I haven't posted since we got the 442 home. We spent a few months tinkering with engine while waiting for Christmas break to overhaul the engine. This past Saturday was day 1.

My son and father disassembling the 400.

 

That is an awesome memory... priceless! Good luck!!!

 

Very nice. Enjoy your holidays working together.

 

Congrats on starting a good build in a great way!
Please keep us up to date even if you don't have pics. Were there any problems with the engine or is she just tired ?
If it is an unknown then the tear down will tell it's story.

 

Best of luck in your project!

 

There are some issues finding pistons for these engines. You do have options but that will depend on your C.R. end game. The .921 diameter lifters are available but use only Hylift Johnson/Topline and stay away from the Chinese units as they are bad.There is a lot of knowlegeable guys here willing to help. Good Luck with your build.

 

Actually Mahle makes 4.065, 4.100, and 4.155 bore piston kits for 350’s, 400E’s and 425’s.

 

I was hoping you would post about those. It’s great we have those available now.


Standard bore (4.057”) 350 pistons will work as well.

 

DSS also has 1.625 compression distance Olds pistons. You can order through just about anywhere. If you order direct you can have just about any bore you need. https://dssracing.com/

 

For a stock type build I have had success with EGGE pistons, yes old school design, cast (like factory) with cast rings for quick seating, never an issue.

 

Actually if the wall finish is correct a moly faced ring will seat faster than a base non moly ring.
And I saw somewhere that Egge’s aren’t as inexpensive as they used to be. Might be a better option to move to a more modern piston and ring pack. Jmo.

 

The last time I checked with Egge on pistons they were very expensive for a cast piston.

 

The 400E is a very nice motor to build on. Pictured here is a great running 67 400E with 65 A heads in a 64 F-85 Club Coupe I built years ago.

 

That's a beauty

 

There are several threads in the forum about pistons for the '66 & '67 "E" block. Aluminum has become quite expensive so I would think that pistons have become more expensive as well. If you are are not building a "race only" type engine, I would suggest the SpeedPro Oldsmobile 350 piston which in std. bore is 4.057" and is a forged item. The flat top piston is part number L-2320F and is listed in Summit's catalog for under $400.00 for a set of 8! A good set of moly type rings and you have an engine that should last many years. If you do choose that piston, be sure that your machinest knows to set them up "loose" in the bore; ie: about 0.003 to 0.004 inch clearance!

 

There are a set of 350 + .030 (4.087") on one of the facebook groups that are NIB for $300 right now. They'll show on Marketplace with a search I'd think.

 

FYI, I have a set of pistons that I bought from Mondellos decades ago for a 400E build that may be available. L2320F with 12cc dishes milled into the tops, 4.057” diameter. 9.5-ish to 1 compression depending upon heads used.

 

Message me your price. Thank you