CLASSIC AND HISTORIC PISTONS
Modern manufacturing techniques are not just the preserve of the latest ground-breaking supercars. They are equally applicable to the legion of classic and historic cars from decades gone by. We have spent over 60 years developing our automotive credentials and are able to use our wealth of experience and state-of-the-art facilities to produce custom pistons, whether for classic car restoration or customers racing with historic motorsport vehicles. Whatever the requirement, we have the solution.
The Cosworth name is steeped in motorsport and automotive history; we are respectful of our own heritage and recognise the importance of preserving the past. We can draw on our latest technology, including 3D mapping and reverse engineering expertise, to reproduce classic pistons and piston parts accurately to their original designs.
When it comes to complete redesigns of engine pistons, we are able to maintain the integrity of the original while reducing mass, enhancing performance and improving reliability. Our suite of analysis tools and sophisticated piston machining techniques give us complete flexibility to adapt to the individual requirements of our customers. A large range of different forgings are available, meaning we can tailor the design of forged pistons to the specific needs of each engine.
Our proven approach to the design and manufacture of performance pistons for classic and historic vehicles is perfectly demonstrated by the impressive roster of marques with whom we have worked: Jaguar, Aston Martin, MG, Porsche, Austin Healey, Ferrari, Ford, Bristol, Honda, Kawasaki and Harley Davidson, to name just some.
We also manufacture motorsport pistons for our own historic engines, from our iconic DFV engine, which – with 155 victories to its name – remains the most successful engine in Formula 1 history. It is not only classic racing pistons and car pistons that we are able to meticulously recreate or modernise, we have also manufactured components for aerospace and aviation customers. Using our in-house experts and cutting-edge facilities we have been able to support projects that have returned legendary planes to the sky. One such example in recent years was our work with the Royal Navy to reproduce pistons for the oldest surviving Fairey Swordfish Mk1 bi plane in the world.
As a group of passionate engineers and technologists, our team thrives on a challenge; taking projects back to their core, stripping them down for re-engineering, or painstakingly recreating them from scratch, is a labour of love. Piston manufacturing is a specialism that we are proud to have as part of our wider company offering; no matter how far back into history you delve, classic vehicles form part of our collective history. It is down to our appreciation for the artistry and technical prowess under the skin of historic cars and aircraft that we are able to use to our modern-day technology to preserve and modernise these vehicles for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Case studies
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WIND TUNNEL TESTING
Wind tunnel testing has been a key component of aerodynamic development for decades... MORE >
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BTCC HYBRID
Motorsport has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and setting new standards... MORE >
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ALIVEDRIVE APP
Our partnership with General Motors resulted in development of the industry-leading Performance Data Recorder (PDR). MORE >
A V12 like no other! We’ve pushed the boundaries developing the #engine for the @PlanetGMA T.50s Niki Lauda. The naturally aspirated #V12 weighs just 162kgs and revs to 12,100rpm – that’s more power than the T.50. https://bit.ly/3aW68Fe #Automotive #Engineering
When you need exceptional results under extreme conditions, our #pistons are designed and manufactured to the highest quality. Discover more: https://bit.ly/2ZG42TF #Automotive #Manufacturing