98 pistons on a 2001 shortblock?

justa4.6

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Jan 27, 2004
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I am looking to do a mild build-up here...ported heads, cams, springs. In addition to the headwork, I would like to go for more compression as well. has anyone swapped out the stock pistons that come with the 2001 shortblock and put on the '98 pistons with the smaller dish to get more compression?
 
justa4.6 said:
I am looking to do a mild build-up here...ported heads, cams, springs. In addition to the headwork, I would like to go for more compression as well. has anyone swapped out the stock pistons that come with the 2001 shortblock and put on the '98 pistons with the smaller dish to get more compression?
I'm in the process of doing something simlar which should end up with the results you are looking for. I have a 1996 that I'm putting PI heads on. This piston/head combination should be a 10.52:1 compression ratio...definetely will have to run premium gas with this combo. I am porting my heads and removing the "swirl fin" to get about a 9.4:1 ratio...much more streetable! Not saying you can't make 10.5:1 liveable, but you did say a mild build up.
 
You don't need to overbore an engine unless there is obvious damage to the sleeves, but most engine builders would highly recommend a small overbore in order to have a fresh sealing surface. That having been said, there is a big difference in spending the money for a basic rebuild with a 0.020" overbore and building a stroker motor. The stroker will require a new crank and rods, while a rebuild can re-use some components or use factory replacements for others.

Most people trying to get extra compression will simply use a flat-top instead of trying to source factory replacement pistons for a non-PI car.