Obviously the General Motors Generation V-series of engines are aimed at the performance sector, so it’s no surprise that the aftermarket is quick to jump on development of parts for them. However, looking in Wiseco’s booth, we also noticed a smaller piston for the Gen V L83 truck engine on display next to the LT1 piston.

As both the LT1 and the L83 are direct-injected engines, their pistons have the unusual dome shapes inherent with that injection method. “All the direct-injection pistons have a radically different dome profile, which is unique to each engine series,” says Evan Perkins of Wiseco. “We’ll be offering these in different compression heights, different valve pocket configurations, and different compression ratios, for guys who may want to boost their naturally-aspirated LT1, or just upgrade their LT4.”

While the two piston dome shapes may look different when placed side by side, they are actually quite similar, relying heavily on the OEM dome profile as a basis off which to expand. “There are thousands of hours of research and development in the OEM profile, so we want to take advantage of that instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, in regards to that dome profile,” Perkins says.

When we asked about the reasoning behind the truck engine pistons, the answer was two-fold. “The truck market is pretty strong. There are a lot of guys putting turbos and superchargers on their trucks, and ordering the lower-compression L83 pistons,” says Perkins. “We also anticipate that, like the rest of the LS world, [the L83s] will be finding their way into a lot of different custom applications as well. There will be a lot more Silverados that find their way to the scrap yard than Camaros or Corvettes, so we’re preparing for that.”

Made from forged 2618 aluminum, both of Wiseco’s Gen V pistons will be available with Wiseco’s proprietary ArmorPlating piston coating and ArmorGlide skirt coatings. Designed to not only reduce friction, the ArmorPlating also reduces blow-by through improved “fit” of the ring lands to the ring, and improves detonation protection.