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OK, so I'm doing a small block to big block engine conversion on my '79 Vette. The block is a standard bore 402 (4.125) which is a 30 over 396.
I've had the block checked , cleaned, new cam bearings and frost plugs are also done. I have a forged 396/427 crank (internally balanced) and I have a good set of rods. The original pistons from this engine were not bad at all but I'm thinkin if I'm this far into this I should replace pistons as well.
As an added note I've also bought a new set of Edelbrock Performer RPM heads. They have a 110 cc chamber.
Here is where my concern is: I do street drive this car about 5000 kms per summer and since I'll be running pump fuel I'd like to keep the compression in the 9:1 range, or at least under 9.5:1.
This is the link to the set of pistons I'm considering.
Its a factory 1972 402 cubic inch. The block has been honed and measured and it did not require boring at all. The 402 was actually a 30 over 396, so that would be the piston I'd be ordering. The originals were not flat tops, they did have a small dome on them, and some valve relief.
But they were under much larger cc heads. Unless you're planning to add a blower, I would think you could add another point of compression with those aluminum heads, But if that is what you want, those pistons ought to be fine.
My guess would be about 116 ccs, but that doesn't really matter because you know what the new heads are. You can measure the old heads, if you really care. I'm thinking 10.0 to 10.5:1 with aluminum heads and a tight quench, should work well.