Speedpro Forged Pistons ???
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 60
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From: Orange County New York
Speedpro Forged Pistons ???
Hey guys,
Couple of the other forum members recommended forged pistions for my application. This is becoming a really expensive project, but I still want to do it right.
The engine started life as a GM Goodwrench 350.... cast aluminum pistons, and a cast Iron Crank, 76cc heads.
I bolted a 144 Blower to it, roller rockers, 200cc runner heads w/ 64cc chambers, 2.02/1.60 Intake Exhaust, 750 Double Pumper, HEI, MSD,
CR around 9.0:1.
The Cam I chose for the engine is from Lunati. Its part #501B1LUN and is a solid roller .566 lift, 242/249 Duration.
I also chose a set of verticle bar lifters #72402LUN
And Bump Stop #90001
The cam seems a little big, but I was told by Lunati that the blower will smooth it out and its rated from 2500-6500RPM which is perfect.
------------------
How are the speedpro forged pistons? The price "seems" reasonable, hows the quality. Also, I read somewhere that alot of the major piston manufacturers are having expansion rate problems with their forged pistions,... causing siezed engines... Whats the deal with Speedpro?
Thanks
Barry
Couple of the other forum members recommended forged pistions for my application. This is becoming a really expensive project, but I still want to do it right.
The engine started life as a GM Goodwrench 350.... cast aluminum pistons, and a cast Iron Crank, 76cc heads.
I bolted a 144 Blower to it, roller rockers, 200cc runner heads w/ 64cc chambers, 2.02/1.60 Intake Exhaust, 750 Double Pumper, HEI, MSD,
CR around 9.0:1.
The Cam I chose for the engine is from Lunati. Its part #501B1LUN and is a solid roller .566 lift, 242/249 Duration.
I also chose a set of verticle bar lifters #72402LUN
And Bump Stop #90001
The cam seems a little big, but I was told by Lunati that the blower will smooth it out and its rated from 2500-6500RPM which is perfect.
------------------
How are the speedpro forged pistons? The price "seems" reasonable, hows the quality. Also, I read somewhere that alot of the major piston manufacturers are having expansion rate problems with their forged pistions,... causing siezed engines... Whats the deal with Speedpro?
Thanks
Barry
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Sealed Power Co. has been around for along time. They carry the Speed Pro line. I put their cast pistons in my 350 and I don't expect any problems. I'm sure there are those out there that may disagree. I do wish I would have put in the forged though so that I could have gotten a more proper quench, I'm at .053. .040 is ideal...
Later,
Sly
Later,
Sly
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Hey Barry,
I've used Speed Pro/Sealed Power pistons in more than a few motors and have had really good luck with them. There are better pistons out there, but for a street car they're affordable, popular, and will stand up to most street/strip use.
In addition you'll want to at least have the balancing of the motor checked
if you decide to use any other pistons.
For what its worth though, I would really really invest in a decent forged crankshaft along with some good rod-bolts at least, before you run that
crate motor to hard or introduce to much stress on those stock components.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Jeff
I've used Speed Pro/Sealed Power pistons in more than a few motors and have had really good luck with them. There are better pistons out there, but for a street car they're affordable, popular, and will stand up to most street/strip use.
In addition you'll want to at least have the balancing of the motor checked
if you decide to use any other pistons.
For what its worth though, I would really really invest in a decent forged crankshaft along with some good rod-bolts at least, before you run that
crate motor to hard or introduce to much stress on those stock components.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Jeff
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Mahle Power Pack Pistons. High silicon, Low expansion, Forged Pistons. No excessive clearances required. .003 recomended. About $500 with rings. Best of both worlds.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Orange County New York
Thanks for the Input guys,
The price seems right for the "sealed power pistons." I should be able to get the engine bored .030 over for just under $400. I was talking to my son and thats what it cost him. As for the crank I would prefer to just have it cleaned. I am just 10 miles from "The Crank Shop" in Montgomery, NY. I hear he is one of the best around. I will speak with him sometime this week and see what he can do with the cast Iron crank I have. Maybe if its not too much $$ I will pick up some ARP Hardware.
