What is the compression ratio with these pistons?

These Mahle pistons feature a -16cc dish volume, which results in a 9.3:1 compression ratio when used with a 3.543-inch stroke and typical 4.6L 2V/4V cylinder heads. This is a common target for performance builds that still aim to run on pump gasoline.

Are these pistons suitable for a supercharged or turbocharged application?

While these are forged pistons and are stronger than cast pistons, their suitability for forced induction depends on the overall engine build. The 9.3:1 compression ratio is a good starting point for boosted applications, but proper tuning and potentially lower boost levels would be necessary to ensure reliability.

What is included in this piston set?

This product is a set of 8 Mahle forged pistons. It includes the pistons themselves, but typically does not include piston rings or wrist pins, which are often sold separately or may be included with connecting rod kits. Always check the product packaging or manufacturer details for exact contents.

Mahle Ford 281ci Piston Set 930256052

Name: Mahle MS Piston Set Ford 281ci 3.551in Bore 3.543stk 5.933in Rod .866 Pin -16cc 9.3 CR Set of 8
Brand: Mahle
SKU: mahle-mahle-ms-piston-set-ford-281ci-3-551in-bore-3-543stk-5-933in-rod-866-pin-1-t14-131385
Price: 851.58 USD
Availability: BackOrder

Mahle MS Piston Set Ford 281ci 3.551in Bore 3.543stk 5.933in Rod .866 Pin -16cc 9.3 CR Set of 8

$851.58

On Backorder

Order now to reserve yours — we'll ship as soon as stock arrives. Full refund if we're unable to fulfill.

Mahle 281ci forged piston set for Ford Modular 2V/4V engines. Set of 8 pistons.

Key Features

Set of 8 forged pistons for Ford Modular 281ci engines.
Designed for 2-valve or 4-valve cylinder heads.
Features a 3.551-inch bore and -16cc dish volume.
Supports a 9.3:1 compression ratio with a 3.543-inch stroke.
Includes .866-inch pin diameter and 5.933-inch rod length compatibility.
Each piston weighs 356 grams for balanced rotating assembly.

This piston set is designed for Ford Modular 281 cubic inch engines, including both 2-valve and 4-valve configurations.

⚠️ CA WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. Learn more

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Product Details

If you're rebuilding the engine in your Ford Modular 281ci vehicle, this set of 8 forged pistons from Mahle is a solid choice. These pistons are built to handle the demands of a performance rebuild, whether you're working with a 2-valve or 4-valve setup. They feature a 3.551-inch bore and are designed for a 3.543-inch stroke, with a 5.933-inch rod length and a .866-inch pin diameter. The -16cc dish volume contributes to a 9.3:1 compression ratio, which is a good balance for many performance applications, offering a noticeable improvement over stock without being overly aggressive for pump gas.

Mahle is known for making well-built engine components, and these pistons are no exception. They are forged from high-strength aluminum, which is lighter and stronger than cast aluminum, making them more resistant to detonation and fatigue under high cylinder pressures. The specific design details, like the dish volume and pin size, are crucial for achieving the correct compression ratio and ensuring proper piston-to-valve clearance, especially in 4-valve heads. Each piston weighs in at 356 grams, which helps maintain good rotating assembly balance when paired with appropriate connecting rods and a crankshaft.

This set includes everything you need to replace the pistons in your 281ci Ford Modular engine. Remember that these pistons are not CARB approved and cannot be shipped to California. Always refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions for proper fitment and assembly procedures to ensure the longevity of your engine build.