Ceramic-coating pistons

[spdracer@mail.utexas.edu]

>why doesn't any OE use> ceramic coatings -or do they? I know, cost is an
>issue for OEs,

I think you answered your own question.  I just checked Swains website and it
costs about $32 per piston.  Now you factor in the costs of shipping and
downtime, there's more cost.  And then, Swain probably doesn't have anywhere
near the capacity to coat that many pistons, even for one manufacter, so
there's more downtime.  Downtime is very very bad in production.  So I doubt
customers would be willing to pay an extra $500-$1000 for a feature which
doesn't have very noticable benefits (like an extra 20hp).

And concerning the hoat soaking of the pistons, after a while, I'd think they
would eventually reach some equilibrium and wouldn't be able to soak in any
more heat anywayz.  Possibly even become a source of extra heat leading to
detonation, etc.  Hmm... piston oil squirters come to mind.

Khiem