IE Spec Mahle Motorsport performance Pistons

IE has worked with Mahle for several years now to bring some of the highest performing and longest lasting forged pistons to the VAG market. We are proud to offer these pistons for the VW & Audi MK7/MQB 2.0T Gen 3 TSI engines, offering industry-leading features, OEM fitment, and OEM-like wear characteristics. These pistons are recommended for any high performance engine build, as they offer unparalleled strength and longevity.

The only way to make an aftermarket performance piston operate like an OEM piston is to design it like one. These pistons are designed with a proprietary factory-style dish on the crown, which is absolutely necessary for smooth operation with the direct injection system. If this shape of dish is not used, combustion is poor and engines do not run smoothly. We offer these pistons in 9.3:1, which is very close to the factory MK7/MQB 2.0T compression ratio. We have tested these engines with several other compression ratios, both lower and higher. We have found that they are very susceptible to knocking, due to the complexity and precision of the direct injection system.

To maximize power output, the clearances between the rings and piston have been brought in very tightly to reduce blow by. This is achieved by hard anodizing the top ring lands, which prevents micro welding which could be caused otherwise.

To maintain OEM-like wear characteristics, these pistons are coated with Mahle’s Grafal skirt coating. This coating reduces friction on the skirts, keeping them quiet and from wearing over time- extending piston life. The grey appearance of these pistons is due to a phosphate coating. Providing a lubricant film in the pin bores and ring grooves, this coating is essential for initial startup and break-in of the engine to prevent micro welding and galling. Features like these are what allow these pistons to last for thousands of miles, just like OEM units.

In order to call these pistons the ultimate replacements for OEM, they need to fit like them. They are made with the same oil squirter notches found on factory pistons. These do not require any squirter clearancing or modification for fitment.

These pistons are manufactured from Mahle’s proprietary 142P alloy. This unique alloy offers the low-expansion characteristics of 4032 but strength near that of 2618 alloy. The low-expansion quality allows piston-to-wall clearances to be set tight, which allow the pistons to operate like OEM, quietly and smoothly.

Included is a set of performance piston rings, featuring a barrel-faced top ring, ductile iron, and 3 piece oil ring. These rings are designed to eliminate unnecessary drag, which reduces friction and increases power. Each set also includes high quality German steel wrist pins and wire locks, which are 22mm in diameter. From testing different piston sizes on these engines, we have determined that the 22mm pin is ideal for strength and durability. To match these pistons, we offer our IERTVN1 and IERHVN1 connecting rods, which are a direct-fit. 

Beneath the top ring and second ring lands an accumulator groove is machined, which provides a cavity where blow-by gasses can collect. This reduces pressure between rings, while virtually eliminating ring flutter and keeps top rings sealed securely against the bores.

The available in 82.5mm (stock bore size) when paired with a set of our rods are ready to drop in and run in your engine, without the need to remove the block. We also offer them with +.5mm overbore (83mm bore), which increases displacement to 2008cc and allows you to bore and hone the block to the exact specifications required to ensure best results.

Comptible Connecting Rods

IE Tuscan I-beam rod set for MK7/MQB 2.0T gen 3 engines IERTVN1
IE H-beam rod set for MK7/MQB 2.0T gen 3 engines IERHVN1 & IERHVN1-RD