Inexpensive 350 Build

[ClassicComp]

What advantage would there be if you cut smaller ring grooves in that piston?
What problem will the empty 5/64” grooves cause?

[vortecpro]

What advantage would there be if you cut smaller ring grooves in that piston?
What problem will the empty 5/64” grooves cause?

I think while you guys try and figure out how to get a metric ring pack on my 160.00 pistons, we're going to keep it moving forward. I probably should have mentioned my son wants to sell this engine when we are done testing it at the drag strip, and it needs to be able to go into a truck or a muscle car and be mild, power brakes and all, that's reason for the cam, and well the L98 heads are junk, there's not much you can do without welding and major surgery, the heads are where the mistake was made. More pictures

[vortecpro]

Block decked

[vortecpro]

Block done

[skinny z]

I think while you guys try and figure out how to get a metric ring pack on my 160.00 pistons, we're going to keep it moving forward. I probably should have mentioned my son wants to sell this engine when we are done testing it at the drag strip, and it needs to be able to go into a truck or a muscle car and be mild, power brakes and all, that's reason for the cam, and well the L98 heads are junk, there's not much you can do without welding and major surgery, the heads are where the mistake was made. More pictures

Is there really a mistake when you're just out and building and having a good time?

When's the first pass?

[turbo camino]

Just keep the L31 pistons in mind for the next one (and remember to avoid the dumb ones with the 2mm top rings).

[vortecpro]

I think while you guys try and figure out how to get a metric ring pack on my 160.00 pistons, we're going to keep it moving forward. I probably should have mentioned my son wants to sell this engine when we are done testing it at the drag strip, and it needs to be able to go into a truck or a muscle car and be mild, power brakes and all, that's reason for the cam, and well the L98 heads are junk, there's not much you can do without welding and major surgery, the heads are where the mistake was made. More pictures

Is there really a mistake when you're just out and building and having a good time?

When's the first pass?

It hasn't been that much fun for the results, but I'd say pretty soon.........

L98 350 engine.jpeg

[Tom68]

I'd call this thread

"A properly built inexpensive 350"

There's 383's getting thrown together out there that could cost similar but are absolute junkers.

[Justa1time]

What advantage would there be if you cut smaller ring grooves in that piston?
What problem will the empty 5/64” grooves cause?

I remember something of a ring spacer being avaliable once when I called around looking for a more desirable ring pack option for an older style piston. Have you looked into that?

Turbo camino. You hit the nail on the head by stating that the op's chosen pistons top ring is listed in standard measurement.

The piston I added to the conversation lists the top ring measurement in metric.

Take a look at the op's chosen pistons secondary & oil control rings. They are also listed in standard measurement.

The piston I added to the conversation lists the secondary & oil control rings listed in Metric.

If you compare the Op's selected pistons secondary & oil control ring specifications to the pistion I added to the conversation you may find a difference between the two.

Vortecpro & Son
As for the properly done inexpensive 350 build I really enjoy this thread. Thank you for sharing with us & I can't wait to see thee experiences and results you post as you move forward!

Bryan from Oregon

[77cruiser]

How much power to be gained on this budget build if you went to skinny metric rings vs. 5/64 rings?

[turbo camino]

15-20 HP if not more, lower temps, cleaner oil, longer bore life?

[turbo camino]

Skinnier 2nd ring & oil ring is wasted with the 2mm top ring.

[Tom68]

15-20 HP if not more, lower temps, cleaner oil, longer bore life?

15 to 20 at this power level ?

[1980RS]

15-20 HP if not more, lower temps, cleaner oil, longer bore life?

I think you're right on that statement. I bought a used 99 Suburban with a rod knock L-31 350 and put a new engine I had sitting around in that truck. After I got the new one running I decided to pull the old 350 apart to see what's wrong with it. Sure it was a spun rod, but after I too the heads off the cyl walls looked like new, even still had the crosshatch pattern in the cyls. I was super impressed to find those L-31's used the pistons with small rings. I am sorry I got rid of that short block and gave it away for free.

[rgalajda]

15-20 HP if not more, lower temps, cleaner oil, longer bore life?

I think you're right on that statement. I bought a used 99 Suburban with a rod knock L-31 350 and put a new engine I had sitting around in that truck. After I got the new one running I decided to pull the old 350 apart to see what's wrong with it. Sure it was a spun rod, but after I too the heads off the cyl walls looked like new, even still had the crosshatch pattern in the cyls. I was super impressed to find those L-31's used the pistons with small rings. I am sorry I got rid of that short block and gave it away for free.

A big reduction in bore wear came when they switched to fuel injection . The superior fuel metering on a cold start as opposed to a carburetor.