I am considering doing my 462 over and would like to make it a 464 and later on down the road upping to a set of Aluminum heads for it.As of now,It presently has .030 over Kenne-Belle forged pistons with the valve reliefs.The stock rods have been polished and shotpeened and they have ARP studs.The motor is a 72 Stage 1 that has been cleaned up and duburred.I have a 7 quart oil pan with custom pickup in it too.The heads are 72 Stage 1's that have been polished in the bowl area as well as ported (but I have no idea to what extent)and run the stock stamped steel rockers.The valve springs are KB units and the 3/8 adjustable pushrods are KB units too.The guy I bought this motor ran 13.90's in a full optioned 1972 Riviera and had alot of money into it.I has KB headers and I replaced the B4B with an SP1 from TA Performance unit.The current cam is an Erson grind that is a HI Flow 2 H .306 duration and .504 lift.I want to change the cam to something more compatible to the 464.I was wondering who makes the best pistons and compatible rods for my change? In the future,Adjustable rockers will be a consideration as well.The motor also utilizes a hi volume oil pump and has a brand new crankshaft in it as well.Will I have to get a new crank as well? any advice on using a girdle or can I get away from using one.I am going to put this in my 70 Post car the will be around 3000 lbs for now but tubbing it will be in the plans later on too.I am not worried about 9's but would like to see 10'sif possible.I know this is a litle vague but I want to see what I have to consider before taking a big step. Thanks,Pat
Another loaded question. Here's my opinion, Any of the top piston manufacturers make a quality piston. I use either Ross or Wiseco and have yet to have a piston failure with one of these brands. We are finding these days we do not need high volume oil pumps. I have built quite a few streetable 600 horse engines using wiseco, or ross pistons, we are now using alot more H-beam rods, a good upgrade form stock since we are doing more and more alum head motors and making horsepower is getting easier and easier. Really need to know how much power you want to make before deciding on a girdle. Here's a thought, wiseco pistons, H-beam rods, or billet rods, halo girdle, more than engough to get you safely in the 10's. Jim burek
Jim.... I know its a bad question but I am trying to set some goals since my financial situation is limited.I was thinking of Wiseco pistons (recommended by Rob Margel) and my goal is to be in the 600 hp range when all is said and done.This car will not see street duty and will be raced only.The car is a 70 Post car that will be running a TH-400 with a 9 inch rear with 15x14 widened Buick Ralley rims and slicks.I haven't gotten far enough to determine axle ratio yet.I think a girdle may be too extreme for now and I want reliability as well as a decent motor.I like the H- beam rod idea too.I'm not out to set the world on fire but want to have fun without having to spend every dime I have to keep it going. Thanks,Pat
Pat, If budget is a primary consideration, why are you looking to change the bottom end right now? Money for similiar performance may be better spent elsewhere. My 462 went 10.70s with iron heads and prepped stock rods at 3600lbs. To better answer your question, I did just complete my new combo. It is a 464 with JE Pistons and TA Sportsman rods. I'm still using my iron heads, however I did prep the block with the extra bolt holes for aluminum heads. A cam with more lift (like the TA308s) and some roller rockers would be money well spent for both now and later. Good luck, John
if the pistons and cylinders are not worn out leave them alone and spend all that money of pistons,rings,balancing ,boring etc. and spend it on some stage 1 aluminum heads and see a bunch more power than just boring it 2 more inches.Some of those early KB pistons are pretty good pieces.
