QUESTION FOR WALKER

[GATORMAN1]

OK 3.375, PISTONS ARE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND EXCEPT FROM THE DEALER FOR THIS ENGINE. CAN I BORE IT TO 3.500 AND USE A STANDARD PISTON FOR A 1976 V4 CROSSFLOW?

 

[Walker]

Re: QUESTION FOR WALKER

I can't answer that question. It would depend on piston height, skirt configuration, and wrist pin location. Also I don't know if you can safely bore the cylinders that far. The sleeves would be mighty thin. If you had one of each you could mic them and see if there is any difference. I suspect they are different.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: QUESTION FOR WALKER

GATORMAN1, don't confuse things with multiple posts on the same topic. Dhadley, a trusted source, has already answered your question.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: QUESTION FOR WALKER

Thanks WildeOne and youre right about the two posts. Since this one has been started maybe we should address the sleeve question here.<br /><br />Gatorman1 - the sleeve, fortunately is thick enough. If the bore is now not quite centered, then the machine shop should center it before boring that far. After you go 3.500 you may not have enough left to use the 3.544 or 3.564 pistons but you will be OK at 3.520 or 3.530. <br /><br />You do need to use the heads from a 3.500 motor. If you really want to, you can port it to the 115/140 style ports and even add the "bubbled" exhaust. If you use the bigger carbs you can "create" any combination you like. <br /><br />The downside is that you may or may not see any difference in preformance depending on your set up and hull design. Keep in mind you are still using the same bore / stroke and gear ratio. <br /><br />If it were mine the only reason I would bore one that far is if you cannot clean it up now using stock replacement pistons. Usually machine shops charge at least double to bore that far as it takes several passes to do it correctly. The other machine work can get a little pricey too.<br /><br />Good luck!