm around also.

I used Atomic Speedware, pistons seem to be of good quality but i haven't exactly done anything with them yet. Cost less than $1000 shipped.

[timbosaurus]

Check out the 18RG catalog, not sure whether the prices are up to date, but at $500US a set for 10.5:1 forgies, they're worth asking about!

http://www.toysport.com/webpages/Web...Parts/18RG.htm

[Steve M]

From memory, toysport use Venolia as their piston supplier for 18R-Gs.
I looked into buying stuff from them ages ago but they never replied to any emails and were just lazy at trying to sell stuff to an Australian.

We finally got a set of Atomic (Arias) customs running in an engine this week.
Seem good so far. 11.0:1 18RG using HKS 288 cams. Just needs a dyno tune and some running in now.

[Javal]

We finally got a set of Atomic (Arias) customs running in an engine this week.
Seem good so far. 11.0:1 18RG using HKS 288 cams. Just needs a dyno tune and some running in now.

Just out of interest, does it have that typical forged piston rattle at coldstart? I look forward to seeing how it goes on the road and dyno.

[Steve M]

It sounds the same as it always did. That said, 18R-Gs are pretty noisy anyway.

I didn't notice any rattle at cold start that wasn't from the head (normal head noises).

Nick Arias claims to design his pistons so that thye can run tighter than normal tollerances for forged pistons in order to eliminate that characteristic rattle.

It runs like a dog at present. No torque at all below 2000 RPM and then only improves to the point that it makes it to 3000RPM. After 3000 it starts pulling really strongly. We won't rev it out until its 1000km anniversary, then its on!

[Javal]

You'll have to take me for a ride after said anniversary Steve!

It's weird, I've dove into this build pretty blind, having only actually driven a runs-like-balls-badly-tuned R-G once, I still loved it though. It would be great to go for a ride in a well put together one.

[SilverRA23]

Thanks for the suggestions gents, I have a few angles of investigation now. Much appreciated.

I love toymods

[SilverRA23]

OK more advice required!

Toysport still supply pistons, though are special order. They range from 88.5 to 92.0 bore, and 8.5 to 10.5 compression ratio.

From what I can see the 92.0 bore is what people use when going out to 2.2L so that seems all good.

Is the 10.5 compression ratio a bit too extreme for 98 octane pump fuel (BP Ultimate etc)

Being a little conservative, should I keep the 9.7 compression ratio so that fuel isn't an issue, and go out to a 91.0 bore to give myself some scope for a rebuild if required?

[timbosaurus]

Go 92.0mm bore, nothing wrong with that. 18R blocks are a dime a dozen, so overboring one is not the end of the world.

10.5:1 is nothing on 98RON fuel