softballnrd27

iTrader: (4)

I am trying to build my 6.0 on a budget and I am concerned with the pistons. I don't have access to a bore guage or an outside micrometer so is there a way I can measure the clearnace with feeler gauges? If so what is the max?
All this might be for nothting, here are the pictures of the pistons:


Here is the worst one IMO:

ljsracing19j

Based on looks i would say throw them away. But take some time and clean them up then repost pictures...

raven154

iTrader: (14)

Looks can be deceiving. The right way to do it is to get out a mic and start measuring.

02ws.sik

Can you reuse a condom

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

You won't do it but once.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

I know you're on a budget but measuring pistons and bores is one of a few mandatory steps to rebuilding an engine. If you re-use these pistons without properly measuring everything, you're really not doing a rebuild. In that case, why bother even starting the job?

Put things on hold until you have the funds to do it correctly-or don't do it at all.

RezinTexas

A .001 dial bore gauge can be had for cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Anytime-Tools-.../dp/B000I8QVES

I would not use this one to attempt an accurate measurement of your main bores, but it should be ok for the cylinder bores.

softballnrd27

iTrader: (4)

Trust me, I wouldn't use these without a proper measurement 1st. If that means I have to take it to a machine shop 1st then I would. I am looking for opinions from some people with more experience with LS engines. I just wanted to see if there was a way for me to measure with feeler gauges to see if they were even close.

I am more than likely going to hold out and go forged psitons and new rods anyways so this will probably all be a mute point.

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Are those LQ4 or LQ9 pistons? Can't tell from the pics. I've got a few LQ4 pistons you can have cheap if you need some.

As others have said, measurements are mandatory when putting an engine together. Even a budget build. Never assume anything.

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

Hey softball, sorry if I sounded a bit like a di-k, I didn't mean too. Good luck with your project!

softballnrd27

iTrader: (4)

Not at all, I wanted to put it out there for those types of opinions so no worries. Some of the stuff I have read is from left field.

softballnrd27

iTrader: (4)

LQ4 pistons

noice

Yea I got some LQ4 pistons I don't want either. Went with +.005" Flat top forged pistons. I'm sure there is quite a few people on this board that would be willing to part with them for next to nothing if they haven't already thrown them out.