Abstract: A piston seat method and apparatus for a differential-stroke cycle combustion engine, the combustion engine including one or more two-part pistons, each two-part piston having a first piston part and a second piston part. The apparatus comprising: a piston seat cover operatively associated with the first piston part, the piston seat cover being adapted for abutting engagement with the second piston part; wherein, upon abutting engagement, the seat cover is adapted to move relative to the first piston part, thereby at least partially absorbing impact forces applied between the first piston part and the second piston part.