--- title: | John Baechtel image: ?t=#keepProtocol --- [![diamond-pistons-logo-2.png](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Global/Diamond%20Pistons/diamond-pistons-logo-2.png?width=451&height=114&name=diamond-pistons-logo-2.png "diamond-pistons-logo-2.png")](http://www.diamondracing.net/) - [Home](http://www.diamondracing.net/) - [About](http://www.diamondracing.net/about/) - [News](http://www.diamondracing.net/news/) - [Products](http://www.diamondracing.net/products/) - [FAQ](http://www.diamondracing.net/faq/) - [Customers](http://www.diamondracing.net/customers/) - [Contact](http://www.diamondracing.net/contact/) - [Blog Home](https://blog.diamondracing.net) - [Engine Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) - [Features](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/features) - [Car Features](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/car-features) - [Interviews](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/interviews) - [Videos](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/videos) - [DP Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/diamondpistons) - [News](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/news) - [New Products](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/new-products) Search the blog # Diamond Pistons ,[INTERVIEWS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/interviews) ,[VIDEOS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/videos) ,[CAR FEATURES](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/car-features) ,[RACING NEWS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/racing-news) [Keep Racing on Instinct: Behind the Wheel Episode 2](https://blog.diamondracing.net/behind-the-wheel-video-series-keep-racing) ,[INTERVIEWS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/interviews) ,[VIDEOS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/videos) ,[CAR FEATURES](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/car-features) ,[RACING NEWS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/racing-news) [Behind the Wheel Video Series Kicks off with James Miron](https://blog.diamondracing.net/behind-the-wheel-video-series-kicks-off-with-james-miron) ,[FEATURES](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/features) ,[INTERVIEWS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/interviews) ,[CHEVY](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/chevy) ,[CAR FEATURES](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/car-features) [East Coast Outlaw 10.5 Standout Brian Chin Keeps Upping The Ante](https://blog.diamondracing.net/east-coast-outlaw-10.5-standout-brian-chin-keeps-upping-the-ante) Latest Posts ## John Baechtel ## Recent Posts [![Behind the Machines: Developing Diamond's 2,000HP LS2K Pistons](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/LS2K%20full%20feature/001-diamond-LS2K-lS-2000-horsepower-piston.jpg?width=400&name=001-diamond-LS2K-lS-2000-horsepower-piston.jpg "Behind the Machines: Developing Diamond's 2,000HP LS2K Pistons")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/diamond-ls2k) ,[NEW PRODUCTS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/new-products) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Behind the Machines: Developing Diamond's 2,000HP LS2K Pistons](https://blog.diamondracing.net/diamond-ls2k) *Designing a piston for 2,000 horsepower, out-of-the-box duty is an exercise in patience, engineering excellence, and collaboration with top drag teams. * May 15, 2019 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![Need a 1,500hp Capable Gen III Hemi Piston? Look No Further!](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/3rd%20Gen%20Hemi/002-diamond-Hemi-3rd-gen-III.jpg?width=400&name=002-diamond-Hemi-3rd-gen-III.jpg "Need a 1,500hp Capable Gen III Hemi Piston? Look No Further!")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/gen3hemi) ,[NEW PRODUCTS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/new-products) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Need a 1,500hp Capable Gen III Hemi Piston? Look No Further!](https://blog.diamondracing.net/gen3hemi) *Looking to make big power on your third-gen Hemi platform? Diamond's new line of Hemi pistons is here to help. Learn more about these ultra-stout slugs inside. * May 13, 2019 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![Icing on the Cake: Exploring Diamond's Menu of Performance-Boosting Piston Coatings](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Piston%20Coatings/001-diamond-coatings.jpg?width=400&name=001-diamond-coatings.jpg "Icing on the Cake: Exploring Diamond's Menu of Performance-Boosting Piston Coatings")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/icing-on-the-cake-exploring-diamonds-piston-coating-options) ,[PISTONS 101](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/pistons-101) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Icing on the Cake: Exploring Diamond's Menu of Performance-Boosting Piston Coatings](https://blog.diamondracing.net/icing-on-the-cake-exploring-diamonds-piston-coating-options) Diamond has a host of piston coatings to take your slugs to the next level. Heat resistance, lubricity, hardness, and even dry-start protection are all on the table. Take a walk through Diamond's available coatings and learn how they each work.  August 22, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![When To Upgrade Wrist Pins](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/wrist%20pin%20tech/001-diamond-wrist-pin-upgrade.jpg?width=400&name=001-diamond-wrist-pin-upgrade.jpg "When To Upgrade Wrist Pins")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/when-to-upgrade-wrist-pins) ,[ENGINE BUILDS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-builds) ,[PISTONS 101](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/pistons-101) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [When To Upgrade Wrist Pins](https://blog.diamondracing.net/when-to-upgrade-wrist-pins) *The toughest piston in the world is useless if the wrist pin gives up the ghost. Here is a breakdown of what the wrist pin does, why they fail, and when to upgrade them to improve the strength of your engine combination.