86 corvette pistons

[James Adelizzi]

Hi
I own a 1986 corvette and I have questions about the pistons I pulled out.
The pistons have no GM marking the only marking I have is Z8222. I believe the Z stands for Zollener, who was the manufacturer of pistons for GM. Is there still a source available for these pistons. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,

[John H.]

Re: 86 corvette pistons

Zollner is still in business making pistons, but is now owned by Hastings Manufacturing (the piston ring people); try the link below.


Hastings Manufacturing

[John H.]

Re: 86 corvette pistons

Zollner is still in business making pistons, but is now owned by Hastings Manufacturing (the piston ring people); try the link below.


Hastings Manufacturing

[Joe L.]

Re: 86 corvette pistons

James-----

If you were to purchase a Zollner-manufactured piston for your application in the aftermarket, there is no guarantee that it would be the same as the OEM piston. Generally, piston manufacturers make OEM pistons differently than aftermarket product lines, if they even have aftermarket lines. In this case, you could likely obtain a Zollner replacement piston, but not necessarily an OEM-type Zollner replacement piston.

If you wish to obtain a correct, original piston, the only way to do it is to purchase one of the same GM part number as your original pistons. For 1986 L98s that part number was GM #14093695 for a standard bore size piston and GM #14093697 for a 0.030" over piston. Unfortunately, those part numbers were discontinued in April, 1991 and April, 1990, respectively.

Replacements for the above-referenced are available from GM, though. These are GM #10049079 for the standard bore size and GM #10049081 for the .030" over-bore. However, there is no guarantee that these pistons are manufactured by Zollner. Given the part number change, I'd say that it's likely that they may be manufactured by another manufacturer or, even, internally by GM. In any event, these pistons currently GM list for $126.37/EACH, so you really have to be committed to using an OEM-type piston if you purchase them.

I'd recommend using a Keith Black Signature Series/Silvolite or Federal-Mogul/Sterling hypereutectic cast piston.

[Joe L.]

Re: 86 corvette pistons

James-----

If you were to purchase a Zollner-manufactured piston for your application in the aftermarket, there is no guarantee that it would be the same as the OEM piston. Generally, piston manufacturers make OEM pistons differently than aftermarket product lines, if they even have aftermarket lines. In this case, you could likely obtain a Zollner replacement piston, but not necessarily an OEM-type Zollner replacement piston.

If you wish to obtain a correct, original piston, the only way to do it is to purchase one of the same GM part number as your original pistons. For 1986 L98s that part number was GM #14093695 for a standard bore size piston and GM #14093697 for a 0.030" over piston. Unfortunately, those part numbers were discontinued in April, 1991 and April, 1990, respectively.

Replacements for the above-referenced are available from GM, though. These are GM #10049079 for the standard bore size and GM #10049081 for the .030" over-bore. However, there is no guarantee that these pistons are manufactured by Zollner. Given the part number change, I'd say that it's likely that they may be manufactured by another manufacturer or, even, internally by GM. In any event, these pistons currently GM list for $126.37/EACH, so you really have to be committed to using an OEM-type piston if you purchase them.

I'd recommend using a Keith Black Signature Series/Silvolite or Federal-Mogul/Sterling hypereutectic cast piston.