Ok guys, need some suggestions.

Soon to be building a 292, mild build, going into a 1960 F250.

Probably going to have McMaster do my heads in California, as shipping is cheap for me and I prefer him to do the larger valve job on them.

As for the block - I was just going to go with a cast piston as this thing isn't going to be crazy. Mild cam, bigger valves, 4bbl, ram horn exhaust. I wanted to try to get the comp ratio up to at least 9.0, but didn't know whether this is feasible through zero deck and cutting the heads .20, or if I'm still not going to get there. Seems like the only other easy option is the Mummert pistons. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. I'm about 200.00 in for pistons with cast vs 500.00 with the Mummerts, which are forged, but only really needed because of the compression increase. I don't mind paying extra, but if I can get there through machining, I'm just as inclined to do that. Another note...Will be running C0TE heads, which for some reason don't show the combustion chamber size in anything I look up, but I would assume they're 75 or 76cc before being cut down. I apologize as I'm sure this topic has come up before, but the search function doesn't seem to work on the forum head...unless it's operator error on my part.

With C0TE heads, the only way you will get to 9:1 is with domed pistons or more displacement (probably stroking).  With John's pistons, you are getting a lighter piston and probably modern ring sizing as well (less friction and weight).  It's more than simply the domes vs the typical cast piston.

An alternative, to get closer to 9:1 with cast flat top pistons, find a set of G or 113 heads.  That's the difference in your piston prices, and you get a better flowing head.

Have the C0TEs cc'd then you will know.

RE the search feature, are you using PC or mobile?  Things are quite a bit different between the two.  As long as you are actually finding the search field, and it's not working, see if it works on another device.



Lawrenceville, GA

I'm using a laptop. When you type in the search field and hit return, it doesn't do anything.

With the Mummert pistons, would you still zero deck the block and/or cut the heads, or no?

Search is working for me with pressing enter.  Try clicking on the magnifying glass and if that doesn't work, another computer.  If that doesn't work, I got nothin'.

RE milling the deck or heads along with domed pistons, the answer is maybe.  It depends on what is needed to achieve your target compression ratio. You should at least have all surfaces milled square and it does not usually cost any more to remove a little more, if needed.  You will probably need to mill the block about .020" - .030" to make up the difference between the original, thinner steel shim head gaskets and the newer, thicker composition head gaskets.



Lawrenceville, GA

I'm on a mac - I'll just blame apple

Ok, I just want to be sure there's no risk of taking off too much. My plans were to zero deck the block and take .020 off the heads. I guess I need to see what the combustion chambers on the C0TE heads even are. Neither Tim or John have them listed on their sites. I figured it might be that they're not common, but every 292 I have, and a 272 I have has those heads on them.

Before you mill the block, do a mock up assembly with your crank, rods, pistons and bearings so that you can actually measure the depth of the pistons at tdc.  Cut the deck according to those measurements.  If you don't do that, you may cut too much or too little



Lawrenceville, GA

Cool appreciate the advice - also, I commented on the oil pan I have in the other thread, not sure if you saw it.