
Building a stronger Volkswagen 2.0T TSI for a bigger turbocharger, increased boost, or a fresh performance rebuild? The JE Pistons FSR Forged Piston Kit, part number 353860, provides a performance-focused foundation for a properly engineered turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Whether you're repairing a damaged piston, refreshing a worn bottom end, or preparing your VW for more demanding street and track driving, these American-made forged pistons offer the strength and ductility required for elevated cylinder pressures.
Designed for the 23mm wrist pin version of the 2.0T TSI, this set features an 83.00mm bore, 9.6:1 nominal compression ratio, and -7.80cc dished crown. JE's Forged Side Relief design helps reduce friction and unnecessary reciprocating weight, while accumulator grooves improve ring stability under load. Precision pin fitting and coated skirts further address wear, friction, and operating noise. With JE Pro Seal piston rings, wrist pins, and retaining locks included, the kit provides the essential piston components for a carefully assembled performance short block.
Key Features & Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | JE Pistons |
| Part Number | 353860 |
| Piston Series | JE Pistons |
| Product Type | Forged Engine Piston Kit |
| Engine Application | Volkswagen 2.0T TSI |
| Manufacturer 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 | 83.00mm |
| Overbore | +0.50mm Over Standard 82.50mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 Nominal |
| Piston Head Type | Dish |
| Piston Volume | -7.80cc |
| Compression Height | 1.165 in. |
| Engine Stroke | 3.654 in. (92.8mm) |
| Connecting Rod Length | 5.669 in. (144mm) |
| Wrist Pin Material | 5115 Low Carbon Steel, Case Hardened |
| Wrist Pin Outer Diameter | 0.905 in. (23mm Nominal) |
| Wrist Pin Length | 2.250 in. |
| Wrist Pin Wall Thickness | 0.180 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 |
| Thermal Crown Coating | No |
| Lateral Gas Ports | No |
| Smooth Crown Finish | No |
| Top Ring Groove Anodizing | No |
| Piston Ring Set | JE Pro Seal, Included |
| Recommended Ring Set | JG1004-3268 |
| Wrist Pins | Included |
| Wrist Pin Locks | Included |
| Piston Quantity | 4 |
| Manufacturing Location | USA |
| GTIN | 00193564036698 |
Kit Includes:
4 x JE Pistons FSR Forged 2618 Aluminum Pistons
JE Pro Seal Premium Piston Ring Set
4 x Case-Hardened 5115 Steel Wrist Pins
Wrist Pin Retaining Locks
Volkswagen's 2.0T TSI is a capable platform for performance upgrades, but increasing boost and cylinder pressure places additional demands on the engine's internal components. A properly built short block needs pistons that match those goals, not simply another set of factory-style replacements.
JE uses forged 2618 aluminum for its strength and ductility under demanding combustion conditions. The material makes this kit a suitable starting point for performance engine builders assembling a turbocharged setup intended for more aggressive use.
The 83.00mm bore is 0.50mm larger than the standard 82.50mm bore, making this piston set an option for blocks being professionally bored and honed to the required oversize.
JE's proprietary FSR forging uses a reduced piston skirt width to help decrease friction and unnecessary reciprocating mass. The design also allows a shorter wrist pin, further reducing weight within the piston assembly.
For an engine that sees frequent acceleration, sustained higher RPM, or demanding track sessions, reducing unnecessary reciprocating weight is a useful part of the overall rotating assembly design.
Under high cylinder pressure, combustion gases that pass the top compression ring can collect between the first and second rings.
JE's accumulator groove provides additional space for these gases, helping reduce pressure buildup and limit ring flutter. This supports more consistent top-ring sealing during demanding turbocharged operation.
The piston skirts feature JE's friction-reducing coating, designed to limit wear between the pistons and cylinder walls while also helping reduce operating noise.
JE precision-hones the wrist pin bores to achieve controlled pin clearance. Typical pin-to-bore clearances range from 0.0003 to 0.0010 inches, with final measurements established during engine assembly.
This kit includes case-hardened 5115 steel wrist pins, JE Pro Seal rings, and retaining locks, giving builders the core components needed for piston installation.
For Volkswagen 2.0T enthusiasts rebuilding an engine or preparing for more ambitious turbocharged performance, JE Pistons 353860 offers a strong combination of forged construction, lightweight FSR design, and friction-reducing features.
Fitment & Installation Notes:
Volkswagen 2.0T TSI: Designed for compatible engine configurations requiring 23mm wrist pins and the specified piston geometry.
Engine Generation: Manufacturer application designation is 2013+ European / 2015+ USA 2.0T TSI. Confirm the engine code rather than relying on vehicle model year alone.
Required Finished Bore: 83.00mm.
Overbore: +0.50mm compared with the standard 82.50mm bore.
Compression Ratio: Nominal 9.6:1 with the specified engine geometry. Actual assembled compression depends on combustion chamber volume, head gasket thickness, and deck clearance.
Piston Configuration: -7.80cc dished crown with 1.165-inch compression height.
Wrist Pin Diameter: 0.905 in., approximately 23mm.
Connecting Rod Compatibility: Requires connecting rods designed to accept the supplied 23mm wrist pins.
Oil Squirter Clearance: Check piston and oil squirter clearance during installation. Some applications require oil squirter removal or suitable spacing.
Cylinder Machining: Measure the actual pistons and finish the bores to JE's required piston-to-wall clearance.
Piston Ring Installation: Measure and adjust ring end gaps for the intended boost level, fuel, and operating conditions.
Piston-to-Valve Clearance: Verify clearance during assembly, particularly with aftermarket camshafts or modified cylinder heads.
Engine Tuning: Supporting fuel system components, ignition calibration, and boost control must match the completed engine build.
Horsepower Rating: No specific horsepower limit is published for part 353860. Performance capability depends on the complete engine assembly, machining, supporting components, and tuning.
The JE Pistons 353860 kit combines American-made 2618 forged aluminum construction, FSR design, a 9.6:1 compression configuration, accumulator grooves, and skirt coatings for demanding Volkswagen 2.0T TSI performance builds.