360 vs. 390....piston talk!

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Dec 6, 2014 | 12:50 PM

#16

banjopicker66

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From: Coal country

I am surprised that the original poster seems to want to put used pistons into a new engine.
This seems to be less than logical. The savings will likely be lost when the engine doesn't last very long. What about unknown wear such as what results in piston slap?
Even if I was short of funds, I would get at the very least new pistons.
Am I the only one who thinks this way?

John -

Dec 6, 2014 | 01:09 PM

#17

Fellenz

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My main reasoning for the ideology on this engine is because I was planning to stroke it out next winter or the one after that which involves a whole New roatating assembly. Why not now? Well its the wrong time of year for someone in my financial situation to enduldge on myself like that. Family first. That being said.. I'd bet much like to enjoy my truck this coming season.

Dec 6, 2014 | 01:18 PM

#18

banjopicker66

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From: Coal country

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fellenz

Family first. That being said.. I'd bet much like to enjoy my truck this coming season.

The best reasons for fixing and driving these old trucks!

I just wanted to point out that trying to save by reusing pistons probably will end up costing more in the long run. I wish you the best of luck, and hope you get the results you need.

John -

Dec 7, 2014 | 01:14 AM

#19

Fellenz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by banjopicker66

Oh I hear your logic loud and clear!
If I was planning on keeping the engine a 390, I'd do it none other than the "right way". But here's what I'm thinking..with the stroke, its going to be bored out anyway (how much? Hmmmm..) But after crunching the numbers, to do it right.. I'm going to be spending not much less than it would cost for the stroker kit to begin with. I say this because the crank needs money dropped into it to be a good crank again. Don't you love getting that type of news from your pals at the machine shop?

Dec 7, 2014 | 01:21 AM

#20

tbm3fan

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From: Concord, CA

How long do you expect to have this truck? I ask because stroker engines do not last as long as the original stroke engine. I was going to stroke my 360 Mopar to 408 but that idea has gone out the window now. I will do the basic things to the engine like raising compression and a mild cam.

Dec 7, 2014 | 01:28 AM

#21

Fellenz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tbm3fan

I plan on keeping this truck until my son is old enough to use it with his child..then its his call. I don't have any kids yet.
This being said, I've only owned the truck a couple years, and am on my third block, and have pulled the engine countless times. I do it because its still cheaper than therapy...and amazing fun for me to tinker and learn. I guess this is My way of saying I know I'm not building a million mile motor, but damn its gonna make me smile!

Dec 7, 2014 | 03:33 PM

#22

1972RedNeck

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From: Townsend, MT

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbm3fan

How long do you expect to have this truck? I ask because stroker engines do not last as long as the original stroke engine.

What doesn't last as long? Main bearings? I can't see how a longer stroke would make anything not last as long. I would say it is more in what you use it for. The way I use my 416, I bet it is going to look like a normal 100,000 mile engine when it hits 50,000 miles.