Are pistons & liners matched in a new kit?

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   Just received a new overhaul kit from A&I for a CA. Are the pistons and liners matched to each other? They came boxed with the piston inside the liner, but there are no markings or tags that specifically mate the two together? 

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J&J Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bronze Level Joined: 24 Apr 2021 Location: IN Points: 43	Post Options Post Reply Quote J&J Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Are pistons & liners matched in a new kit? Posted: 31 Jan 2026 at 12:07pm
	Just received a new overhaul kit from A&I for a CA. Are the pistons and liners matched to each other? They came boxed with the piston inside the liner, but there are no markings or tags that specifically mate the two together?

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RedHeeler79 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Level Joined: 09 Sep 2023 Location: NE Kansas Points: 235	Post Options Post Reply Quote RedHeeler79 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2026 at 12:33pm
	No, they’re generally not matched. Just mass produced and packaged as a set. Would undoubtedly cost considerably more if they were factory matched. As long as the manufacturer maintains tight quality control / tolerances, all should be good. You could take the time to measure piston to wall clearance and ring gap (recommended), and put together the closest matches you can achieve with what you have…. I bet most people don’t though. And if they’re on the loose end of spec, there’s not much you can do anyway.

RedHeeler79 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Level Joined: 09 Sep 2023 Location: NE Kansas Points: 235	Post Options Post Reply Quote RedHeeler79 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jan 2026 at 12:36pm
	Unfortunately, most engine parts that i see currently being produced are made overseas (chineseum), and in my opinion, not the top quality that you used to be able to get with the old USA made brands of years ago. I always try hard to find NOS stuff, but not always possible. Sad, but unfortunately what we’re faced with in today’s world. Edited by RedHeeler79 - 31 Jan 2026 at 12:37pm

Alex09(WI) Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 15 Mar 2012 Location: CECIL WI Points: 1769	Post Options Post Reply Quote Alex09(WI) Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 minutes ago at 12:10pm
	Nothing has been matched like that since Rolls-Royce was hand assembling Merlin V12's in 1940. Interchangable parts is the industry standard for mass production. All parts are made to specific tolerances so they may be interchanged in any different engine, within that model. Don't expect any piston/sleeve these days to be size matched to one another.
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