Do I need any different rods or are mine Ok to use with my engine?
This is my first total rebuild so I will be relying on the help of all my good friends here on Corvette Forum for help. If anyone can give me any advice on clearancing of valvetrain to pistons, or setting the crank in the engine I would appreciate any and all advice.
Thanks again,
Barry
The price seems right for the "sealed power pistons." I should be able to get the engine bored .030 over for just under $400. I was talking to my son and thats what it cost him. As for the crank I would prefer to just have it cleaned. I am just 10 miles from "The Crank Shop" in Montgomery, NY. I hear he is one of the best around. I will speak with him sometime this week and see what he can do with the cast Iron crank I have. Maybe if its not too much $$ I will pick up some ARP Hardware.
Do I need any different rods or are mine Ok to use with my engine?
This is my first total rebuild so I will be relying on the help of all my good friends here on Corvette Forum for help. If anyone can give me any advice on clearancing of valvetrain to pistons, or setting the crank in the engine I would appreciate any and all advice.
Thanks again,
Barry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
Its been awhile since I have had an engine bored I would think it
would be more like $20 a hole or $160.00. Forged pistons weigh
more then cast pistons you will need to get crank rods and pistons
rebalanced. If I were building a motor with a blower I would use a
forged crank and strong rods, but if you keep the motor at lower
rpms the cast crank may be ok. Use ARP rod bolts.
would be more like $20 a hole or $160.00. Forged pistons weigh
more then cast pistons you will need to get crank rods and pistons
rebalanced. If I were building a motor with a blower I would use a
forged crank and strong rods, but if you keep the motor at lower
rpms the cast crank may be ok. Use ARP rod bolts.
Last edited by Little Mouse; Jun 6, 2006 at 12:10 AM.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Orange County New York
Originally Posted by Little Mouse
Its been awhile since I have had an engine bored I would think it
would be more like $20 a hole or $160.00.
would be more like $20 a hole or $160.00.
Barry
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by Little Mouse
Its been awhile since I have had an engine bored I would think it
would be more like $20 a hole or $160.00. Forged pistons weigh
more then cast pistons you will need to get crank rods and pistons
rebalanced. If I were building a motor with a blower I would use a
forged crank and strong rods, but if you keep the motor at lower
rpms the cast crank may be ok. Use ARP rod bolts.
would be more like $20 a hole or $160.00. Forged pistons weigh
more then cast pistons you will need to get crank rods and pistons
rebalanced. If I were building a motor with a blower I would use a
forged crank and strong rods, but if you keep the motor at lower
rpms the cast crank may be ok. Use ARP rod bolts.
If you are taking the advice of forum members Forged bottom end on a forced induction or nitrous motor is common practice and makes sense. You only want to do this once. Forged, balanced rotating assemblies are available for a little over $1000. Pretty cheap insurance if you are buying pistons, rod bolts, disassembling, reasembing and rebalancing anyway. Good luck on your build
Last edited by 63mako; Jun 6, 2006 at 08:22 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
A couple years ago I did a .040 350 with the Speed Pro forged pistons, coated skirts etc. It was a mild motor with worked 882 smog heads and a 292h comp cam. It didn't really make much power(****ty heads and cam) but we were spraying a 175hp shot through it with a rich tune up and mild timing and it never blew up or missed a lick. It was in a 73 Nova going 11.40s and we sprayed COUNTLESS bottles through it..
THey are good pistons..
THey are good pistons..
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: New York
Originally Posted by BG528
That would be nice.... Anyone know a good, reputable machine shop in the NY Tri-state area? If I can do better on the Quality and Price I would like to!
Barry
Barry
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: ca
Originally Posted by stingr69
Good pistons but a little heavy.
-Mark.
-Mark.
Hey Mark,
Speed Pro makes a lightweight version. I wasnt sure what the difference but for only a few dollars more I went with the "LW." Maybe less mass, faster revs? I am happy with so far 400 miles on engine.
