Okay all you "gearheads" out there, here's one for you. When I rebuilt my original 289 (bored .040) I went to a local shop that sold Ford Motorcraft parts. I got these cast aluminum pistons for my rebuild. (See thumbnail) My question is this: I am considering eventually going to a set of Edelbrock heads and was wondering if the notches in these pistons are enough to run the oversize 2.02 intake valves? That is if looking at a pic is of any help. Or are these stock pistons and I will need the 1.90 Edelbrock heads? I'm ready for your feedback guys, fire away, I can take it.


[IMG]local://upfiles/3913/7EFF098950794285BA29AB279EFF409D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/3913/17AFB3D901514AE8B5EA6DD5178D820D.jpg[/IMG]

 

I was thinking about these heads myself and from what I found out, they will work fine with 2.02 heads. Anyone else?

 

Slickman:
I asked because Edelbrock states "2.02 intake valves require aftermarket pistons that are notched for clearance" So I am wondering if these aftermarket pistons fit the bill. Would be nice to find out I am good to go with the bigger valves. Been a long time since I rebuilt my first 289 (1972) and I forget whether the stock pistons were notche at all or just flat.

 

I think the stock run of the mill pistons just had a pocket about 1/8 - 3/16 deep in them with no notch.. I'm sure you know It also depends on the lift of the cam as well. I'm going from what I remember about Edelbrock's performer package.

 

I'm running Trick flow head with the big valves on a 302 with stock 9:1 pistons. The cam is super wild and it works great. It might be apples and oranges but I hope this helps some.

 

Again to Slickman:
I am running an Edelbrock Performer Plus Cam with .420 intake and .442 exhaust lift at valve. That is why I am looking at the Edelbrock heads, I already have a Performer 289 intake and 600 cfm 4 barrel - want to stay with everything Edelbrock. I guess I could contact Edelbrock for more tech info and to see what they say about my pistons. I really think these pistons are notched right and I am good to go, but wnat to make darn sure.

 

Ah, I missed that part about the Edlebrock cam... Sorry, I still think your ok, let us know what you find out, I'm sure their tech support can tell you.

 

My bust Slickman,
I forgot to mention the cam in the original post. Hey, got a question for you - how do you like the power boost for your brakes? I went with a SSBC dual master cylinder (manual) and it is okay, but I do have to stand on the brakes a lot (now I remember what it was like driving my '66 coupe I had back in the 70's). I hate the thought of ripping the master cylinder out again to add a booster but I sure would like a lighter touch on the brakes. You running disks? I have SSBC disks on all four wheels.

 

I only setup disks in the front (total was under $600) and the power booster was not a bad install at all. When I first installed it, I forgot to bench bleed the master. Not sure why I did that, must have been brain dead that day. So, I had air trapped in the master, so, took it off and did a bench bleed. It now a nice firm pedel and I don't have to stand on it. I know how that was back in the day. The only thing I did have to do was adjust the piston rod. From the factory it was not right and did that adjustment after I put it in the car, was very easy.

 

Are those pistons notched to factory specs or are the bigger? Cause ive looked into this and im sure that the stock valve reliefs will only take up to a 1.94. If those are bigger then you will be ok for 2.02's