I'm again pulling my motor. And I need new pistons. It's my 350 with vortec heads and a LT4 Hotcam. It's pretty much a daily driver. It is not bored at all. Any recommendations for pistons before I talk to my dad about it? And please keep the price reasonable. I don't think forged are necessary...

 

IMO, Keith Black or Speed Pro. Both company's offer hypereutectic pistons which are ideal for high performance street (and some race) engines. They are typically cheaper than their forged counterparts and are actually better suited for long term operation in a high-performance street engine. The hypereutectic material is extremely hard and has a very low expansion rate. Consequently, it can stand considerable abuse, and sense it is installed with .001-.002 piston to wall clearance, it can handle the abuse over a long period of time without the clatter that's associated with most forged pistons. Both flat top and domed varieties are available, so just about any compression ratio can be achieved. Ive had hyper pistons in my 383 (500fhp) and have had no issues. Im around 9.5:1 -10:1 compression ratio. Rings are just as important too so make sure the ring end-gaps are fitted correctly in the cylinder. I like Total Seal brand for rings. Good luck with build!

-Dan

 

+1 for Dan

 

Agreed. A good set of flat top hypereutectics will put you around 10:1 compression, cost cheap and last a good long time.

Just be aware of the wide top ring gap REQUIREMENT of Keith Black Hypereutectics. They place the top ring high and it NEEDS more ring gap than other pistons. Ask me how I know.

 

Thanks! Probably one of the best replies I've ever had!

 

Gotta make sure you keep beating those mustard stains!!

Thank you and no problem!

-Dan