*** VRP 5.7L Engine Build ***
#1
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2003 E55 AMG
*** VRP 5.7L Engine Build ***
We are now working on putting this 5.7L engine together so I started a new thread to show the progress of the build.
Here are some pics of the block with the iron sleeves installed.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block1.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block2.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block3.jpg)
The custom pistons finallly arrived.. We've been waiting a few months for these.
They are made by a very reputable piston manufacturer and are very high quality. I requested to have the piston skirts coated with an anti-friction and anti-wear coating.
The piston tops will also be coated with a special heat coating. This will be done once we have completed the test fitting of all the components.
Here is a sneak peek at the piston.. My engine shop sent this pic to me because I didn't get a chance to run over and see it in person. I'll post more pics once I get over there.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/vrppistons.jpg)
Right now what is happening is all the bottom end components are being assembled and our Stage 3 heads and cams will be put on also.. Everything will be checked for clearances.
Once they've confirmed everything is ok, it will all be dismantled and the little "details" will be done. The bottom end will be balanced and blueprinted, the crank will be knife-edged, etc, etc..
I'll discuss the details of everything that is happening as we get to each step and will post some pics for you all to see.
Lots more coming... Stay Tuned!!!
Here are some pics of the block with the iron sleeves installed.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block1.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block2.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block3.jpg)
The custom pistons finallly arrived.. We've been waiting a few months for these.
They are made by a very reputable piston manufacturer and are very high quality. I requested to have the piston skirts coated with an anti-friction and anti-wear coating.
The piston tops will also be coated with a special heat coating. This will be done once we have completed the test fitting of all the components.
Here is a sneak peek at the piston.. My engine shop sent this pic to me because I didn't get a chance to run over and see it in person. I'll post more pics once I get over there.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/vrppistons.jpg)
Right now what is happening is all the bottom end components are being assembled and our Stage 3 heads and cams will be put on also.. Everything will be checked for clearances.
Once they've confirmed everything is ok, it will all be dismantled and the little "details" will be done. The bottom end will be balanced and blueprinted, the crank will be knife-edged, etc, etc..
I'll discuss the details of everything that is happening as we get to each step and will post some pics for you all to see.
Lots more coming... Stay Tuned!!!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#6
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2003 E55 AMG
Thanks!! It's not quite a fortune.. but, maybe a TINY fortune.. lol..
Artem,
I'm building the second one for you!! lol...![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
holy god.... thats going to cost a fortune. Amazing work like always Victor. Cheers.
~ Ashkan
~ Ashkan
Artem,
I'm building the second one for you!! lol...
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
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#8
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2003 E55 AMG
The heads and cams were a natural progression to the modding path in order to get to the 700hp goal I set for myself long ago.
The main reason for doing the 5.7L bottom end is because when I spoke with MB I found out that the bottom ends were sold as complete assemblies and you could not purchase cranks, pistons, alone. If MB had a motor failure due to cracked piston, they would just re/re the entire bottom end out for a new one.
Also, with the special coatings that exist on our stock blocks, if you end scouring a piston bore you cannot recoat it. The bottom end at that point would be unusable.
I wanted an "upgrade" path available for anyone that had a tired or blown bottom end.. Instead of spending $18,000 with MB you can buy a fresh 5.7L bottom end for half that and gain the added horsepower benefit at the same time.
I am not sure how much power this combination will provide, but I am expecting it to be in the 750hp++ range.
The main reason for doing the 5.7L bottom end is because when I spoke with MB I found out that the bottom ends were sold as complete assemblies and you could not purchase cranks, pistons, alone. If MB had a motor failure due to cracked piston, they would just re/re the entire bottom end out for a new one.
Also, with the special coatings that exist on our stock blocks, if you end scouring a piston bore you cannot recoat it. The bottom end at that point would be unusable.
I wanted an "upgrade" path available for anyone that had a tired or blown bottom end.. Instead of spending $18,000 with MB you can buy a fresh 5.7L bottom end for half that and gain the added horsepower benefit at the same time.
I am not sure how much power this combination will provide, but I am expecting it to be in the 750hp++ range.
#11
Out Of Control!!
Nice work!
What do you plan on doing about rods? I'm assuming you will use ARP head bolts as well
Also, since my whole E55k motor in a W208 wont work... will this work with my heads and the kleemann s/c?![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Judging by your comment I'm guessing this will cost $9k
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Also, since my whole E55k motor in a W208 wont work... will this work with my heads and the kleemann s/c?
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Judging by your comment I'm guessing this will cost $9k
#12
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E55 (for sale if the right offer comes along)...too many others to list
Vic,
Sorry I couldn't make it to see you that weekend buddy. John and I picked up our new puppy that weekend. I can't wait to see this 5.7 happen. We will see if my parts for my project clear customs before you finish this thing. LOL You are a genius!!!! Keep up the good work!
