All,
It was recently discovered that the AA pistons that are the only 1200 piston currently available are coming into Australia with a graphite coating and the Formula Vee regulations do not allow coatings to pistons. The National Technical Committee (NTC) looked into the coating and found that it was only a graphite coating and was easily removed with steel wool and therefore was not considered to be a performance gain in any way.All,
It was recently discovered that the AA pistons that are the only 1200 piston currently available are coming into Australia with a graphite coating and the Formula Vee regulations do not allow coatings to pistons. The National Technical Committee (NTC) looked into the coating and found that it was only a graphite coating and was easily removed with steel wool and therefore was not considered to be a performance gain in any way. The NTC and the Board of Management both agree that so long as the coating is removed prior to sealing, then the pistons are to be considered to be eligible for competition.
The follow has been copied out of the FVAA BoM minutes for May which can be viewed in the Rules and Technical” section of this website.
“AA Piston
– ML discussed AA pistons being received with a graphite coating. Agreement that since the coating can be readily removed that if it is removed before the piston is fitted then the piston is considered to be compliant for use.
– ML to upload a News item to the National Website and have a permanent note added to the Rules and Technical section.
Please feel free to use AA Pistons for your 1200 so long as you remove the graphite coating with steel wool or similar before it is fitted to the engine. What ever is used needs to only remove the graphite coating and not modify the piston in any other way.
The picture attached shows a piston as received and one that has had the graphite coating removed.
Regards
FVAA Board of Management”