cts-v

I've gotten a lot of good help and advice about the '72 455 I'm planning to put in my Cutlass Supreme. Short story... due to budget constraints, I'm not going to do any machining at this point, but I am going to swap in a set of used standard bore high compression pistons graciously donated by another forum member here (thanks Dan B). The engine will be torn apart in about 2 years for a 'real' rebuild (bore, cyl heads, roller rockers...).

If I ball hone the cylinder walls, I presume I'll need new rings? All 3 rings need replaced? If so, is there any particular type of ring you would suggest, or will off the shelf "Autozone" or "NAPA" rings work?

This will be street only car, so I'm not looking for max power (though I guess I am looking for more power if I'm wanting the higher compression pistons).

Thanks. Tom.

64Rocket

You should at least put new rings and brg's. Check with "Summit' and rings are $20 to no end. Get a set of cast rings and you will be good to go. When you check "Summit" look up the rings by size not by engine.
Also be sure to have the crank polished. Be sure to hot WASH the block, not hot tank.

Gene

Olds64

Gene is right on. Definitely put new rings and bearings in it. Make sure the ring gap is set properly.

cutlassefi

Ring gap will probably be wide anyway, based on the fact that the bores are probably worn a bit. Unless you go to file fit (more money), that's a futile effort.

Make sire you wash the bores really well, good enough is not good enough. You'll eat up a set of rings (especially cast) and bearings pretty quickly if you don't.

Charlie_brown

why hot wash and not hot tank. What would be the effect if hot tanked

88 coupe

Caustic, used in the hot tank, will eat the cam bearings.

I expect 64Rocket will add more.

Norm