OEM vs Vertex vs Pro-X ??

[terrobelone]

So I need a new piston for my cylinder to get re-plated I want to run a CAST piston as wiseco's have just given me problems.?

My question is what is the differences between Vertex ( besides the coating) OEM and Pro-x

I am leaning towards the Vertex as it is heat treated? But are they all heat treated ?

Dose the coating cause any issues ?

THIS IS NOT A CAST VS FORGED THREAD PLEASE DON'T MAKE IT ONE !!!!

I WANT TO RUN A CAST AND I AM AWARE I WILL BE CHANGING THE PISTONS OUT AT 40HOURS

[rpt50]

MXA has an excellent discussion of piston types and treatments,etc. in a recent issue (maybe this month--can't remember).

[terrobelone]

whats the article called i will search for it

i should have mentioned this is for a 2001 honda CR250

[youngztr]

For Japanese bikes, Pro-X and OEM are then same. Pro-X makes the pistons for Jap bikes. I’ve not used Vertex, yet. But I do have a Namura piston kit for my DRZ waiting to be installed whenever I get into the garage to install it!! Hope it works as well as OEM.

Edited December 9, 2011 by youngztr

[camman]

Vertex is also OEM for KTM and many other European brands.

[terrobelone]

i might give vertex a try

[terrobelone]

.. i ordered pro-x hope to get 40 hours out of it

[Dirtymutt9]

ive run them all. as long as you change them at the proper interval you will have no issues.

have fun!

[bbohannon]

Vertex is the stock KTM piston

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

For Japanese bikes, Pro-X and OEM are then same. Pro-X makes the pistons for Jap bikes. I’ve not used Vertex, yet. But I do have a Namura piston kit for my DRZ waiting to be installed whenever I get into the garage to install it!! Hope it works as well as OEM.

have done any research on the namura product ?

[terrobelone]

have done any research on the namura product ?

chinese crap no thank you?

[MotoRoku]

I like to use vertex because of the moly coating, and its usually cheaper than OEM and Prox. At least it is for my yz250

[argclh6670]

chinese crap no thank you?

Terro,

we run them, we like them, we beat the piss out of'em, they hold up as well as OEM and Pro-x in my opinion.

[shrubitup]

chinese crap no thank you?

Japanese product made in Taiwan. Got one in mine. Works great. $56.

[Craigo]

Vertex is probably the best of a bad bunch....?

Got to be forged to live at my house.....?

[The Spanky]

For Japanese bikes, Pro-X and OEM are then same. Pro-X makes the pistons for Jap bikes. I’ve not used Vertex, yet. But I do have a Namura piston kit for my DRZ waiting to be installed whenever I get into the garage to install it!! Hope it works as well as OEM.

Pro-X does NOT make OEM pistons. Pro-X buys their OEM-replacement pistons from ART, the same company that makes the OEM pistons for all of the Japanese manufacturers.

[CamP]

Pro-X, Vertex and OEM are all equally good. Use the one that costs the least.

[The Spanky]

Or just put a Wiseco in it, break it in right, warm it up properly, and ride with the peace of mind that you have a better-than-OEM piston in your engine. ?

[youngztr]

I keep reading about folks who break pistons??? What do you guys do to your pistons?? I’ve recreationally ridden two and four stroke bikes for 150 to 200 hours before changing an OEM piston. Even in my KX250. I’ve run the same OEM piston in a KDX 220 since the cylinder was replated. Its on its 3rd set of OEM rings and still going strong. I don’t know, do you guys install the piston with a hammer and a pair of pliers or something?

Sorry OP, just couldn’t resist!! But you’ve already bought a good piston for your bike. Happy trails.

[Keith72]

I think proper warm up is a good way to make a piston last. If you start it and rev the crap out of it before its warmed up dont expect your piston to last very long. Not saying the OP does that but ive seen it every time I go to the track or trails. Then they go on the internet saying that such and such brand is crap. Ive used cast and forged pistons, Wiseco, Pro-X and oem. Had the same success with all of them.