Pistons

[Heavy Flat Head]

Getting ready to have my block machined. Before I send it in I came up with another hair brain idea. Years ago (yesterday in the sixties) piston manufacture would make up any piston you would want.

I was thinking if this was still possible would it be worth having a set made that uses three rings?

Would using a newer ring design help in any way that would have a pay off. Better oil control, longer ring life, higher compression, or just a big waste of money.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Ed.

[wayfarer]

NOT a waste of money. Since it will cost several 'large' to do a decent rebuild why not spend and additional $200-300 bucks and get the pistonsthat you want/need. Yes, a three ring design is the way to go. Yes, a bit more compression will certainly wake up a few sleeping ponies.

There is no down side.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I read that a certain late model Chrysler engine has a piston that is adaptable to these blocks...

[Guest rockabillybassman]

The new 3 ring sets are not as stiff and have less resistance, meaning more horsepower, although I doubt it'd make a noticable difference in our engines. I could be wrong, I usually am!

[martybose]

Getting custom pistons made is not that difficult. When my Dodge 230 core turned out to be a worn out .060" over motor, we started by researching a Speed Pro ring catalog. We found a metric 3 ring set made for a Toyota that measured out as a .072" overbore for my 230.

If memory serves, I contacted Jahns and told them what I was doing; they checked their piston cores and found they had one that would work. I sent them a 230 piston and pin, and one set of the metric rings, and they made me a forged set of pistons with pins that used the metric ring set.

I don't remember what they cost, just that I didn't think they were unreasonable. Of course, this was 7 or 8 years ago!

Marty