Re: Pinging
 

To answer your question regarding the 4.25" crank. Assuming you could get pistons for that stroke in a tall deck block (I think you can), they would be 3 ring pistons. This would give you 489 CI @ .030 over or 496 ci @ .060 over. Basically the same size as the 8.1 you mentioned earlier in this thread.

I know you have decided to stay with a stock 427 rebuild. I just wanted to answer your question.

Re: Pinging
 

Thank you

Re: Pinging
 

but the med / heavy duty engine with tall deck were designed for the 2nd oil control ring = 4 ring piston to help with oil control so you didn't loose as much oil under heavy working conditions . so dropping to a 3 ring and still working it hard you might start fouling spark plugs and getting lots of blow by and oil use .

Re: Pinging
 

I took that into consideration very heavily and that's a big reason why I concluded sticking with a stock rebuild to retain the 4 ring pistons.

I was spit balling ideas for knowledge and potential possibilities. I appreciate everyone's input.

About the only plan I have is to clean up the runners. I'll make the engine look pretty and clean up under the hood while I'll have full access to it with the motor out of the way. The only exception I'm still seriously contemplating is a roller cam. I don't need it, for the amount of miles I'll ever put on this truck I doubt I'll have to do this again but it still sounds like a good idea anyway. Before i say I'm going to do anything for sure though I'm going to get the engine out and torn down to see what surprises await. The truck is a 69 with a 72 engine. I know absolutly nothing about the history of it so it could have well over 80k the truck has on it or well under.