I've been getting a few bits and pieces together for the Bullitt's rebuild and one of the last areas I need to cover is pistons and the associated items that make them work (rods, rings, bolts, etc). I've already got a set of Manley rods out of an 03/04 Cobra ready to go in. I am going to be doing an N/A build so will be going with flat top pistons, probably by Manley or Diamond. When I go to look for pistons, though, I see a bunch of numbers I admittedly don't know too much about. So what I'm looking for is a better understanding of how the numbers tie into each other, that way I can make an educated purchase.

Also, I'm open to any suggestions you guys have as far as which pistons I should/could get to work with these rods.

Thanks,
Rich

 

Well, for numbers on piston, I'm guessing that they refer to bore and size and dome height or dish/valve relief depth. Summit, to name one, has a vast selection of pistons from many manufacturers.

 

Rog... I posted on a few forums and got some good responses, I think I'm at least up to speed on what they're referring to now. lol
I thought I was ready to choose pistons but I guess there's some other things to consider prior to pulling the trigger on them.

 

Pistons can make or break an engine build and I mean break get some with too tall a dome and you'll wind up re doing the heads from the valves crashing into the pistons

 

Ended up getting a set of Diamond pistons, 3.700" bore with 11cc's of dish plus valve reliefs. I'm picking up a Teksid block this weekend and will be sending it off to have it big bored. Then I am having a set of cams custom ground, and doing a Livernois Stage 2 head job. I hope to have the Bullitt back up and running by spring if possible.

 

That's good to hear! I'll be waiting on updates.

 

Your best thing to do is confirm 4-6 times everything before you order that everything as a whole is going to work together. I'd hate to see someone drop all that money on parts and only have it splatter due to PTVC issues. (Piston to Valve Clearance).

 

Agreed. And I'm doing my best to do just that. The Bullitt has been inop since Mar08, so I've had plenty of time to sit and dream up some plans. It hasn't been until the last two months or so that I've had the chance to sit down with some experienced builders and talk out a solid game plan and actually spec everything out. This build is just stage 1 until I can find a money tree in bloom and do my really big build. Whichever way I am able to go though, the end goal will be close to the same: I plan on seeing just how much power I can get out of an n/a 2V. My buddy/builder just completed his n/a 4V big bore build and it's pretty friggin' nasty. I basically want to do everything he did but with a 2V. Should be fun!

 

This motor is going to be beastly...

 

Pistons shipped today.
Will be picking up the Teksid block on Saturday...

 

Picked up the Teksid block today, pistons will be here Tuesday. I'm getting anxious! But I know all the little misc crap is going to nickel & dime me to death and try my patience...

 

Pistons arrived today!