Pistons for an engine build - suggestions please

[StephenP]

I am getting ducks in a row to build my replacement engine. It is based on a 93 block that looks pretty good. Next step is have it cleanned up (plugs, gallies, and cam bearings) and bored if required. I was planning to have the shop resize the rods on general principle. One of the local guys suggested new rods, while another said that new pistons on the resized rods would be fine.

If I have to go up a size in pistons or even if I don't I need help with picking forged vs hyper pistons and rings - understand that there is a budget.

The build up is shooting for the 300HP range. Y303 heads (stock take-offs), 1.7 roller rockers, B303 cam. Explorer intake, 65mm TB, 75mm MAF matched to 24# injectors. There is NOT a blower in my future.

Pistons & rings are the first priority, but comments and suggestions for the build are welcome as well.

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[powerhouse]

for what you are planning to do a hypereautectic piston will work fine. There are several manufacturers that make a flat top piston with larger valve releifs for the larger valves. I would have the shop bore and hone the block with a torque plate. this will simulate the heads being bolted to the engine and will result in a very round cylinder during actual running conditions. This will result in better ring seal, less blow-by and more hp. The stock rods resized with a better rod bolt will be fine. Also the pistons should be very close in weight to the originals so you can avoid having to rebalance the rotating assembly. I would stay away from the b cam. The E cam will work much better. The above combo with the intake and other accesories you mentioned in your post will make between 290-300 rear wheel hp and the same tq. Good luck Andrew

[StephenP]

Andrew,

Thanks for the input. I just got back from a visit to a machine shop recommended by a CACC member. Really great impression. Owner builds everything from high end drag engines to reconstruction of a Model T. He was reworking cracked block 409 - for a numbers matching restoration. He seemed very happy to work with me - towards me doing assembly and watching a budget.

He wants me to bring all the machine surface parts to the shop (intake to flywheel). He will look at the entire package and write up a minimal needs list as well as suggestions in incremental impreovements with a budget.

He said he really prefers to balance the entire rotating assembly rather than counting on the factory. He also said he would want to check the timing marks on balancer with the heads off - seems as though there are a couple of different runs of balancers and Ford can be a couple of degrees off the mark.

While he would be happy to source parts, he would prefer to provide a detailed list and let me get them. Sounds like a plan.

Maryland folks -
Precision Engine Machine, Hyattsville, MD

Thanks again
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[imacobrabuilder]

Hypers will work just fine. Get some GT40P heads and you'll be tearing things up! Fantastic flow over F4TE's and you can get them from a salvage yard... Get them for a deal, get a valve job, $250-350 later, you got your +300HP

[Humpty Dumpty]

I've heard the B with 1.7 has a rad idle. I've considered 1.7s as an upgrade.