Episode

Why Steel Pistons and Cylinder Heads? Why Now?

Podcast: Cycle World Podcast
Published: Feb 4, 2026
Duration seconds: 3806
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Canonical source: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cycle-world/episodes/Why-Steel-Pistons-and-Cylinder-Heads--Why-Now-e3ekv09
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Summary

In the early days of internal combustion engines, pistons were typically made of steel, but it wasn't long before aluminum took over (thanks, W.O. Bentley). But steel pistons and even cylinder heads are coming back in special applications. Kevin and Mark dive in to 3D printed steel pistons, turbo housings, and steel cylinder heads in F1 and other racing. The guys take a deep dive into boost, piston temperature, lean burn, diesel, additive manufacturing and so much more.