
Building a stronger Volkswagen 2.0T TSI for increased boost, spirited street driving, or weekend track use? The JE Pistons Forged Piston Kit, part number 353859, gives your turbocharged four-cylinder engine a performance-focused foundation without requiring a different bore size from the standard 82.5mm configuration. Whether you're repairing a damaged bottom end or planning a more ambitious turbo setup, these American-made 2618 forged aluminum pistons offer the strength and ductility needed for demanding engine builds.
Designed around the VW 2.0T TSI 23mm wrist pin configuration, this set features a 9.6:1 nominal compression ratio, -7.10cc dished crown, and JE's lightweight Forged Side Relief (FSR) design. Accumulator grooves help improve ring control under high cylinder pressure, while precision pin fitting and coated piston skirts address friction, wear, and operating noise. With JE Pro Seal rings, wrist pins, and retaining locks included, this is a complete four-piston package for enthusiasts who want to build their engine properly the first time.
Key Features & Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | JE Pistons |
| Part Number | 353859 |
| Piston Series | JE Pistons |
| Product Type | Forged Engine Piston Kit |
| Engine Application | Volkswagen 2.0T TSI |
| Engine Detail | 2013+ European / 2015+ USA 2.0T TSI, 23mm Pin |
| Cylinder Head | 2.0 TSI |
| Engine Displacement | 2.0L |
| Piston Material | Forged 2618 Aluminum |
| Forging Type | FSR (Forged Side Relief) |
| Bore Diameter | 82.50mm (3.248 in.) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 Nominal |
| Piston Head Type | Dish / Inverted Dome |
| Piston Volume | -7.10cc |
| Compression Height | 1.165 in. |
| Engine Stroke | 3.654 in. (92.8mm) |
| Connecting Rod Length | 5.669 in. |
| Wrist Pin Material | 5115 Low-Carbon Steel, Case Hardened |
| Wrist Pin Diameter | 0.905 in. (23mm Nominal) |
| Wrist Pin Length | 2.250 in. |
| Wrist Pin Wall Thickness | 0.150 in. |
| Top Compression Ring Thickness | 0.0400 in. |
| Second Compression Ring Thickness | 0.0480 in. |
| Oil Ring Thickness | 0.111 in. |
| Top Ring Groove Width | 0.04000 in. |
| Second Ring Groove Width | 0.04800 in. |
| Oil Ring Groove Width | 0.11100 in. |
| Intake Valve Relief Depth | 0.190 in. |
| Intake Valve Relief Diameter | 1.440 in. |
| Intake Valve Relief Angle | 23° |
| Exhaust Valve Relief Angle | 23° |
| Accumulator Groove | Yes |
| Precision Pin Fit | Yes |
| Skirt Coating | Yes |
| Smooth Crown Finish | No |
| Thermal Crown Coating | No |
| Lateral Gas Ports | No |
| Top Ring Groove Anodizing | No |
| Piston Ring Set | JE Pro Seal, Included |
| Ring Set Reference | JG1001-3250 |
| Wrist Pins | Included |
| Wrist Pin Locks | Included |
| Piston Quantity | 4 |
| Manufacturing Location | USA |
| GTIN | 00193564031846 |
Kit Includes:
4 x JE Pistons FSR Forged 2618 Aluminum Pistons
JE Pro Seal Piston Ring Set
4 x Case-Hardened 5115 Steel Wrist Pins
Wrist Pin Retaining Locks
Volkswagen's 2.0T TSI is a popular engine for performance builds, but additional boost and cylinder pressure place greater demands on the rotating assembly. Choosing the right forged pistons is an important part of preparing the engine for more aggressive use.
JE's 2618 forged aluminum construction offers strength and ductility suited to elevated combustion pressures. These pistons provide a performance-oriented alternative to factory-style internals for builders who want to upgrade the bottom end while retaining the specified 82.5mm bore and 9.6:1 compression configuration.
The 23mm wrist pin design is especially important when selecting compatible connecting rods. This set is intended for the later 23mm-pin TSI engine configuration rather than earlier variants using different wrist pin diameters.
JE's proprietary FSR forging reduces piston skirt width to help minimize friction and unnecessary reciprocating mass. The design also accommodates a shorter wrist pin while maintaining a structure suitable for demanding performance applications.
Reducing friction and reciprocating weight can be valuable in an engine that sees frequent acceleration, sustained high RPM, and increased turbocharger output.
As cylinder pressure increases, combustion gases trapped between the top and second piston rings can affect ring stability.
JE's accumulator groove adds volume between the rings, helping reduce pressure buildup and limit ring flutter. This supports more consistent top-ring sealing during demanding operating conditions.
JE's skirt coating is designed to reduce friction and wear between the piston skirts and cylinder walls. It also helps reduce operating noise, which can be especially useful in a street-driven engine using 2618 forged pistons.
The precision-honed wrist pin bores provide controlled pin-to-piston clearance. JE identifies typical pin-fit clearances of 0.0003 to 0.0010 inches, with final measurements determined by the engine builder.
Together with the included JE Pro Seal rings and wrist pin hardware, these features make the 353859 kit a practical choice for a properly engineered turbocharged Volkswagen engine build.
Fitment & Installation Notes:
Volkswagen 2.0T TSI: Designed for the 23mm wrist pin engine configuration.
Engine Application Reference: 2013+ European / 2015+ USA 2.0T TSI configurations identified by JE. Verify the specific engine code before ordering.
Bore Requirement: 82.50mm finished cylinder bore.
Wrist Pin Compatibility: Requires connecting rods compatible with the supplied 23mm wrist pins.
Pin Configuration: Not interchangeable with 21mm or 22mm wrist pin applications without compatible engine components.
Compression Ratio: Nominal 9.6:1 for the specified engine geometry. Final assembled compression ratio depends on combustion chamber volume, head gasket dimensions, and deck clearance.
Piston Configuration: -7.10cc dished crown with 1.165-inch compression height.
Engine Stroke: Designed around the listed 3.654-inch stroke.
Cylinder Machining: Measure cylinder bores and establish the correct piston-to-wall clearance using JE's specifications and the actual piston measurements.
Piston Rings: Measure and adjust ring end gaps for the intended boost pressure, fuel type, and operating conditions.
Valve Clearance: Confirm piston-to-valve clearance during assembly, particularly with aftermarket camshafts or modified cylinder heads.
Connecting Rods: Verify rod length, small-end diameter, and wrist pin compatibility before assembly.
Engine Calibration: Proper fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost control are essential for a reliable modified turbocharged engine.
Horsepower Rating: No specific horsepower limit is published for part 353859. Engine capability depends on the complete rotating assembly, cylinder preparation, supporting components, and tuning.
Whether you're rebuilding a tired TSI engine or assembling a stronger bottom end for a bigger turbocharger, the JE Pistons 353859 kit brings forged 2618 construction, FSR design, improved ring-control features, and skirt coating to a complete four-cylinder performance piston package.