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401 rebuild

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jonb79 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonb79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: 401 rebuild
    Posted: May/01/2012 at 2:11am
I just scored a 74 401 that needs a complete rebuild, any suggestions on who sells a good rebuid kit with pistions? I seen flatlander has one with a choice of pistions. What about the bridged rockers on these engines, whats a good replacement for those. I'm just looking to run this motor on the streets mainly and  at the strip once in a great while.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote amx39068 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/01/2012 at 2:21am
Performance Warehouse sells a kit with EGGE pistons but beware, they are .030 shorter than stock pistons so your compression will get worse than the 8.5 you have now.

Why not spring for an extra couple of hundred bucks and get a set of forged pistons and bring your compression up to 9.5. You will notice a BIG difference in performance over the lower compression 74 engine.
Dan Curtis, AZ AMC collector quality Restorations, Parts & Engines - amcmusclecars.com

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jonb79 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonb79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/01/2012 at 12:39pm
I would like a kit that has forged pistions with a higher CR.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Buzzman72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/01/2012 at 4:22pm
The best "kit" is to buy the individual parts and pieces that fit your application and its intended usage.  This engine "kit" business, IMHO, was concocted for the SBC "psuedo-mechanic" crowd who think that everything you do the the engine will simply make it faster, just because it has that bowtie on it.  Just like the "mechanic-in-a-can" snake oil products that my grandfather held in high disdain, I don't think much of an "engine kit" sold by someone who hasn't asked you how you plan to use that engine once its built, or what transmission or rear end gears/tires you plan to run.

But then, I'm old school.
Buzzman72...void where prohibited, your mileage may vary, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, and alcohol may intensify any side effects.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote amx39068 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/01/2012 at 6:38pm
Originally posted by jonb79 jonb79 wrote:



I would like a kit that has forged pistions with a higher CR.


I do a lot of 390 and 401 AMC engines and am not aware that any such kit to exists with forged pistons. You buy the forged pistons, gasket kit, freeze plugs, oil pump kit, intake gasket kit and the cam and matching valve train of your preference.

Agree with the comment that a kit diminishes everything to a lowest common denominator to appeal the widest possible range of buyers so if you want a generic engine then buy the Performance Warehouse kit with EGGE cast pistons. When you go to forged pistons you are in custom territory so why not do it the way you want it to be rather than the way some bean counter packaged the cheapest possible parts together to make the kit and maximize their profit.   It only cost a little extra to make it an engine specific to YOUR car.
Dan Curtis, AZ AMC collector quality Restorations, Parts & Engines - amcmusclecars.com

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jonb79 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonb79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/01/2012 at 7:35pm

I don't want to create another topic but with forged piston whats my choices, from what I see thats out there is wiesco, speedpro and bulltear.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73hornut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/01/2012 at 7:48pm
Here is the wiesco pistons I went with, and the only reason I went with them over others, is the rings were included already.
PT116H3  http://www.campbellenterprises.com/amc-parts/amc-pistons-360-pistons-401-pistons-wiseco.php
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74 Gremlin
86 Eagle wagon
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote amx39068 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/02/2012 at 8:20am
Wiseco off the shelf 401 pistons are a great value particularly when considering they come with pins and rings and are excellent quality. Just remember that they are 1.500 compression height which is .008 shorter than stock so if you want to retain the .002 deck height you will need to take .008 of the top of the block.

At .030 over and if you take .010 off the block to have zero deck, compression will be at 10.38 which due to the flat top piston design and zero deck, seems to be compatible with premium pump gas. Your dynamic compression ratio, which is directly impacted by the cam specs, should stay in the mid 8s range.

Edited by amx39068 - May/02/2012 at 8:23am
Dan Curtis, AZ AMC collector quality Restorations, Parts & Engines - amcmusclecars.com

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SKeown View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SKeown Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/02/2012 at 12:47pm
 
 I just got a std bore 401 block and std crank, they'll be used for the flat tapit engine replacing my current engine once my performance goal is achieved. It will consist of Wiseco -27cc pistons, K1 rods, Eddy heads and air gap manifold. By decking the block .010 and surfacing the heads .005 that combo will produce 10.2:1 compression with .045 gaskets. I figure it will make a consistant mid 11 second bracket/street engine that won't require yearly maintenance and be tame enough on the street.
 
 SKeown 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bulletpruf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/02/2012 at 9:48pm
Originally posted by SKeown SKeown wrote:

 
 I just got a std bore 401 block and std crank, they'll be used for the flat tapit engine replacing my current engine once my performance goal is achieved. It will consist of Wiseco -27cc pistons, K1 rods, Eddy heads and air gap manifold. By decking the block .010 and surfacing the heads .005 that combo will produce 10.2:1 compression with .045 gaskets. I figure it will make a consistant mid 11 second bracket/street engine that won't require yearly maintenance and be tame enough on the street.
 
 SKeown 
 
Sounds interesting.  Sorry for the hijack, but care to elaborate on the rest of that combo?  Cam?  Ported Eddy heads or stock?  Torker intake?  750 dp?  11's with auto trans, 10" converter?  What does the car weigh?
 
Thanks,

Scott
71 Javelin SST, Canary Yellow, 401, T-10
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68 GTO Convt, 455, TH400
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