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So I opened up the 1965 330 I purchased as a parts engine. It was so clean I was convinced it was rebuilt at some point and I was thinking I would just do a leak down test and maybe be able to just run it as is... alas, the block is cracked in the water jackets and un-salvageable. Meanwhile I found these markings stamped into the tops of the pistons -- 60. Could these be .060 over pistons or are they factory markings?
Last edited by Miguel-x; February 3rd, 2022 at 06:39 PM.
Might be. Might not be I have seen numbers like that on old stock standard size pistons. Do you have a digital caliper ? Stock bore size is 3.938. Measure the bore and see what you have
The residual blue on the block deck surface suggests that aftermarket FelPro head gaskets were used, which implies that at least the heads have been off.
Bill -- that would be the scientifically smart man's way to do it, right?. My calipers were at the shop and I was curious about the stamp. BTW, bores measured out at .060 over, so there's our answer.
Carefully disassemble and you can probably sell those pistons and rods, if in good shape to someone wants to build a 330. The forged crank is a bonus for a good SBO build of choice.
Yes on the pistons and rods and crank. I actually have another 330 short block with STD bore that I was thinking of putting these in. It got water in it and so wont turn over but I'll be soaking it down to get it apart and see how the bores look. If things go as I like, there will be enough wall left to punch that block out to accept the ,060 over assembly. It was unfortunate the one block cracked as it really looked very low mileage but all things should work out -- I can even reuse those rebuilt heads and maybe the cam if I keep the lifters with the proper lobes. A new timing set is always a good thing though.
Sweet, then you end up with a spare 330 crank. The cylinders would have to be pretty ugly not to clean up to .060". Sounds like a bore, hone, align hone, deck the block and check the balance. Make sure the cast pistons aren't .040" below deck on the replacement block, now is the time to fix it, while at the machine shop. Good luck and a good way to get a budget build.
February 3rd, 2022, 04:37 PM
I have seen numbers like that on old stock standard size pistons. Do you have a digital caliper ? Stock bore size is 3.938. Measure the bore and see what you have 
