DIAMOND’S NEW SERIES OF 2300 PISTONS FOR FORD RACING ENGINES
Written by Moore Good Ink
Clinton Township, MI: For the popular 2300 Ford overhead-cam race engine, Diamond has created two new series of pistons: a low-drag two-ring design and a conventional three-ring design. Both are constructed to the specifications of Durham Racing and both are available exclusively from them. Durham Racing is headed by Johnny Durham whose engine-building shop, established in the early 70s, is located in Six Mile, SC.
Easily recognized by its minimal ring pack, the benefits of the two-ring piston are lighter weight, less drag, and resulting higher rpm. The undesirable effects of drag are further reduced by the adoption of a thin 1.2mm top ring and a 3.0mm oil control ring. The second ring of the three-ring piston measures a slim1.5mm. All ring sets are by Total Seal.
To provide maximum sealing between the top rings and the cylinder bores, a dozen, tiny side gas ports are featured at the bottom of the top ring lands. These allow cylinder pressure to penetrate the inner edge of the top ring, forcing it out and ensuring a tight seal on the cylinder wall.
Piston pin bosses are sized and positioned to accept the associated Ford connecting rod (5.205in long) with a piston pin diameter of .912in and a compression height of 1.590in. Alternatively a longer Chevrolet connecting rod with a piston pin diameter of .927in and a compression height of 1.090in can be used. This Chevy rod, which measures 5.700in, is often favored over the original Ford connecting rod because its longer length reduces friction on the cylinder wall. Both compression heights are devised to allow ‘decking the block’ by approximately .010in. Where flat-top pistons are mandated by sports regulating bodies, this machining process is considered imperative by racers as it allows the pistons to reach full deck height, gaining maximum compression in an engine that yearns for more.
Forged in 2618 aluminum for strength and reliability, these pistons are offered in standard bore size (3.780in) and also in a multitude of over-sizes up to .060in. To prolong block life, these over-size pistons are conveniently provided in small increments of .005in.
Finally, to complete the piston packs, chrome molybdenum 4130 piston pins (2.5in long) and spiral locks are provided. Each pin bore features double-oiling ports that are force-fed from the oil control ring groove. Where the pin bore intersects the oil control ring groove, as when using the longer rod, oil ring support rails are supplied. Hard-coat anodizing and moly-coated skirts are available if desired.
For printable catalog fact sheet click here.
For more information contact:
Durham Racing
1238 Crow Creek Road, Six Mile, SC 29682
Telephone (864) 868-3005 or (864) 508-1117
E-mail Johnny Durham at contact@durhamracing.com or JDurham97@yahoo.com