rmodel65

+1 on the o ringed block

68EFIvert

I second the decking the block. I ran into a problem with my boosted application when the deck was good enough for N/A but when I put on MLS headgaskets I had coolant seepage. On a side note, if you do go have it decked I have a set of almost new MLS gaskets you can have Tony. They are hanging on my wall and I likely won't ever use them again. That was a blown $150. If you come get them I will take you for a ride in my car.

I am running flat top pistons with a cr about 9.2:1. Not the best for boosted applications but it seems to be working fine for me. If I end up blowing up the engine I will step up to a more expensive rotating assembly with a cr of about 8.5 like the guys suggested earlier. I could then crank up the boost.

cprstreetmachines

9 or 9.4 to 1 isn't a bad CR at all. I'm running 9.2 right now with 15psi. the higher CR will drive nicer and spool faster.

I would deck the block to straighten it out, but don't o-ring anything. That's how you really hurt things. If something goes wrong, you want to use your HG's as fuses. If your fuse doesn't pop, your motor pops pistons instead.

Tony R

how much does it usually run to deck a block? What are you talking about with the O rings. I have never heard of it before. So If I only have the cylinders honed I could probably still reuse my flat top pistons? Would that mean that I would have to get heads to compensate for a lower CR.

cprstreetmachines

IF you can only hone and re-use the flat tops, a 58-64CC will be just fine. I'm running 58cc with a flat top in my 302.And I I think it's still only 9.2-1. But honestly it's a long shot to just hone a block and re-use the piston if it was a carbed motor. Better luck if you tried that with an EFI motor.
The o-ringing is a little groove you put in the head or block. The HG usually has an embedded steel ring that fits into the groove when you put on the heads. It works great. Too good for guys that have to pay for their own motors though. Tune it wrong, or have a fuel pump go out, clog or any problems under boost and the piston's really don't like it.