* August 16, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![A Closer Look at Diamond’s Available Piston Upgrades](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Diamond%20Piston%20Upgrades/002-Diamond-piston-upgrades.jpg?t=1475023575990&width=400&name=002-Diamond-piston-upgrades.jpg "A Closer Look at Diamond’s Available Piston Upgrades")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/a-closer-look-at-diamonds-available-piston-upgrades) ,[PISTONS 101](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/pistons-101) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [A Closer Look at Diamond’s Available Piston Upgrades](https://blog.diamondracing.net/a-closer-look-at-diamonds-available-piston-upgrades) *Think of a forged piston like a blank canvas. It's sturdy and well crafted, but awaiting customized features that make it ideal for your engine. Here is a run-through of Diamond's popular piston upgrades to take your set of slugs to the next level. * July 26, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![Diamond's 1,600hp-Ready Nissan GT-R Pistons Are Bad to the Bone!](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Inside%20Diamond%20GTR%20Pistons/001-diamond-pistons-GTR-VR38dett%20.jpg?width=400&name=001-diamond-pistons-GTR-VR38dett%20.jpg "Diamond's 1,600hp-Ready Nissan GT-R Pistons Are Bad to the Bone!")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/diamonds-1600hp-ready-nissan-gt-r-pistons-are-bad-to-the-bone) ,[SPORT COMPACT](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/sport-compact) ,[NEW PRODUCTS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/new-products) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Diamond's 1,600hp-Ready Nissan GT-R Pistons Are Bad to the Bone!](https://blog.diamondracing.net/diamonds-1600hp-ready-nissan-gt-r-pistons-are-bad-to-the-bone) *The Nissan GTR is legendary in the world of Japanese Performance cars. The latest iteration is the most potent incarnation yet and Diamond Pistons' new GT-R slugs are ready for a massive 1600hp. Here's how:* June 22, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![Understanding Rod Length, Piston Compression Height, and Crankshaft Stroke](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Compression%20Height,%20rod%20length,%20deck%20height.%20/004-Diamond-pistons-compression-height-deck-height-stroke.jpg?width=400&name=004-Diamond-pistons-compression-height-deck-height-stroke.jpg "Understanding Rod Length, Piston Compression Height, and Crankshaft Stroke")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/understanding-rod-length-compression-height-and-crankshaft-stroke) ,[ENGINE BUILDS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-builds) ,[PISTONS 101](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/pistons-101) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Understanding Rod Length, Piston Compression Height, and Crankshaft Stroke](https://blog.diamondracing.net/understanding-rod-length-compression-height-and-crankshaft-stroke) *The inside of an engine is a fickle ecosystem where every component directly affects another. Rod length, crankshaft stroke, and piston compression height are three variables that are key to choosing the perfect rotating assembly. Here's a deep dive..* May 25, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![What Is Piston Hard Anodizing?](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Hard%20anodizing/003-diamond-hard-anodizing-pistons.jpg?width=400&name=003-diamond-hard-anodizing-pistons.jpg "What Is Piston Hard Anodizing?")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/what-is-piston-hard-anodizing) ,[PISTONS 101](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/pistons-101) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [What Is Piston Hard Anodizing?](https://blog.diamondracing.net/what-is-piston-hard-anodizing) *In high-end racing applications, the perfect piston is often one that can take the abuse. Hard anodizing is one way to take a forged piston to the next level in terms of ultimate strength and durability. * April 27, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![Answered: Are Billet Or Forged Pistons Stronger?](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Billet%20vs.%20Forged/001-diamond-billet-vs-forged-pistons.jpg?width=400&name=001-diamond-billet-vs-forged-pistons.jpg "Answered: Are Billet Or Forged Pistons Stronger?")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/answered-are-billet-or-forged-pistons-stronger) ,[PISTONS 101](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/pistons-101) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Answered: Are Billet Or Forged Pistons Stronger?](https://blog.diamondracing.net/answered-are-billet-or-forged-pistons-stronger) *Forged pistons are fashioned from pre-shaped forging blanks. Billet pistons are fully-machined from solid stock. Which is better? * April 18, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [![Behind The Scenes: Diamond's STEEL Piston Technology ](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Diamond/Tech/Steel%20Pistons/001-Diamond-steel-diesel-pistons.jpg?width=400&name=001-Diamond-steel-diesel-pistons.jpg "Behind The Scenes: Diamond's STEEL Piston Technology ")](https://blog.diamondracing.net/behind-the-scenes-diamonds-steel-piston-technology-) ,[ENGINE BUILDS](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-builds) ,[ENGINE TECH](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/engine-tech) ,[Tech](https://blog.diamondracing.net/topic/tech) ## [Behind The Scenes: Diamond's STEEL Piston Technology ](https://blog.diamondracing.net/behind-the-scenes-diamonds-steel-piston-technology-) *When it comes to Diesel engines, forged steel pistons are the next frontier in performance, and Diamond is leading the way. Take a look at the most innovative Diesel racing pistons on the market.* March 14, 2018 | By [John Baechtel](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel) [All posts](https://blog.diamondracing.net/all) [Next \[fa icon="angle-double-right"\]](https://blog.diamondracing.net/author/john-baechtel/page/2) Top Blog Posts Subscribe to the Diamond Pistons Newsletter FOLLOW US - - - [![dp-ad.jpg](https://blog.diamondracing.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/Diamond%20Pistons/dp-ad.jpg?width=800&name=dp-ad.jpg "dp-ad.jpg")](https://www.youtube.com/user/diamondpistons) Copyright © 2026 Diamond Racing Pistons, All Rights Reserved.