bowtyebob

We are building a 340HP engine 327 for a '63. This engine was a replacement 300HP to start with and so far we have ALMOST all the correct 340HP parsts (heads, cam & lifters, manifold, distributor, correct trapdoor oil pan, etc.) What I do not have are the pistons and rings. So far, locating these has turned into a bit of a project in itself. These are supposed to be the forged pistons with (I believe) a .125in. dome that will eventually be installed on the original connecting rods. The days have long since passed when I could go down to the local NAPA or Chevy store and buy them over the counter and the folks at Jegs, Summit, and NAPA all seem somewhat vague on their availability.
The block, crank, and rods are ready to ready to go to the machine shop (line bore mains and connecting rods, cam bearings, and a .030 over bore, balance, etc.)
I believe that these same pistons were used in '63-'64 360, 365, and 375HP engines. Can someone help me out in locating these pistons and moly rings (manufacturer, perhaps part nos., and correct wrist pin diameter)?

Bluestripe67

This seems too obvious too me. Have you talked with the machine shop about getting the correct spec pistons. After all, who has a more direct connection to sources of pistons. Dennis

Mike Geary

I'm accumulating parts for a '65 365hp motor and I've found only one choice for forged pistons: Speed Pro L2166NF. Readily available, but only come with pressed pins I understand.

More affordable and probably fine for a motor that's not going to be flogged mercilessly: Keith Black KB157 hypereutectics.

bowtyebob

Normally the thing to do, however I am fairly new to this area (Tifewater Virginia) and have yet to establish a relationship or develop sufficient trust in my local machine shop. It's not that they don't do excellent work and have a good reputation, but when it comes to vintage 327s, ......I dunnow, I just don't have that warm fuzzy feeling that I had with the 'old timers' I did business with years ago back in central Indiana.

Scott Marzahl

The pistons are availble through Summit etc, the stock replacements as already mentioned are Speed Pro L2166NF. http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...=l2166NF&dds=1

For rings, the Sealed Power 251K moly rings are fine to use.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SLP-E-251K/

One important note for a high reving early 327 is that prior to '66 the rods are a weaker design.

We did a group buy a few years ago on Crower Sportsman rods and roughly 50 folks participated in that purchase. They are relatively cheap insurance for a vintage block and the quality is top notch.

Ironcross

The only small block full floating rods and pins were in the early Z engines...rings should be no problem as the rings are the same as 302 Fords and even the 231 V6 Buicks.....on the bore size...I dont recall if Elgin has pistons, but they are a engine company and certainly logical...Get the pistons before boring and that way can be fitted to size.

Glasshole

Yep....... rods are the weak point. I just rebuilt my 63' 360hp FI motor and did everything to stock except for the rods. I put in Eagle rods.

cheers,

Bob

BADBIRDCAGE

Gosh, I hope one of the over 400 photos of the correct date codes are of these rods.

Just Kidding, you did a smart thing upgrading the connecting rods.

Rich

Glasshole

Yeah good one......... If rods had date codes. Hehe. Yes I do have pics of those and the pistons, cam, crank, valves, etc. etc.

Cheers,

Bob