SEMA 2012: JE Expands Asymmetrical Line, Introduces Pro Seal Gaskets

JE Pistons’ asymmetrical piston design is now available for LS and Ford modular engines along with the 4-cylinder Boxer powering the highly popular Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota 86 (above).

“We’re offering asymmetrical piston skirts for the first time in an LS application,” says Jerry Roche, senior technical sales advisor at JE Pistons.

An asymmetrical piston design has one piston skirt larger than the other. The larger handles the stress inherent to the major thrust side of the piston, while the less surface area on the smaller side that carries less load helps reduce the overall friction of the piston.

JE uses advanced design and prototype techniques to develop its pistons. Shown left is the new Ford modular piston, and on the right is the asymmetrical piston for the LS.

To maintain piston balance, the asymmetrical piston features an offset wrist-pin location, which also helps with reducing noise and increasing ring seal and stability. The wrist pin is shorter for reduced weight, but JE says there is no loss of strength. The pistons are constructed from 2618 alloy forgings and feature a smooth crown that doesn’t require deburring.

JE first developed asymmetrical pistons for popular imports, such as Honda, Acura, Nissan, Toyota and Audis. JE will announce hundreds of new applications for the piston line over the next year, but showed off the LS, Ford and Boxer models at SEMA.

Also new for 2012 is an extension of 23-degree F.S.R. hollow-dome gas-ported pistons for small-block Chevys. JE says these pistons are targeted at circle track and drag racing as they can reduce weight up 70 grams over a full-skirt piston. The piston also features deeper valve pockets and can accept a low-friction ring package. They’re available in bore sizes from 4.125-inch up to 4.185-inch.

The new JE Pro Seal gaskets feature multi stainless-steel layers that are cut and embossed precisely.

Finally, JE showed off its new Pro Seal gasket line designed for racing engines. These multi-layer gaskets are made from advanced manufacturing processes, such as in-line laser cutting and multi-stage embossing.

“All the layers are the same,” says Roche. “That way the expansion rate is the same. All the machine work and die-cutting is done before the coating is applied. There are no sharp edges are the cutting.”

The Pro Seal gaskets are available for domestic and import engines.