Anybody still running the Ole Venolia Pistons?

I ended up with a set of the 287 Series and wondered if they are prone to failure like the old Blue Box Wiseco's. The ring gap was too tight at .008 on 1st and 2nd rings upon disassembly. Other than that they are in great shape. The person had the Russ Collins adjustable cams installed wrong and bent 3 valves so it never got started. Worth attempting a reuse??

Bump. Anyone??

I dont htink many members here have experience with Venolia pistons. I had a set in my KZ750 twin. I would measure the piston and bore and if it was in spec I would run it.

Thank-You for the reply! These have the cross hatch final bore to the top and no variance in bore taper, basically new/fresh. They look like forged but do "you remember" the cyl to liner clearance for this set-up? Tight like cast or looser like forged. I havn't measured the clearance yet, have not had time but will.

Unfortunately Venolia is out of business so you cant call them up. I think all Venolia pistons were forged, but even within forged pistons the piston to cyl clearance can vary depending on the alloy, usually a 4032 alloy for street engines, but a 2618 alloy are not uncommon. without knowing the suggested application it will be impossible to guess. 4032 expands less than 2618 so it will make a difference.

If the bore looks good, measure the bore to make sure it was not out of round and not tapered and run it. It will probably be fine. Worst case scenario you have some piston slap or blow by and have to take it apart, but neither is catastrophic. the alternative is to replace everything and that will be $800-1000 bucks

Hadn't realized Venolia was out of business, thought they still made stuff for the automotive market? Thanks for the tip on the alloy. Out of round/taper has already been verified and good. Ring gap corrected so i might give it a shot.

Run it!