Who has clearanced pistons in the block?

[rd]

I am most likely going with AFR 185's in a couple weeks. (If I have any money left after FFW) I don't think the 2.02 valves will clear the TRW pistons.

I was planning on buying the Isky piston notch tool. I tried an old piston last week with a Dremel, but I am not sure I can get consistent cuts that way.

Anyone done the in block clearancing? Suggestions?

 

[vikingpower]

You'd be better off getting new pistons with the proper reliefs. Or you can get the heads and use the clay method to check the clearance with the stock pistons. It really depends on how much intake duration your cam has.

 

[rd]

I clayed them when I put the GT40's on. The side clearance is down in the .01+/- in range with 1.84's...

If its cheaper to cut the pistons than change them, I am going to clearance these if I can. New pistons are not in the plan for this motor unless unavoidable. The next new ones will be the 347 setup, I hope.

Anyone tried it?

 

[Rick 91GT]

I made my own fixture and cutters and ran notch pistons on my old 302 set-up with no issues at all. You really do not need to go deeper, just wider to open up the radial clearance.

I have heard the Isky tool works fine but I have never used it.

 

[smokedu1]

I did this on my wifes 90lx when I put the AFR 185's on. I am sure the tool is a better way, but I clayed the piston so I had a rough idea on what had to come out. I used an air compressor with a tear dropped shaped cutter. brought the piston up to TDC then duct taped the whole top of the motor. Marked the eye brow with a sharpie and went to town. Vacummed all shavings and re clayed. After the first couple of pistons I knew what had to come out. I have not had any problems to date. That was with the stock cam though. Good luck!
Derick

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Thats just about what I did with my current 302, except I used some Dykem instead of a Sharpie. Like it matters.

 

[rd]

Thanks. Guess I'm gonna go for it.