Is EGT a safe indicator?

[mtam22]

As some of you might know, my 32 comes with a pair of TD05Hs but the previous owner removed the additional injector holder and just let it run with the six stock 440cc injectors when the car was sold to me. Boost is now turned way down to 1 bar and my eyes are constantly on the EGT while I am still undecided on what size injectors to upgrade to, answer to which is dependent on whether I'm going to dump the TD05Hs for smaller faster spooling N1 turbos or retain the TD05s. Anyway, I've never seen my EGTs going above 700C even on full boost (1 bar) but each time I get out of the car after a moderately spirited drive, I can smell metal burning and that concerns me.

Question I have is -- is it possible to melt a piston when the EGTs are well within 700C?

[mtam22]

Sorry for the double post, I thought the first one didn't get through.

[red900ss]

sorted

[adam 32]

i dont think 700 degrees is critical. youre talking more around the 8-900 mark before damage occurs... mine usually runs around the 650 mark. if youre really worried a dyno is a better place to measure its state of tune and/or longetivity