Pistons

[SHobbs]

I've been reading good and bad about the pistons on the 04.5 and up engines. What's the story on them? I only plan on adding about 60hp to the truck, curious if it will survive.

 

[Ozymandias]

Mine survives years with that rating, not the slightest problem with it, running the Smarty JR on Towing all the time. 60Hp is just playing around.
I think it's more of an issue if we talk about really high HP numbers, double and triple the factory ratings.

 

[AH64ID]

They are weakest piston design ever used in a 5.9, but they aren’t weak. Don’t run too much timing and you’ll be just fine. 60hp is nothing. They are designed around emissions and are easier to melt, and actually don’t burn as clean as the 03/04 style, but they work well for most users.

If you ever have to rebuild I’d go with the 03/04 piston style, but it’s not worth rebuilding just to swap pistons.