Vortec 350 with flat top pistons???

[juveteach]

Vortec 350 with flat top pistons???

Hey guys need some help. I am building a 98 vortec 350 for my camaro. I have a set of new flat top pistons(old style) I want to put them in my engine but my buddy says that the VORTEC will have too much compression with the vortec heads to run it on the street. I don't want to bench race him on this issue without some ammo. Has anyone ever built an engine like this with flat tops and stock vortec heads for the street? he claims it will spark knock all the time. Oh yeah, it will be fuel injected using factory set up.

[SLO_Z28]

You need to know two things, how much the block has been decked, and the head gasket thickness. But a flat top pistons with a 64cc head nets about 11.3:1 compression.

[GregWeld]

You have to take a bunch of measurements to figure all this out --- like -- how far down the hole are the pistons... and how thick the compressed head gasket is going to be....

Then --- it's really more about CYLINDER PRESSURE than actual measured (bore and stroke and quench area etc) compression ratio -- because depending on what cam you use and how much overlap it has - will either make your cylinder pressures too high - or it will bleed some pressure off and you could be fine. Also -- EFI can handle more compression (static) than a carb. The common thought is 1 point for EFI -- and 1 point for aluminum heads.

Also some of this depends on the timing/curve and total etc.

I'd do some serious measuring -- and then talk this over with a PROFESSIONAL engine builder.

[juveteach]

Hey thanks guys...I am building this engine bone stock. I am only using these pistons because I traded for them and they are just laying around. If I don't have to deck the block or shave the heads I'm not. Shoot I'm gonna try and hone the block and re-use the stock pistons. I'm only asking because I have some cylinder wall scuff and if I have to bore I wanted to know before I went to machine shop.

I just thought someone in here had already had built this combo and could give me some insight on it running stock heads and components.

Thanks for the info and more is welcomed..... :willy: :willy: :willy: