I am trying to figure the DCR on my motor. I downloaded the calculator but am having trouble using it. I am not sure what to put in the blanks. I don't want somebody to do it for me,I would like to be able to do it myself. I just need some help figuring out what goes in what blank.
Tell me if I am right or wrong on what I already think I know. 355 motor,268 Xtreme Energy cam, 268/280,224/230 @50, 110 lobe centers, 477/480 lift
Stroke = 3.45
Rod length= stock X rods, 5.7 is this right?
What is the ADV closing Angle?
ADV duration intake 268
ADV Duration Exhaust 280
Whats the lobe separation?
Whats Intake Lobe centerline?
8 cylnders
4.030 bore
64 cc head chamber
0.038 compressed gasket
Flat top four valve relief cast pistons, set 20 thousandths down in the hole.

Ok, let's see. stroke is 3.48 not 3.45
Rods are 5.7
LSA is 110
Intake centerline should be 106 with that cam.
Intake gasket bore should be 4.166" for a Fel-Pro gasket.

Figure the intake closing point (or angle) with the Cam Timing and Overlap Calculator (the second tab). Just put in the adv dur, the LSA, and the Intake Centerline. When you "calculate" it the correct value is automaticlly transfered to the "intake closing angle" box on the DSL calculator.

Cast replacement pistons are normally .020" shorter than factory pistons. You need to add the nominal deck height to this (.025") unless the block has been cut to get the "piston to deck clearance". If you measured it at .020" use that. 4 pocket cast pistons usually have about 6cc of volume. Input this as a positive number and check the "Flat or Dish" button. There is some more help available on the DCR FAQ Page (http://members.uia.net/pkelley2/DCR_FAQ.html).

Thanks for the help. I got 8.11209 with it 0.020 piston to deck. with 0.04 I got 7.76975, And with 0.050 I got 7.61064. I have never actually measured the piston deck depth. But I do not think it is 0.050, neither does my dad who built the motor; he thought about 0.002 also. When putting the new heads on we pulled up number 1, and it looked almost flushed with the top. However, I do know that we are dealing with thousandths of an inch, so I went ahead and put in some lower piston to deck clearances. thanks for the help. I wish there was a way to tell withought pulling the heads. Judging by these numbers, and your site I should be able to run super unleaded without any problem right.