piston ?

[70RAGTOPR/T]

The engine builder that I'm using informed me that I need to pick out pistons and rods for my 383.  The heads are rated at 90cc.  The block will be bored .3.  I was advised to get KB pistons and rods.  Do you agree with this setup.  Also I want to free up some horse power by getting a combination that is lighter then the original MOPAR combination.  Note, the builder works on a lot of fords, so I rather have your opinion.  Last, since gas is hovering around $3/gal, can these setups work with E85.


Thanks
70ragtopR/T

[71383bee]

Don't know about the e85, but I do know about the KB162 pistons for the 383.  They are WAY down in the hole and will yield around 8.3:1 for compression with 906 heads and steel shim gaskets with just a cleanup on the deck.  I have heard that the KB400's are domed and will work better to get your compression up. 

For pump gas and iron heads you should aim for around 9.5 to 10.0 for compression and 10.0 to 10.5 for aluminum IMO.   Chryco and the others will provide a little better explaination here too. 

Just don't make the same mistake I did and not check the numbers.  My machine builder just built the engine and i really did not pay as much attention as i should have.  Tuning a low comp 383 with large valves, ported heads, and a larger cam can be a PITA.

[Chryco Psycho]

I would use the Speed Pro 2315F , it is .012 from the deck & will gie you low 9:1 compression & is a far better piston then the KB
 mill the deck .010 & use the Mopar steel shim gasket & you will be closer to mid 9:1 

[70RAGTOPR/T]

Thanks Chryco & 383bee for your suggestions.

Bee......I tried loking up the KB400's, couldn't find them.

Chryco.......I'll check out the SP2315F's.  Can you give advise on the E85 question.  Can this setup work with E85.

Thanks,
ragtop
 

[Chryco Psycho]

with comporession in th elow 9:1 range it should run on E85 not that I have specifically tried it 

[70RAGTOPR/T]

Chryco, I'll take your word that it should run on E85.  Thanks for your help.

Ragtopr/t

[TreeFrog]

make sure you avoid plastics ... fuel filters, etc.....  go with an old metal style can... some glass filters might be ok, just watch what the filter itself is made of....

try to use all metal fuel lines too

and if you have a more modern float in the gas tank try to find and older all metal one....

[70RAGTOPR/T]

Treefrog, thanks for the info.  At the present time the car is all original except the top.

Thanks,
Ragtop 

[TreeFrog]

I have heard that some metals are not good...might looki into alum vs stainless fuel lines....anyone know?

[700HPCharger]

I have heard that E85 isn't good with metals, it oxidizes most metals, Thats just what I heard....

[TreeFrog]

I have heard most but not all metals are ok, put plastics are non-no except a few, like teflon and one or two thers I anever heard of before....

[700HPCharger]

hmmm....I don't know enough about it, I think E85 has an official website I seen in a brochure, wonder if they have any info...

[70RAGTOPR/T]

Thanks all for the info.  I checked out the E85 official website, no info that can be used.  I did write the president of the E85 and asked him what materials that one should avoid when using E85.  Waiting for his response.  I place his response on the website once I receive it.

On another note which rods should I use with Speed Pro 2315F's.  Remember I trying to shed some weight.

Looking for your advise,
Ragtopr/t

[Chryco Psycho]

I would use stock rods unless you are going to really push this engine

[tactransman]

I would use stock rods unless you are going to really push this engine

Stock rods( if prepped correctly) can take alot of horsepower.