I have a chance to buy a new set of custom JE pistons with .100 open chamber dome, should be 9.25 to 9.75 w/119cc head, for $350. They have a 4.470 bore, use a 4.375 crank, and a 6.405 rod netting 549 cubes. I have a good std bore mark5 502 block, these pistons would be .004 over. I know a 4.250 crank, 6.385 rod and 4.50 bore (540) is a good combination. Anybody see any problems with this combination???? Will the 4.375 crank clear most stroker oil pans???? I can get a crank out of a newer 496 (4.375 stroke) cheap.The rods are same price as std and 6.385. This will be a street motor turning 6000RPM at most, will stay with the GM open chamber SQ ports but will probably step up to 2.25 or 2.30 intake valve.

Whoooop's, I just reread and caught the fact you are talking about using a crank out of a new 496 motor!!

Don't think the new 4.37" long crank out of the 8100 Vortec tall deck motor will work IF that is what you are talking about using b/c I think Jakeshoe said the 8100 crank has a timing thing on it that has to be removed, plus the counterweights are too big in dia.

BTW, I think I figured a max. custom rod length of 6.44" using a 4.375" crank in a standard 9.8" deck height BB block when I was dreaming about another big motor like a 588" with a 4.625"b x 4.375"s.

Sounds OK to me since you already have pistons figured..

And yes, you may have to do some grinding but I have no idea if this totally true and if it is, how much will need to be removed????

I do know that my 496 rotating ass'y dropped right in my '74/'75, 454 P/U block with NO grinding what so ever on it!!

pdq67