I have no fingernails left!

[Tom Kochtanek]

I finally got it together and got my pistons "shaved" and did the install late last night. Finished around 1:30 AM. I replaced the bolts on the mains with BBC parts (ARP bolts) but they were a bit long and I had to trim a few threads off. Hope that's OK.

This is a 1964 truck block bored out .100" over using CPG's piston design crafted by Ross. Crank is a modified 427. I think it displaces around 460 cubes.

Now to move on to the valve train and figure out how long those pushrods will need to be... Wish me luck!

Here's a pic from late last night. Check out the '55 TBird with 3x2s in the background (locally owned, not mine!). Enjoy!

TomK

[wrench]

Here's a pic from late last night.

Tom,

Can you post a close up of all four cylinders directly from the top?

Something doesn't look right to me.

Tom C

[SteveD409]

Pistons in wrong?

SteveD

[wrench]

Pistons in wrong?

Looks that way to me......

Gotta keep him from putting those heads on. I can't find his phone number.....

Tom C

[CDNpontiac409guy]

oooooooooo, Tom, you've got numbers 4 & 6 in the wrong holes :eek:

Nobody's laughing ;) .... I think this has probably been done once or twice in the past ;)

[wrench]

[QUOTE]Tom, you've got numbers 4 & 6 in the wrong holes :eek:[QUOTE]

I just called and left him a message on his machine.....I hope he ain't out in the garage torquing those heads down! I'd hate to have some bent valves and nicked pistons. I hope he gets that message before tonight!

Tom C

[fourspeed409]

Just thought I would take the time to say you are a great bunch of guys. I can only imagine the frustration you have saved Tom by helping him out.
Thanks Guys :hug
Shane

[SS425HP]

I'll bet 5 and 7 too. Looked at that myself, and missed it. Good eyes. Hope you guys saved him in time.

Fred

[64ss409]

[QUOTE=SS425HP]I'll bet 5 and 7 too.

Did you mean 3 and 5, the center two?
Ron

[Tom Kochtanek]

Not to worry, I haven't bolted anything on them as yet :)

Thanks for the heads up and to Wrench for the phone call. I was out with the boys playing cards tonight, having putzed with the '62 SS steering column and four speed pedals much of the day... My wife told me "some car guy called and left a message" -- that was Wrench (Tom Collins) calling :)

Let me do this: I will take close up shots of both sides and then you guys tell me what I did wrong. First time, rookie mistake, you know. Hopefully things are still salvageable (except for my fingernails!).

Best,

TomK

[wrench]

Not to worry, I haven't bolted anything on them as yet :) Thanks for the heads up and to Wrench for the phone call. I was out with the boys playing cards tonight, having putzed with the '62 SS steering column and four speed pedals much of the day... My wife told me "some car guy called and left a message" -- that was Wrench (Tom Collins) calling :)

Glad you didn't bolt those heads on. I'd hate to see those nice valves or pistons damaged. Hope the wife didn't mind the intrusion.

Keep us updated.

[Tom Kochtanek]

I recall seeing a diagram once (obviously I didn' thave it with me last night!) that depicted the pistons and the locations of the valve relief areas. Anyone recall where that might be on the site? Did a quick search, then browsed a bit to no avail.

regards,

TomK

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Here's a picture, Tom:

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Just thought of something, Tom. You are going to have to check the direction of your con rods. That'll be a real bear if you have to pull out those double spiro-locks :(

[bobs409]

You guys are great! :cheers: Going the extra mile like Wrench did to help a fellow member.

Tom, it took a while but I found it. I don't think it's on the main site yet but I did post a diagram in this thread: http://www.348-409.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1789

And best of all, that thread is all about pistons! :D

Here is the pic again but you should go to the URL above for more info.

http://www.348-409.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1192&stc=1

As far as I know, that diagram is correct. I made it by using a pic out of an assembly manual.

[dq409]

So where were you guys when I install my pistons wrong the first time ? heee heeee

Makes this god awful knock that puts your heart in your throat !!

[wrench]

So where were you guys when I install my pistons wrong the first time ? heee heeee

Makes this god awful knock that puts your heart in your throat !!

This site IS really needed by the young fellers!

Did it damage anything on yours?

Tom C

[dq409]

No damage ,,, just a embarrassing knock ! Put a slight indent in the top of the piston.
At that time (teardown) I changed to the one piece stainless valves.