The Ford Barn

Phil Gillespie · 07-22-2012, 05:48 PM

Have 1939 221cu 3 1/16" . 80 thou oversized. Where to get good pistons and ring set for this engine. Also fitted with Edelbrock heads. Are there prefered pistons for these heads.
Max compression should only be 8:1 in view of the 80 Thou oversized?
Once set up would a little later ignition timing be prefered.

Appreciate all assistance.

Kube · 07-22-2012, 05:52 PM

I have had good fortune with Speedway. I've done perhaps six (or more) engines in the past three years. Decent prices and great service. I did have one problem, one time. One of the eight pistons was not within specification. They sent out a correct piston immediately and sent a call slip to pick up the non-conforming one. Can't expect better then that in my opinion.

Phil Gillespie · 07-23-2012, 03:08 AM

Thanks Kube as in New Zealand the 80 thou oversized are a little rare

Phil Gillespie · 07-23-2012, 03:24 AM

Ron thanks for your assistance. I understood that max recommended oversize was 125 thou?
This engine has had its problems.
The block has been machined with LHS fitted with standard head, RHS fitted with truck head in attempt to balance CR.
1st failure too little clearance and knocked out bottom end brgs when pistons contacting head.

latest failure: Detonation damage RHS pistons. Now being investigated by Engine Reconditioner who carried out job. I should have thought clearances would have been carefully checked.As now this bank RHS is showing pistons protruding higher than RHS due to surface macining of contact surface block to head.
Edelbrock heads were fitted at last O/haul and now seems this RHS bank which has detonation damage shows CR of 8.3 :1.
This has been a little frustrating as the initial guy who did 1st rebuild has passed away. These things seem to take time!!!

Very grateful for all advice and assistance given here at Ford barn

Kube · 07-23-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Gillespie

Ron thanks for your assistance. I understood that max recommended oversize was 125 thou?
This engine has had its problems.
The block has been machined with LHS fitted with standard head, RHS fitted with truck head in attempt to balance CR.
1st failure too little clearance and knocked out bottom end brgs when pistons contacting head.

latest failure: Detonation damage RHS pistons. Now being investigated by Engine Reconditioner who carried out job. I should have thought clearances would have been carefully checked.As now this bank RHS is showing pistons protruding higher than RHS due to surface macining of contact surface block to head.
Edelbrock heads were fitted at last O/haul and now seems this RHS bank which has detonation damage shows CR of 8.3 :1.

This has been a little frustrating as the initial guy who did 1st rebuild has passed away. These things seem to take time!!!

Very grateful for all advice and assistance given here at Ford barn

I hate hearing stories like yours and feel for you. I am certain the added frustration and associated costs can be discouraging.

flatjack9 · 07-22-2012, 08:48 PM

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I've also had good luck with Speedway, but sometimes they don't stock 80 overs. Have gone to Red's then with good luck. No, you don't want later timing. Check clearance over the piston, shoot for .040 to .050 clearance.

Ol' Ron · 07-22-2012, 10:26 PM

Why not bore to 3 3/16 and use stock 8BA pistond, have done that several tiomes. Increases CR about 1 point.

07-22-2012, 05:48 PM	#1
Phil Gillespie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Christchurch New Zealand Posts: 1,611	1939 V/8 221cu Pistons Have 1939 221cu 3 1/16" . 80 thou oversized. Where to get good pistons and ring set for this engine. Also fitted with Edelbrock heads. Are there prefered pistons for these heads. Max compression should only be 8:1 in view of the 80 Thou oversized? Once set up would a little later ignition timing be prefered. Appreciate all assistance.

07-22-2012, 05:52 PM	#2
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,006	Re: 1939 V/8 221cu Pistons I have had good fortune with Speedway. I've done perhaps six (or more) engines in the past three years. Decent prices and great service. I did have one problem, one time. One of the eight pistons was not within specification. They sent out a correct piston immediately and sent a call slip to pick up the non-conforming one. Can't expect better then that in my opinion. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

07-23-2012, 03:08 AM	#3
Phil Gillespie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Christchurch New Zealand Posts: 1,611	Re: 1939 V/8 221cu Pistons Thanks Kube as in New Zealand the 80 thou oversized are a little rare

07-23-2012, 03:24 AM	#4
Phil Gillespie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Christchurch New Zealand Posts: 1,611	Re: 1939 V/8 221cu Pistons Ron thanks for your assistance. I understood that max recommended oversize was 125 thou? This engine has had its problems. The block has been machined with LHS fitted with standard head, RHS fitted with truck head in attempt to balance CR. 1st failure too little clearance and knocked out bottom end brgs when pistons contacting head. latest failure: Detonation damage RHS pistons. Now being investigated by Engine Reconditioner who carried out job. I should have thought clearances would have been carefully checked.As now this bank RHS is showing pistons protruding higher than RHS due to surface macining of contact surface block to head. Edelbrock heads were fitted at last O/haul and now seems this RHS bank which has detonation damage shows CR of 8.3 :1. This has been a little frustrating as the initial guy who did 1st rebuild has passed away. These things seem to take time!!! Very grateful for all advice and assistance given here at Ford barn

07-22-2012, 08:48 PM	#6
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	Re: 1939 V/8 221cu Pistons Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I've also had good luck with Speedway, but sometimes they don't stock 80 overs. Have gone to Red's then with good luck. No, you don't want later timing. Check clearance over the piston, shoot for .040 to .050 clearance.

07-22-2012, 10:26 PM	#7
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: 1939 V/8 221cu Pistons Why not bore to 3 3/16 and use stock 8BA pistond, have done that several tiomes. Increases CR about 1 point.