I want to install hi compression pistons (keith black .100 domed) in my current motor, and I want to do it as cheaply as possible. Can't I just reuse the rings that are on the old pistons, have the new pistons installed onto the rods and install everything back together with no machine work or honing? The "old" motor has less than 10K on it. I thought honing was only done to size up the rings...so if I reuse the old rings I don't have to hone? Or can I just buy new rings and use the drill hone? I'm really on a limited budget here, but with the cam, heads, intake I'll be running, 9.5:1 is not going to cut it.

 

if so just mill the heads a little.
But, in time current times of unpredictable gas, a little lower compression is better than too high.

if your trying to get hp up you can't just swag compression when you expect to use pump gas and have 10+ to 1. You should either spend the time to get some of the parts CCed or just run what you got and play with timing.

the difference in 9.5 and 10.3 is probably less than 15 hp on a 400hp 350. Not worth worrying about in my opinion unless you can afford some of the baggage that is associated with it.

I actually think u will give up some hp bc the dome will impact flame travel.

 

The heads are vortec 059 castings.........have been milled .015 already, shop says thats the max you can go without having intake alignment problems. so that would make the 64cc chambers...........???????? I dunno...with stock dished 4 valve reliefs pistons and 64 CC heads it still seems like CR is gonna be real low.