Sorry I couldn't make it to see you that weekend buddy. John and I picked up our new puppy that weekend. I can't wait to see this 5.7 happen. We will see if my parts for my project clear customs before you finish this thing. LOL You are a genius!!!! Keep up the good work!
#14
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2003 E55 AMG
Yes.. ![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I'm looking out for you.. Don't worry!![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I'll see how it goes.. I was shooting for 50% of original MB cost...
I called this morning to get a running total.. We are $9700 into it so far and that doesnt include the block I gave them to work on. The first one always is the most expensive because I am footing the bill for all the R&D time to get things right.
I just have to figure out my total costs and distribute those over the next 5 - 10 units to recoup my money... Once mine is finished, I'll have a good idea of what it will take to reproduce it.
As for Rods, they inspected them and said they are built well, are strong, and there isn't any room to rework them to make them lighter.. They will change the rod bolts and thats about it. I asked about making Carillo rods or something else lighter and they said it wasnt worth the investment.
Angela,
No problem!! I will be down again at least once a month or so and would love to meet up with everyone again and maybe get a chance to meet some of the people I couldnt the last time.
First round is on me!![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
What do you think this engine is for?![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I'm looking out for you.. Don't worry!
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Originally Posted by ATKM5
Thanks Victor! LOL.
I called this morning to get a running total.. We are $9700 into it so far and that doesnt include the block I gave them to work on. The first one always is the most expensive because I am footing the bill for all the R&D time to get things right.
I just have to figure out my total costs and distribute those over the next 5 - 10 units to recoup my money... Once mine is finished, I'll have a good idea of what it will take to reproduce it.
As for Rods, they inspected them and said they are built well, are strong, and there isn't any room to rework them to make them lighter.. They will change the rod bolts and thats about it. I asked about making Carillo rods or something else lighter and they said it wasnt worth the investment.
Originally Posted by blackbenzz
Nice work! What do you plan on doing about rods? I'm assuming you will use ARP head bolts as well
Also, since my whole E55k motor in a W208 wont work... will this work with my heads and the kleemann s/c?
Judging by your comment I'm guessing this will cost $9k
Also, since my whole E55k motor in a W208 wont work... will this work with my heads and the kleemann s/c?
Judging by your comment I'm guessing this will cost $9k
No problem!! I will be down again at least once a month or so and would love to meet up with everyone again and maybe get a chance to meet some of the people I couldnt the last time.
First round is on me!
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Originally Posted by BenzGal
Vic,
Sorry I couldn't make it to see you that weekend buddy. John and I picked up our new puppy that weekend. I can't wait to see this 5.7 happen. We will see if my parts for my project clear customs before you finish this thing. LOL You are a genius!!!! Keep up the good work!
Sorry I couldn't make it to see you that weekend buddy. John and I picked up our new puppy that weekend. I can't wait to see this 5.7 happen. We will see if my parts for my project clear customs before you finish this thing. LOL You are a genius!!!! Keep up the good work!
What do you think this engine is for?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Originally Posted by E55 RUSS
Nice...Is V8 BiTurbo Kompressor project still going to happend ???
Last edited by vrus; 01-23-2008 at 05:12 PM.
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2003 E55 AMG
Some more info...
They were working on the bottom end yesterday and today.. they are waiting on some bearings which is holding them up on putting it back together..
They ported the oil pump to improve flow and made some changes in relation to the oiling.. I will take some pics and get a description when I go there next (tomorrow possibly).
Crankshaft and bottom end is in the process of being balanced and they are blueprinting the whole assembly.. Crank will be knife-edged in conjunction with the balancing they are doing.
Once the bearings arrive, it'll start going back together.
Here are a few more shots of the pistons in comparison to the stock ones. I was going to have these fly-cut, but since we didnt have the heads done and assembled on the block before the pistons were ordered, we couldnt get the appropriate measurements to do the fly-cutting.. Once they test-fit everything, if the piston-to-valve clearance becomes an issue, they'll have to pull the pistons and do the fly-cutting on them at that time.
Notice the oiling holes on my pistons.. There are some other changes which I will explain once I get some better comparison photos.. they didnt take the piston rings off the stock piston so its hard to see the location of the ring lands in relation to the new ones.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/vrppistons2.jpg)
They were working on the bottom end yesterday and today.. they are waiting on some bearings which is holding them up on putting it back together..
They ported the oil pump to improve flow and made some changes in relation to the oiling.. I will take some pics and get a description when I go there next (tomorrow possibly).
