I have a question about stock 350 Pistons. Are they flat tops with 2 valve impressions or what? Second question. Who makes good aftermarket stock spec pistons 4.000 bore, 3.480 stroke, & what is the stock rod length? I want pistons that will be able to hold a decent amount of compression. Also what would be a good piston ring to go with: size and brand?

 

Stock L98?

4 valve relief, slight dish. About 12cc or so total.

Stock rod length is 5.7".

Speed Pro, Keith Black, JE, Wiseco, Mahle, Federal Mogul - they all make good pistons and rings. Buy the rings that go with the pistons. Forged pistons handle power adders better than the other kinds; hypereutectic are stronger than cast but don't do well with power adders; cast are the least expensive. Moly rings are a safe bet.

 

Different 350's came with different pistons.
My 88's were dished with 4 valve reliefs.
My 92's are flattops with 4 valve reliefs.
Most aftermarket pistons will be fine for you. Depends though on what your plans are.
Stock rod length is 5.7".
Most rings are fine as well depending on your plans.
Size though will be determined by what the block needs, i.e. boring and what the piston itself requires.

I ended up useing my stock piston with federal mogul chromemoly rings.

 

I think Im gonna go with Speed Pro. Another question for you all. If I changed the pistons to suit a higher compression ratio would it also be necessary to change the rods too? Or could I use the stock rods with those pistons?

 

If you're interested, I have a new set of Keith Black Hypereutectic pistons. -12cc dish makes compression roughly 9.6:1 with 64cc heads in a 4.000" bore. Made for a 5.7" rod and 3.48" stroke (pistons intended for a stock style 350). These are pretty close to stock specs but higher quality and have floating pins. P/N is KB193.

 

To be honest man... I dont have the money just yet. But thanx for running it past me.

 

You can use the stock rods.

 

You wont have to change rod length, the compression ratio is only changed by the head of the piston (dish/flat/dome). To be safe I might upgrade the rod bolts, I got some from Checker for $42 ARP moly bolts 185,000 psi strenght which in my understanding is the weak knee on the stock rods. I believe stockers can hold 350-400 hp and 6,500 rpm with upgraded rod bolts, but that was what I got pitcrewing for a sprintcar...alot of bs flys arround in there. That and if I were you I would get on ebay and get you a set of 6" capscrew rods or even 6.125", you can buy the pistons to suit for about the same price. The benefit will be that the longer rod will desire a shorter compression height in the piston which means the piston will usually be lighter, which is always a plus. Granted the rod will be heavier, however you always lighten from the action outwards.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you change out rod bolts - don't the rods need to be resized to ensure roundness?