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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 09:02 PM
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Default Need help with pistons

I can't seem to find what bore size is right for me. I am going to have an LS1 bored out maybe .030 over and I can't find or don't know what I am looking for. I just want a good higher compression forged piston. Any help or info would be great. Thank you
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 09:09 PM
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You cant bore an ls1 .030 if you dont sleeve it. A stock ls1 piston is a flat top so you really wont get much more compression unless you mill your heads. For the price mahle is the best bang for your buck they come with rings for 550.00 or less
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Old Feb 3, 2009 | 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Hashish
I can't seem to find what bore size is right for me. I am going to have an LS1 bored out maybe .030 over and I can't find or don't know what I am looking for. I just want a good higher compression forged piston. Any help or info would be great. Thank you
Look into a MAHLE power pak piston kit setup. 3.905 bore.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 01:34 AM
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Thanks guys. Do you know what the bore threshold is on the LS1? I have looked at the MAHLE power pak and I really have put some serious thought into them. Thanks for all the help, sorry Im such a newbie
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 01:44 AM
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With just a .005 over bore could I still run factory pistons or is that not a good idea...?
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 07:47 AM
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Do Not bore it if you want to run a 3.898 piston. Just get a slight hone to clean it up. If you want to run the 3.905 piston it requires a slight bore & hone. In general the 3.905 pistons are the prefered upgrade choice. It'll take you to a 347.

Thats the limit of the stock block unless you wanna sleeve it in which case you'd be wasting money vs stepping up to a LS2 block based stroker or something equivalent. Now you can go 383 stroker with a stock LS1 block & 3.905 pistons but your gonna need a 4" stroke crank, clearance the block & clearance the windage tray.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Hashish
Thanks guys. Do you know what the bore threshold is on the LS1? I have looked at the MAHLE power pak and I really have put some serious thought into them. Thanks for all the help, sorry Im such a newbie
I believe 3.910.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Hashish
With just a .005 over bore could I still run factory pistons or is that not a good idea...?
Pistons be to loose, unless there oversized also.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 01:21 PM
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Why do you want to put forged pistons in any ways? You can increase compression much more easily and cost effectively through milling the heads.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 01:19 AM
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I dont want forged pistons, I actually am just doing a little bit of research. The shortblock I am buying may or may not need machining. If it doesn't I save a ton of money on pistons.
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