86 atc350x piston question

[350xman]

HeY Guys
I have a question about what type of piston to buy/put into my 86 atc350x top end that I am rebuilding this fall. I have talked to some guys and they say to put in another OEM piston because it is strong and will hold up better and longer is this true? Other guys say to put in a wiesco piston because all of their piston are hi-compression pistons and they last a long time.
What are some of the advantages of OEM pistons over Wiesco and vice versa? Are hi-compression pistons alot harder to start up, do they ware your other engine componets down faster and are they just as reliable as the OEM pistons? How much more power do you get out of hi-compression piston( WIESCO-10.5) then regular compression piston(OEM-8.5)?
Do you have to put in a different cam with the hi-compression pistons and do they run rougher at idle or bottom?
Guys if you could give me your opinions and expierences on the matter that would be great.
Thanks 350xman :beer

[440exwlspankyou]

I have just used j&E pistons. I use them because my friend races nitrous bikes and he has taken it apart and the pistons still looked almost new. Others have said that wiseco is of similar quality and cheaper. From experience,however, you cannot go wrong with a winner! :D

[MO350X]

A high-compression won't make an engine run ROUGHER.
It's intended to give you snappier throttle response and MORE torque.
Make sure that decompression cable is intact and working!
That 350X will be deadly to kick over without it!

You may have to rejet with the higher compression to take full advantage of it.

Wiseco makes EXCELLENT automotive pistons as well.
If memory serves me right, the Wiseco is a FORGED piston whereas the Honda is cast.
Forged is definitely more durable than cast.

Just be sure to follow Wiseco's piston-to-wall clearance recommendations and you'll end up with a quiet-running (less piston slap) and tighter (less oil consumption) engine.

It does "enhance" your exhaust note, though.
You'll love it. It's pure thunder!

[Mobular]

I've been running the same Wiseco forged 10.25-1 piston in my 350x for the past 10 years. Also has a mid-top range re-ground cam. Never have had a problem with anything. I highly recommend the combo. The piston will result in a crisper, barkier exhaust note, not rougher at all.

[350xman]

Thanks for the replies guys. One question though if I put in the hi-compression wiesco piston do I need to put in a hi-performance cam to make it run better or will my stock cam work just as well. Do you guys think with the hi-compression piston that you might get 1-2 hp increase or is that strictly a pipe and k&n filter kit?
Later 350xman :beer

[Mobular]

The piston will give you a noticable kick in the pants! lol! Lots of grunty pull with that alone. Of course the best would be the pipe/filter/cam/piston combo.

[MO350X]

Thanks for the replies guys. One question though if I put in the hi-compression wiesco piston do I need to put in a hi-performance cam to make it run better or will my stock cam work just as well. Do you guys think with the hi-compression piston that you might get 1-2 hp increase or is that strictly a pipe and k&n filter kit?
Later 350xman :beer

You don't HAVE to put a higher performance cam in, the stocker will work JUST FINE.
But if you do cam, PLEASE analyze your riding habits and cam accordingly.
"Bigger" is NOT better when it comes to cams.
Stick with a nice cam that'll give that midrange and lower-top a good strong hit.
No matter which mid range cam you choose, you WILL get a stronger top.
And don't forget to check/replace those tired old Valve Springs.
They may need replacement to keep up with the longer duration and higher lift associated with the hotter cam.

How much HP increase with the higher compression?
I'd hate to guess but greater torque and quicker throttle response is what the compression is going to give you....making the bike a HOOT to ride.
Can you say wheelies? :)

You'll have to jet all of this accordingly, of course.
Which brings me to.....
Bigger carb and some port work to the head.....BIG power...BIG $$$$, though.
Personally, I don't think (unless you can get them used and GOOD) that a carb upgrade or port work (unless you or a friend can do it) is cost effective anymore.
Check out Powroll's site and your jaw will drop when you see their prices. OUCH!!! :(

Sorry so long.....
Take this slow and think all your mods over long and hard before "jumping in".
The bike will be MUCH more fun to ride and own, believe me!