So i have a 1997 camaro with a built 383 stroker, and after it started knocking, i pulled it and started the search for the broken part.
Anyways, i figured out that parts of 3 of the pistons broke off into the combustion chamber, so now i need new pistons and heads.
Basically my question is, is there any way to tell what my rod length is, and what my stroke is?
I had forged low compression SLP pistons, but when i called SLP, they said based on the castings it was built before 2004, so i don't know much about them, except they are forged and inverted dome.
So if anyone can tell me some good pistons that are really strong, and if there is any way to tell what my stroke and rod length. thanks.

P.S. if it helps at all, it has a forged Callies stealth crank, and I want low compression with stock heads because im running 12psi on a supercharger.

 

SLP makes blower pistons? You sure they aren't SRP?
Can you get any casting numbers off the crank?
You can measure your rods, center of journal hole to center of wrist pin hole.

 

Whoops!! sorry, it is SRP. Its been a long day.
I will look for casting numbers once it's completely apart. I still have the rods and pistons in, so i should have the numbers tomorrow.
And thanks, is there any trick to making sure I'm measuring from exact center to exact center? or does it just have to be pretty close?

 

get the block inspected before buying part #1

 

Okay, will do.
One other question, if i have the pistons in the block, can i turn the crank to the bottom of a stroke and measure how far down the piston is to find the stroke length?

 

Yep, top dead center to bottom dead center is your stroke.

 

I'm the nervous nellie type so i suggest using string and then measure the string

I'm sure you'd be fine with a tape but the string is flexible and won't scratch


"You put your right hand out...give a firm hand-shake
Talk to me about the one big break..
Spread the ear pollution both far and wide...
Keep your contributions by your side and stroke me, stroke me... "

I can name that tune in 4 notes

 

Good suggestion with the string, I was gonna suggest he use a piece of barb(ed) wire! lol
Actually I like to use my small machinists ruler that has a slide stop, for measuring stuff like that.

 

So i figured out the stroke is 3.750" and the pistons are 4.040 right now, and ill probably have to bore it out to 4.060. But i have been looking for pistons and i dont know if i should get forged aluminum or the hypereutectic aluminum pistons, and what piston head volume to get.
Also, I any suggestions for some good low compression pistons?
Any help would be awesome!
Thanks.

 

Go with forged pistons since you're using a supercharger. Hypereutectic pistons don't like FI or the bottle. Besides, you all ready have a forged crank and rods, right? Might as well keep it all forged.