Crankshaft and bottom end is in the process of being balanced and they are blueprinting the whole assembly.. Crank will be knife-edged in conjunction with the balancing they are doing.
Once the bearings arrive, it'll start going back together.
Here are a few more shots of the pistons in comparison to the stock ones. I was going to have these fly-cut, but since we didnt have the heads done and assembled on the block before the pistons were ordered, we couldnt get the appropriate measurements to do the fly-cutting.. Once they test-fit everything, if the piston-to-valve clearance becomes an issue, they'll have to pull the pistons and do the fly-cutting on them at that time.
Notice the oiling holes on my pistons.. There are some other changes which I will explain once I get some better comparison photos.. they didnt take the piston rings off the stock piston so its hard to see the location of the ring lands in relation to the new ones.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/vrppistons2.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/vrppistons3.jpg)
#16
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2005 E55 AMG - - 2005 SL55 AMG - - - - - - 2006 SLK55 AMG - - - - - - 2013 Ducati Diavel AMG -
Well, Well, Well.
Looks Great Vic!![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
You Know Where I Stand...
Should I do this before adding the Twin Turbos?...
We’ll see.
And What's the Word on that Bigger "3.3L" Thingy?....
I'm Waiting Patiently...![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I can't wait to Hear those Heads Breathe.![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Is your engine still on schedule to be completed before mine?
Looks Great Vic!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
You Know Where I Stand...
Should I do this before adding the Twin Turbos?...
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
And What's the Word on that Bigger "3.3L" Thingy?....
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I can't wait to Hear those Heads Breathe.
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Is your engine still on schedule to be completed before mine?
Last edited by Havoc; 01-23-2008 at 05:52 PM.
#18
Well, Well, Well.
Looks Great Vic!![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
You Know Where I Stand...
Should I do this before adding the Twin Turbos?...
We’ll see.
And What's the Word on that Bigger "3.3L" Thingy?....
I'm Waiting Patiently...![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I can't wait to Hear those Heads Breathe.![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Is your engine still on schedule to be completed before mine?
Looks Great Vic!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
You Know Where I Stand...
Should I do this before adding the Twin Turbos?...
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
And What's the Word on that Bigger "3.3L" Thingy?....
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I can't wait to Hear those Heads Breathe.
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Is your engine still on schedule to be completed before mine?
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Mike @ VRP
#19
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2003 E55 AMG
Thanks bud!
Will you stop talking about the 3.3.. it was supposed to be a quiet conversation.. remember? lol.. no more secrets for you!![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
As soon as they get the bearings they will assemble the bottom end. I'll get more info once those parts are in.
Will you stop talking about the 3.3.. it was supposed to be a quiet conversation.. remember? lol.. no more secrets for you!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
As soon as they get the bearings they will assemble the bottom end. I'll get more info once those parts are in.
Well, Well, Well.
Looks Great Vic!![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
You Know Where I Stand...
Should I do this before adding the Twin Turbos?...
We’ll see.
And What's the Word on that Bigger "3.3L" Thingy?....
I'm Waiting Patiently...![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I can't wait to Hear those Heads Breathe.![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Is your engine still on schedule to be completed before mine?
Looks Great Vic!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
You Know Where I Stand...
Should I do this before adding the Twin Turbos?...
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
And What's the Word on that Bigger "3.3L" Thingy?....
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I can't wait to Hear those Heads Breathe.
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Is your engine still on schedule to be completed before mine?
#20
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2005 E55 AMG - - 2005 SL55 AMG - - - - - - 2006 SLK55 AMG - - - - - - 2013 Ducati Diavel AMG -
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
The "3.3L Trunk Mounted Jet Engine Kit" has been know for some time now. Blame the US Air Force, NASA, ABC and CNN, not me.
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
I think we have a Love-Hate Friendship.
![slap](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/slap.gif)
You would Love to Help Build my SL55 into All it Can be.
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I just Hate being One Step Behind You.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Nevertheless, the 5.7 Build is Amazing! You have thought of everything and doing all you can to show us what VRP has to offer. Which Compared to other Tuners is by Far, More than enough!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
*Just give me my Thingy and TTs and I'll be on my way. Thank You Very Much!*
Last edited by Havoc; 01-25-2008 at 01:47 AM.
#21
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2003 E55 AMG
hahahahahahah... No worries Keith..
Pssstt... Guess what... "IT" is 2 weeks out...![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
As for 5.7L.. I told you.. You can take it as soon as they finish assembling it if you want.. I want to do the V12TT motor..![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Pssstt... Guess what... "IT" is 2 weeks out...
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
As for 5.7L.. I told you.. You can take it as soon as they finish assembling it if you want.. I want to do the V12TT motor..
