Piston Machining Services

Piston Machining Services

Engineering the Heart of Your Engine for Maximum Cylinder Pressure

At Choate Engineering Performance, we understand that the piston is the most stressed component in a diesel engine. As power levels rise, factory pistons often become the weak link due to excessive heat and cylinder pressure. Our piston machining services are designed to prevent failure by optimizing clearances, reducing friction, and reinforcing structural integrity. Whether you are building a reliable hauler or a dedicated competition engine, our precision machining ensures your pistons are prepared for the extreme demands of high-performance diesel combustion.

Why Choose Choate Engineering Performance?

Precision Valve Reliefs (Fly-Cutting)

High-lift camshafts are essential for diesel performance, but they can lead to piston-to-valve interference. We machine precise reliefs to ensure safe clearances without compromising the structural integrity of the piston crown.

De-Lipping for Durability

The factory "lip" on many diesel pistons is a common failure point under high heat. By removing this lip, we reduce the risk of heat-induced cracking and improve the combustion flame path.

Advanced Thermal & Friction Coatings

We utilize specialized coatings to provide a thermal barrier on the piston crown and reduce parasitic drag on the skirts, increasing both longevity and efficiency.

Proprietary Engineering

We don't just copy factory blueprints. Through our extensive R&D and engine failure analysis, we have developed proprietary machining profiles that specifically address the thermal "hot spots" found in high-horsepower Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax applications.

Total In-House Quality Control

Every stage of our piston machining is performed in-house at our facility to maintain strict "Choate-Certified" standards.

Diesel-Specific Geometry

We understand the nuances of various bowl designs and how machining affects swirl and combustion efficiency.

OUR SPECIALIZED MACHINE SERVICES

Coated, Flycut, & Delipped

The ultimate performance package. This service includes precision fly-cutting for valve clearance, de-lipping for heat dissipation, and our full performance coating suite. This is the gold standard for high-horsepower diesel builds.

Price: $625.00

Coating

Our specialized thermal barrier coating is applied to the piston crowns. This reflects heat back into the combustion chamber, protecting the piston material from melting or weakening while improving overall thermal efficiency.

Starting at $475.00

Coating Piston Skirts

We apply a high-durability, anti-friction coating to the piston skirts. This reduces drag against the cylinder walls, protects against scuffing during cold starts, and helps manage the tight clearances required in performance engines.

Price $250.00

Delipped

We precision-machine the combustion bowl to remove the sharp factory lip. This process significantly reduces the chance of the piston "shaling" or cracking at the bowl edge under the extreme temperatures seen in performance applications.

Price: $499.00

Flycut & Delipped

This combination service prepares your pistons for both high-lift camshafts and high-heat environments. We machine the necessary valve reliefs and perform the de-lipping process to ensure your rotating assembly is rugged and reliable.

Price: $499.00

Shipping & Logistics

We serve diesel enthusiasts nationwide. Pistons are precision components and require careful handling during transit.

  • Secure Packaging: We recommend heavy-duty, double-walled boxes or custom wooden crates to prevent damage during transit.
  • Preparation: Pistons must be thoroughly cleaned and have rings and wrist pins removed before shipping for machining services.
  • Nationwide Rates: We leverage high-volume shipping discounts to provide competitive freight rates for your engine components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does machining the piston make it weaker?

When done correctly, the material removed is focused on areas that do not compromise the structural integrity. De-lipping, in particular, actually makes the piston more durable by removing a common point of thermal failure.

How much valve-to-piston clearance do I need?

While it varies by engine, we generally aim for specific clearances based on your camshaft lift and duration. Our specialists can help calculate the exact depth needed for your specific build.

Can you machine used pistons?

We highly recommend machining new pistons for any performance build. However, we can machine used pistons provided they pass our rigorous inspection phase and show no signs of micro-cracking or skirt collapse.

Service Request Checklist

To ensure your consultation is as efficient as possible, we recommend having the following information ready. However, it is perfectly fine if you don’t have all of this information available. Our diesel specialists are experts at identifying engine platforms and requirements. We are here to help you through every step of the process.

Piston Identification

  • Piston Brand/Series (e.g., Factory OEM, Mahle, Wagler, etc.)
  • Material (e.g., Cast Aluminum, Forged, Delipped-only)

Camshaft Specifications

  • Lift & Duration
  • Cam Brand

Engine Application & Goals

  • Primary Use (e.g., Daily Towing, 1/8th Mile Drag, Sled Pulling)
  • Boost Levels

Warranty Information

Choate Engineering Performance stands behind every cut we make. Our piston services are backed by a comprehensive workmanship guarantee.

  • Workmanship Guarantee: We warrant that all machining meets the specific tolerances and depths requested for your build.
  • Coating Integrity: Our coatings are applied using industry-leading processes to ensure maximum adhesion and performance.
  • Limitations: Warranty does not cover piston failure due to improper tuning (melted crowns), oil starvation, or foreign object damage.
  • Inspection Window: Please inspect your pistons within 15 days of arrival to verify all specifications meet your requirements.

Build Your Foundation Today

Don’t let your pistons be the weak link in your build. Contact us today for a professional piston machining consultation.

Call 901-553-9847 Request a Quote