which pistons are better for the cash, Keith Black or Speed Pro? I really would like to buy ross but I cant dish out that much more money. So knowing that which would you buy?

BTW, the motor is a 400, .030 over, with a 5.7 rod. So they are specialty pistons. Thanks for the input.

I know some folks who run circle track with these pistons. They say that the KB last better than the SpeedPro if you are spinning 7000 RPM. I doubt you will see that. At moderate RPM's (6500 and below) I think they would both be just fine.
I am running the SpeedPro's in my 355 and have no problems with them (and they are cheaper than the KB's)

About a year ago or so a few people were complaining about Keith Black pistons not being very good. I'm not sure how accurate that information is, but if you are considering them, you may want to do some research and maybe search the archives. Just a heads up; wouldn't want you to get crappy pistons.

I myself don't or have ever run a claimer motor, so I'm just passing on secondhand info. Dragula is correct. The Claimer Performance Piston Series (KB) seems the most popular in the claimer classes. From what I here from friends and around the pits, the KB's heat cycle better between heats and the ring lands have a finer finish.
You may want to see what Mahle has to offer, thats what I run now. We've run Diamond, Wiesco, and JE's, the Mahle's have been the best out of all that we've run.
http://www.mahle.com/

I asked my engine machinist which pistons and he highly recommended the KB's. No test results yet, as I am awaiting ATI to mail me my Sucking Fupercharger. I need the crank pulley in the kit to get everything balanced.

My main problem so far is finding the 3.75 throw and 5.7 rods and either flat top of slightly dished. I am going to be running vortec heads and need to keep the CR down to around 9-9.5. But I will check all of them out.

thanks for the info.

What about head gasket thickness? Helping with the CR.
Just a thought, I know alot of 305's w/ vortecs run very thin gaskets to get more CR, so mabe if you go the other way.
Good luck man...

i run keith black in mine no problems yet but before i always ran speed pro they are both good

as far as CR goes, like I said, I am trying to stay in the 9-9.5 range. and I would like to do it using the least thick gasket I can use. I have to have the machinist get the block to 9.010, taking only .015 off, so I still have room in the cylinder.

I am looking for the "optimal" .040" quench. so if I go:

9.010(deck height)
+.030(gasket)
9.040

but I am seeing that the aftermarket pistons stroke to 9.001 so I dont want to deck to zero. so with the extra .001, I will have .039" quench. which is fine for me. I just dont like a head gasket taking any more stress than it has to.