Engine 302 Build Question

M

Middleagecrisis

Active Member

Aug 23, 2020

99

43

28

Seguin

Oct 22, 2020

#1

• Oct 22, 2020

• #1

I recently purchased a complete '99 Explorer 302 and have a question regarding the factory pistons. Plans are to freshen up the block (new bearings, rings, ARP rod/head bolts), clean up (mild port) the GT-40P heads/intake, valve spring upgrade/E-cam and 24 lb. injectors. Since this is a mild build and being done on a budget, I plan on utilizing the factory hyper pistons and opening up the ring gaps to allow me to utilize a small shot of nitrous (100-125 HP). The rest of the drivetrain is an AOD w/2800 converter and 3.27 LSD (I do some highway driving). I know this isn't the first time this type combination has been put together. Given the inherent block weakness and stock piston material, I'm looking to not exceed 400 HP w/nitrous at the flywheel. Should the hyper pistons be okay with opened up ring gaps at this power level?

 

HemiRick

I'd be looking at jacking under the house

Jun 28, 2020

723

272

73

Memphis TN

Oct 22, 2020

#2

• Oct 22, 2020

• #2

Buy some forged pistons and be done w it.

 

LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air

Mod Dude

Dec 6, 2005

6,318

5,288

194

Corn County USA

Oct 22, 2020

#3

• Oct 22, 2020

• #3

View: https://youtu.be/rN2ND_FPnUA

 

HemiRick

I'd be looking at jacking under the house

Jun 28, 2020

723

272

73

Memphis TN

Oct 22, 2020

#4

• Oct 22, 2020

• #4

He wants to run nitrous, he'd be a fool not to get forged pistons.

 

M

Monkeybutt2000

Mustang Master

Aug 11, 2019

1,387

849

133

Lafayette,IN

Oct 22, 2020

#5

• Oct 22, 2020

• #5

Should be a fun car, you've got the right ideas.

 

LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air

Mod Dude

Dec 6, 2005

6,318

5,288

194

Corn County USA

Oct 23, 2020

#6

• Oct 23, 2020

• #6

I didn't suggest he run any kind of piston, just shared a video so people can learn something. And now I'm sharing an article to read instead of watching a video. Knowledge is power.

Narrowing Your Piston Choices - Mopar Muscle Magazine

It's important that you understand what kind of pistons to put in your engine, so we help by narrowing your piston choices so you choose what's right for you!

www.hotrod.com

 

Reactions: General karthief

M

Middleagecrisis

Active Member

Aug 23, 2020

99

43

28

Seguin

Oct 23, 2020

#7

• Oct 23, 2020

• #7

Understand forged is the ideal way to go, but if I spend $500 (minimum for pistons/machine work) it kind of defeats the purpose of a "budget build". Then why not get good rods, then the factory block is weak, on and on and on. The question was if I open up the ring gaps to allow expansion, would a small hit of nitrous be okay on hyperuetectic pistons. I know it's fun to spend other people's money, but I'm looking for comments from people that have done it.

 

HemiRick

I'd be looking at jacking under the house

Jun 28, 2020

723

272

73

Memphis TN

Oct 23, 2020

#8

• Oct 23, 2020

• #8

Yes its doable but your margin for error is razor thin.....forged pistons buy you a much greater margin.

Hypereutectic Pistons?

I'll throw a flag too! But only because I like soft silky things flowing in the breeze.. ks

www.corral.net

 

Last edited: Oct 23, 2020

Reactions: 7991LXnSHO

M

Monkeybutt2000

Mustang Master

Aug 11, 2019

1,387

849

133

Lafayette,IN

Oct 23, 2020

#9

• Oct 23, 2020

• #9

It's a 100 shot,gap the rings,run a good fuel pump,colder plugs and decrease timing. You'll be fine.

 

Reactions: Jalapeno4eye

M

Monkeybutt2000

Mustang Master

Aug 11, 2019

1,387

849

133

Lafayette,IN

Oct 23, 2020

#10

• Oct 23, 2020

• #10

Look,we ran a 125 shot on a stock 93 GT. Was my buddies car,I drove it on the street. It was a hidden kit and we won a TON of $ racing it. Went through at least two bottles a week . No issues.

 

M

Middleagecrisis

Active Member

Aug 23, 2020

99

43

28

Seguin

Oct 24, 2020

#11

• Oct 24, 2020

• #11

Monkeybutt2000 said:

Look,we ran a 125 shot on a stock 93 GT. Was my buddies car,I drove it on the street. It was a hidden kit and we won a TON of $ racing it. Went through at least two bottles a week . No issues.

Click to expand...

Planned on getting a timing retard box for when I activate the nitrous. Thanks all for the input!