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Sorry, But I create Havoc Everywhere I go! Its my Nature... ![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
The "3.3L Trunk Mounted Jet Engine Kit" has been know for some time now. Blame the US Air Force, NASA, ABC and CNN, not me.![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
I think we have a Love-Hate Friendship.![slap](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/slap.gif)
You would Love to Help Build my SL55 into All it Can be.![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I just Hate being One Step Behind You.![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Nevertheless, the 5.7 Build is Amazing! You have thought of everything and doing all you can to show us what VRP has to offer. Which Compared to other Tuners is by Far, More than enough!![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
*Just give me my Thingy and TTs and I'll be on my way. Thank You Very Much!*
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
The "3.3L Trunk Mounted Jet Engine Kit" has been know for some time now. Blame the US Air Force, NASA, ABC and CNN, not me.
![rolf](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rofl.gif)
I think we have a Love-Hate Friendship.
![slap](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/slap.gif)
You would Love to Help Build my SL55 into All it Can be.
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I just Hate being One Step Behind You.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Nevertheless, the 5.7 Build is Amazing! You have thought of everything and doing all you can to show us what VRP has to offer. Which Compared to other Tuners is by Far, More than enough!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
*Just give me my Thingy and TTs and I'll be on my way. Thank You Very Much!*
#22
Senior Member
Beautiful! Can you post another pic comparing the stock vs custom piston profiles (perpendicular view, not looking down at a 45) as well as the under side of each? How does the wall thickness of the wrist pins compare and do you know the overall weight savings compared to the stock pistons?
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2005 E55 AMG - - 2005 SL55 AMG - - - - - - 2006 SLK55 AMG - - - - - - 2013 Ducati Diavel AMG -
![EEK!](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
2 Weeks Already!
![naughty](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/naughty.gif)
Man, This is Going To Be BadA$$!!
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Can You Feel It? No One Can Stop Us Now!!
![action](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/action1.gif)
Last edited by Havoc; 01-25-2008 at 10:20 PM.
#25
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2003 E55 AMG
Went by the machine shop to drop off a bunch of bolts and gaskets and other parts needed to do the bottom end buildup.. Since virtually every bolt on these MB engines are 1 time use, you have to replace all bolts & gaskets when you rebuild your motor.
They finished honing the block and getting it ready to accept the pistons.. Here are a couple of pics of the honed block..
They are going to surface it next and then clean it up and start the trial assembly.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block4.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block5.jpg)
Here is my crank waiting to be balanced and knife-edged... In the background you can see all the bits & pieces that make up my newly ported and enhanced oil pump..
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/crank2.jpg)
These custom pistons are lighter, stronger, and promote much better oiling than the stock ones.
Notice where the wrist pin goes that there is a groove that goes roughly half way around the opening.. It's hard to tell but there is an oiling hole in there. The stock ones lack that.
Also notice the differences of the ring lands.. The custom piston has much wider areas for the rings. Look at the size of the oil ring groove (just below the wrist pin opening).
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons4.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons5.jpg)
Here is the underside construction of our custom piston.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons7.jpg)
I locked the 2 pistons together with the wrist pin so you can get a good idea of the profile differences between the 2 pistons.
Notice the stock one has only 2 oiling holes where we have 3 on each side.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons8.jpg)
I'll take some more photos once they have balanced and knife-edged the crank and then I'll follow the progress as they put it all back together.
More to follow...
They finished honing the block and getting it ready to accept the pistons.. Here are a couple of pics of the honed block..
They are going to surface it next and then clean it up and start the trial assembly.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block4.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/block5.jpg)
Here is my crank waiting to be balanced and knife-edged... In the background you can see all the bits & pieces that make up my newly ported and enhanced oil pump..
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/crank2.jpg)
These custom pistons are lighter, stronger, and promote much better oiling than the stock ones.
Notice where the wrist pin goes that there is a groove that goes roughly half way around the opening.. It's hard to tell but there is an oiling hole in there. The stock ones lack that.
Also notice the differences of the ring lands.. The custom piston has much wider areas for the rings. Look at the size of the oil ring groove (just below the wrist pin opening).
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons4.jpg)
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons5.jpg)
Here is the underside construction of our custom piston.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons7.jpg)
I locked the 2 pistons together with the wrist pin so you can get a good idea of the profile differences between the 2 pistons.
Notice the stock one has only 2 oiling holes where we have 3 on each side.
![](http://69.17.158.20/vrus/e55/engine/VRPPistons8.jpg)
I'll take some more photos once they have balanced and knife-edged the crank and then I'll follow the progress as they put it all back together.
More to follow...