Steeped head pistons

Nickc711 · Aug 29, 2010

I recently ordered an engine kit for my super a with steeped head pistons thinking thats what i had because they were raised in the middle but what i got is huge compared to what i had, are these the same, do i need to modify my engine to support them?

thanks

Janicholson · Aug 30, 2010

THe pistons (if put in correctly and of the correct size for the bore, will work. The steps of the new pistons will give substantially higher compression. Which is also OK. if there is doubt about the pistons hitting valves, or the head, the head can be put on with an old gasket, with modeling clay (oil based) layerd on the piston "steps" about 1/8" thick. Turn the engine over by hand to be sure it does not bind. No point on the clay chould be less than .020" thick. Where problems are found are the edges of the step. (only one piston needs to be installed to do this check, and it is unlikely to be a problem. Just tighten the head bolts to 1/2 their normal torque, the gasket is already smashed. If the pistons clear everything, the worst case is to need to use mid grade or premium fuel if the compression is in the 160psi or greater range.
Of course several manufacturers make different step sizes for different ratios. IH made them for altitude adjustment from the factory. Jim

ljs01 · Aug 31, 2010

What would you do if you found the clearances to be too small? Could you use two head gaskets, or would you try to grind off the piston to fit? Just curious.

Thanks

Janicholson · Aug 31, 2010

I would use a Die grinder on the head to create clearance. (usually an edge of the chamber) Leave the pistons alone. Jim

Steeped head pistons

Nickc711

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ljs01

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Janicholson

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