I need to order a set of custom dish pistons for my turbo 421 small block and was wondering who you all recomend. I was thing of JE, SRP or Ross. But who would you choose and why? BTW, the pistons I need to order will have a 34cc dish to acomplish a compression ratio of 8.5 to 1 with 72 cc chambers in the heads.

 

The current pistons in my car are JE's as there was an off the shelf that worked, but previously I ordered a set of custom pistons for a 408" motor for my dad's dakota from CP pistons. I can say I was impressed with the way they worked with me in getting the pistons spec'd out and the quality seems to be outstanding.

 

34cc dish?

what is your rod/stroke? unless you have a tall deck block, I can't imagine this piston being very strong!!

 

I am going with a 400 block so the boar is going to be 4.155. The stroke is going to be 3.875 with a 6" rod.

 

is the block zero decked?

 

You could do it with a 5.850" rod, but not a 6". There's not enough material above the pin to allow that much dish. The 4.155 bore helps, since the dish won't need to be as deep as a 4.030 bore would require to acheive the 34cc's you're after.

 

What block are you planning on using? Have you already bought it?

 

Thats quite the dish, I have always got my pistons from ross. I think you will be better off with a 5.85 rod. I think even with these rods you will have to run a rail support on the oil ring. call up ross and ask for George. He can give you all the info you need to complete your project.

 

I agree with the others, I am pretty sure you are going to need a 5.850 rod to get that dish..

 

I just talked to my head porter and he said he could probably open up the chambers on my heads to 78cc. That would leave me needing a 28cc dish. That sounds a lot more doable than 34cc. Remember, this if for a compression ratio of 8.5 to 1. I guess if I have to I could always run a bit higher.

 

Oah, I forgot to ask, If my crank is for a 6.00" rod then can I use a 5.850" rod? Will I need to profile the crank more so it will have enough clearance?

 

The crank doesn't care about the rod length its the journal size. Its probably a 2.100", so to answer your question no.

 

Can I get a 5.850" rod with a 2.100" journal size? Or is there more to it than that?

 

yes, thats a standard piece.

 

sleeper-
you are incorrect. if the crank is for a 6" rod, 5.850s may or may not work. the crank counter weights may be too large