IE has worked with Mahle for several years, developing leading performing pistons offering industry-leading features. These custom spec pistons are engineered for your VW/Audi 2008+ 2.0T TSI high-performance engine to build, offering unmatched strength and longevity when coupled with IE connecting rods.

OPTIMIZED COMPRESSION RATIOS

These pistons are engineered with compression ratios very close to the factory 2.0T TSI (EA888 Gen 1,2, &3) compression ratios. We have tested these engines with several other compression ratios, both lower and higher and found that they are very susceptible to knocking due to the complexity and precision of the direct injection system. The compression ratio varies depending on the 2.0T TSI engine generation. 

Compression ratio by engine:

• VW/Audi 2.0T TSI EA888 Gen 1 & 2 (2008-2014): 9.5:1 CR
• VW/Audi 2.0T TSI EA888 Gen 3 (2015+): 9.3:1 CR

OPTIONAL BORE SIZES

IE Spec Mahle Pistons are available in two bore sizes to suit your build. 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. We recommend overbore pistons on most builds (unless the engine has very low miles) to ensure a perfect piston to cylinder fit and long-life operation. 

REQUIRES AFTERMARKET CONNECTING RODS

These piston sets include high-quality 22mm diameter German steel wrist pins and wire locks. Strenuous testing of multiple pin sizes on this piston and engine combination has determined the 22mm pin is ideal for weight, strength, and durability. A 2.0T TSI-specific connecting rod with a non-tapered 22mm small end is required to match these pistons. IE offers multiple industry-leading performances connecting rod options that are a direct fit and perfect match for your 2.0T TSI bottom-end build.

RACE ENGINE STRENGTH WITH OE RELIABILITY

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 necessary for smooth operation with the direct injection system. If this dish shape is not used, combustion is poor, and engines do not run smoothly. They need to fit like them to call these pistons the ultimate replacements for OEM. They are made with the same oil squirter notches found on factory pistons. These Pistons do not require any modifications for squirter clearance or fitment. 

GRAFAL SKIRT COATING

These pistons are coated with Mahle’s Grafal skirt coating to maintain OEM-like wear characteristics. 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 the initial startup and break-in of the engine to prevent micro-welding and galling. Features like these allow these pistons to last thousands of miles, just like OEM units.

LONG-LIFE PISTON ALLOY

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, allowing pistons to operate like OEM, quietly and smoothly. 

MAHLE PERFORMANCE PISTON RINGS

A set of performance piston rings is included, featuring a barrel-faced top ring, ductile iron, and a 3-piece oil ring. These rings are designed to eliminate unnecessary drag, which reduces friction and increases power. The clearances between the rings and piston have been brought in very tightly to reduce blow-by to maximize power output. This is achieved by hard anodizing the top ring lands, which prevents micro-welding, which could be caused otherwise. Beneath the top ring and second ring lands an accumulator groove machined, providing a cavity where blow-by gasses can collect. This reduces pressure between rings while eliminating ring flutter and keeping top rings sealed securely against the bores.