New 454 questions.

[f_inscreenname]

Started a new one because for some the other post being so long it takes a long time to open.
A new question. I an going to get new pistons to cure my stiff piston blues. The question is, Float or Press?
I have stock rods now with a press wrist pin but some of the pistons I have looked at are free floating pins. Because my rods are what they are can I use free floating or would I need a different rod?

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: New 454 questions.

Also when it comes to compression in a 454 what would be better for a 350 to 400 HP motor, 9.32:1 or 8.56:1 ?
Thanks

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: New 454 questions.

I would stick with the stock type press on pistons. To use the full floating pistons you would have to bore the small end of the rods and have bushings installed.

As long as you don't go above 9.5:1 compression you will be fine. 9.0:1 and above will require premium fuel.

If your going to buy the new pistons, spend the extra money, probably less than a hundred dollars and have the block bored. This will allow for fitting the new pistons to proper clearance

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: New 454 questions.

Ya I already have that in mind.
How about timing chains. Double roller, True double roller or gear drive? Isn't gear drives real noisy? What's the difference between the Roller and true roller? Is it just different keys?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: New 454 questions.

Most pin type link chains are roller. The links have bushing that the pins roll in. Although the pins dont actually roll the bushed links pivot easily on the pins. Without bushings the chain and gears wear faster. A true roller has sleeves over the pins that will actually spin/turn on the pins that contact the gears teeth. Significantly less wear and friction.

For your application I would install a good double row Cloyes Timing Chain. If your going to degree the cam in then you will need a an offset key set and the mulitple position crank gear.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: New 454 questions.

Thanks R/P
One small piece of good new I found out today. My Chrysler small block thermostat housing will fit on a Chevy big block intake manifold. And it fits almost perfect (meaning it would not be a half a$$ install). Looks like I will be using my old cooling system with some tiny modifications. Thats very cool !8)
Also got a email back from the guy who sells the kits for the bell housing. He has plenty of them so I can hold off a little and man could my wallet use it.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: New 454 questions.

Another question. Does anyone know the cam spec's for a Mercruiser MIE 340 cam. My book does not mention it. I think it has 1548 or 1549 stamped on the old cam.
Looking for a base that Mercruiser started from with there set up so I can adjust it to mine. Just bought a set of pistons. Seal Pro .210 domed. With my heads it should give me about 9.32 to 1 and room to increase if needed when one day I get new heads.