72 455 rebuild. I'm assuming that I can do one or both to increase the compression. I want between 10:1 and 9.5:1. Any suggestions on pistons that would work for me? Would I have to get my intake modified to make up for the cut off the heads/block hieght? Also, would I need adjustable pushrods, or roller rockers? Or could I calculate the needed length, and buy regular pushrods?
Get the right pistons, 10:1 will be fine for pump gas. Don't waste money decking heads or block unless they are out of alignment.
i agree dont deck if you dont want higher then 10 to 1, if you run rollers you dont need adjustable pushrods, and if you run adjustable pushrods you wont need roller rockers, and if your building a pump gas moter you probaly wont be running a cam that needs rollers. you can get a adjustable pushrod checker from Summit Racing, then order costom lenth, but if you just have the decks cleaned up you shold be fine with the stock ones. i zero decked my block and did not have to shave down the intake because i port matched it. just my 2 cents.
What about the quench distance? Can that be brought to within the .040 "optimum" I read about without decking?
No. Not with "off the shelf" pistons. Every Buick factory block I have seen has been between .006 and .012 different in deck height from side to side.. EVERY ONE.. and that's dozens.. At minimum, I recommend you have the block squared, which will true up the surfaces for a good head gasket seal, and equalize the compression from bank to bank. JW
Hmm...Thanks, Jim. This is why I'm SO looking forward to the "Resto HP" engine project. Lotsa questions there that can be answered, like this one! :TU: :TU: :TU:
