Might measure em in the holes and see what you have for clearance. There are places that can coat those pistons to take up the .002. Then you know they will work and not be rocking in the bores.
Don't have the pistons yet. Came across a deal from a machine shop that is closing. Late 71 early 72 block. Had basically a short block that's been machined .040 over to fit TRW forged pistons. Block has the deck squared, mains align bored and honed. Rods re-sized. New pistons in box, but not hung on rods yet. Crank is turned .040 on mains, .020 on rods(not sure I would use it) New cam bearings installed (not TA, will change those out) Comes with new main bearings, but no rod bearings. Work was done and owner never came back for it. Shop's been sitting on it for a few years.
Why the urge to put .038 pistons in? .040 mains? Are you sure on that? If you have the proper bearings i wouldn't be scared of it. The crank is wicked tough.
With the availability of the .038 pistons out there, namely the Autotec's, i can get them made so I can get close to zero deck without having to deck the block any more. They just took minimum amount to square it. They are lighter than the TRW pistons and the better variety of rings available. About the crank, just thinking of maybe doing a stroker crank instead.
Jim, I have in excellent shape out of my motor .046 over CP pistons. 14.1.1 compression with my combination, if you are wanting to still use that block. You can vary the compression depending in many ways with your block, heads and gaskets. Fernando
Doesn't sound like this is going to be a deal if you plan on changing so much. You'll be using different rods, a different crank and ordering custom pistons. I'd build it as it eased originally intended or start fresh
If I sell off the pistons/rods/crank that come with it, I won't have very much invested in the fully machined block, if I go stroker with it. If i just sell off the pistons, and get the Autotec's, I still won't have all that much in it. As it sits right now, I still need to buy rod bearings and rings. edit...I do appreciate the input. Not trying to argue with you about it, hope it doesn't come across that way.
