94 X 82 Piston & Cylinder Kit, Forged Pistons, 2276cc

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled engine to the pinnacle of performance with the 94mm x 82mm Piston and Cylinder Kit, specifically engineered to create a powerhouse 2276cc displacement. This kit is the gold standard for Volkswagen enthusiasts looking to extract maximum torque and horsepower from their Type 1 upright engine. By utilizing forged pistons, this kit offers superior structural integrity compared to standard cast alternatives, allowing your engine to withstand higher combustion temperatures and increased RPM ranges without the fear of piston failure. Whether you are building a high-performance street car that needs to merge into modern traffic with ease or a dedicated drag racer looking for consistent mid-track pull, these forged pistons provide the reliability and expansion control necessary for long-term engine health. The 2276cc configuration is widely regarded as one of the most balanced "big-bore" combinations, providing a massive increase in cubic centimeters while maintaining enough cylinder wall thickness to ensure proper cooling and longevity.

Precision is the hallmark of this kit, featuring matched sets of cylinders and pistons that are balanced to tight tolerances. The cylinders are crafted from high-quality cast iron, featuring optimized finning to dissipate heat rapidlya critical factor in air-cooled engines where oil and air are the only defense against thermal breakdown. The "B" style pistons included in this kit are specifically designed for use with a stroker crankshaft, such as an 82mm unit, ensuring that the wrist pin height is correctly offset to prevent the piston from protruding too far out of the cylinder or hitting the counterweights. When you invest in this 2276cc kit, you aren''t just buying parts; you are buying the foundation for a legendary engine build. It is designed for the serious builder who understands that performance is nothing without durability. From the high-tension ring sets that provide an airtight seal to the heavy-duty wrist pins that handle the reciprocating mass of a stroker build, every component in this kit is selected to deliver a professional-grade experience.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for high-performance Type 1 air-cooled engines and requires significant engine case and cylinder head machining. It is compatible with the following models provided they are running a modified 1600cc based engine case:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954-1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1954-1971 (Type 2 with Type 1 Engine)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback: 1962-1973 (Type 3)
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing a VW Type 1 engine case.

SPECS

• Engine Displacement: 2276cc (When paired with an 82mm stroke crankshaft).
• Piston Diameter: 94mm.
• Crankshaft Stroke Compatibility: 82mm (B-Style Stroker Pistons).
• Piston Material: Forged Aluminum for maximum strength and heat resistance.
• Cylinder Material: High-density Cast Iron with optimized cooling fins.
• Wrist Pin Size: 22mm (Heavy-duty steel).
• Case Machining Required: 97mm (Standard for 94mm cylinders).
• Cylinder Head Machining Required: 101.1mm.
• Kit Includes: 4 Forged Pistons, 4 Cast Iron Cylinders, complete set of Piston Rings, 4 Wrist Pins, and Wire Retaining Clips.
• Compression Height: Reduced for stroker applications to maintain proper geometry.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Measuring Your Deck Height is Non-Negotiable. When building a 2276cc engine, your deck height (the distance from the top of the piston at Top Dead Center to the top of the cylinder) is the most critical variable for determining your compression ratio and preventing valve-to-piston interference. Aim for a deck height between .040'' and .060'' for a street-performance engine. If your deck height is too tight, use copper head shims or cylinder base shims to adjust. Never assume the cylinders will be the perfect length out of the box; always mock up and measure every single cylinder individually to ensure a balanced and safe engine.

Pro Tip 2: Proper Ring Gapping for High Heat. Since these are forged pistons, they tend to expand more than cast pistons when they reach operating temperature. It is absolutely vital that you check and set your piston ring end gap before installation. For a high-performance 2276cc build, a general rule of thumb is .004'' of gap for every inch of bore. For a 94mm (3.700'') bore, you should look for a top ring gap of approximately .015'' to .017''. Failing to gap your rings can lead to the ring ends touching as they expand, which will result in broken ring lands or catastrophic cylinder wall scoring.

Pro Tip 3: The Critical Break-In Procedure. To ensure that your new 94mm rings seat perfectly against the cast iron cylinder walls, you must follow a strict break-in protocol. Use a high-quality non-synthetic 30w break-in oil with high ZDDP (zinc and phosphorus) content. During the first 20 minutes of operation, keep the RPMs between 2,000 and 2,500 to ensure the camshaft is lubricated and the rings are under enough pressure to seat. Avoid idling the engine for long periods during the first 500 miles, and do not switch to full synthetic oil until the rings have fully seated and oil consumption has stabilized. This ensures a lifetime of high compression and minimal blow-by.