396 Build Up

[69 Post Sedan]

I am still having a real problem with finding good pistons for my 402.

Does anyone have any recommendations on another piston company to contact for custom pistons? I realize it's not a standard piston but holy cow I don't want to buy their company...I just want 8 pistons made.

[VintageMusclecar]

Keith Black forged pistons w/17 c.c. dome

Keith Black forged pistons w/41 c.c. dome

[69 Post Sedan]

Eric, those are the ones I have looked at but the pistons (743 grams) and pins (158 grams) are very heavy and I have been hearing that the sizes very a lot.

I'm not saying I won't run them but I would like to get a set that are lighter. I could have work done to lighten them up and purchase lighter pins but I would rather find a better set for around $600-$700. Maybe that's not possible...I don't know.

Thanks, Kurt

For my two bits, if it was mine, I'd build the biggest engine I could and then call it a 396 [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img] A long (and I mean a <span style="text-decoration: underline">long</span>) time ago, the late Ralph Truppi told me there was considerable power gain in something like a 4.250-inch bore big block, going from 0.030-over to 0.060-inch over. The big reason I believe is to unshroud the valves. Not that long ago, another mentor, David Reher told me pretty much the same thing. Just food for thought.

Take care man...

Wayne

[69 Post Sedan]

Wayne, it took me a while to decide whether to build a 427 or the CE motor that is in the car. I decided to run the 402 for multiple reasons but the most important one was when I found out from a previous owner that when he bought the car in 1975, this motor was in the car.

Kurt [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

[Chevy454]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69 Post Sedan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am still having a real problem with finding good pistons for my 402.

Does anyone have any recommendations on another piston company to contact for custom pistons? I realize it's not a standard piston but holy cow I don't want to buy their company...I just want 8 pistons made. </div></div>
Custom pistons and cheap will never be found together, *that* I can promise! LOL!!

CC your heads, and then you can get serious about a piston search...

[69 Post Sedan]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chevy454</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Custom pistons and cheap will never be found together, *that* I can promise! LOL!!

CC your heads, and then you can get serious about a piston search... </div></div>

Rob, I took your advise along with many others. Here are the Ross pistons I ordered. I hope they run as good as they look!!!