When I built my engine three years ago I was 14, and had very limited knowledge. At the time I had thought I was using forged aluminum pistons, but with the engine apart I now realize they are just the factory cast pistons.

So, I have a completely stock bottom end basically. Low miles (5,000 on the rebuild, plus the 23,000 original miles.)

With the top end I'm adding, my best power estimate is somewhere between 380-420hp at the crank. This has me very nervous using the stock rods and pistons. It's my daily driver, however it will get beat on and see the track a few weekends a year.

Am I just asking for trouble here? The last thing I want is to crack one of those cast pistons or throw a rod through my brand new cast aluminum oil pan

Eagle has a kit that I believe would be perfect for me. $600 and it comes with hyper pistons, I beam rods, cast steel crank, Perfect Circle rings, and Clevite bearings.

However it's .030 over for a 355. My engine really doesn't need any boring (can't afford it either). It still has a crosshatch pattern in the cylinder walls from the last build. Anyone know if there's a similar kit that uses standard size pistons?

Aside from that, I really don't have $600 in the budget for a bottom end, plus the rod and main bolts (I'm sure I don't want to use the stock bolts.)

HELP!

 

Okay, so scratch the .030 over part. I found the kit in STD form:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Eagle/356/B134...-1#moreDetails

Everything is good for up to 500hp. I did some pricing on just getting some hyper pistons, rings, rod bearings, and I beam rods. It would cost close to the same as just getting that kit, plus I would have to have the wrist pins pressed in and I would be using the stock crank.

 

cool didnt kno there was a kit for so cheap.... im gettin one now for my 350 project