engine and rear suspension question

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79malibu

Master Mechanic
Jul 30, 2007
251
0
18
south dakota
when i got my engine rebuilt last fall i didn't think of getting new pistons in too at the time. my mind was else where at the time. :? so.... since it was already done i was thinking about going back and putting in new pistons my self. the 350 has the stock pistons re-ringed and the bore was honed nothing special. aside from the balancing, can i drop in new pistons myself? some have told me that you have to bore the motor for new pistons everytime. already got alot money spent just trying to keep the cost down if i do get new pistons. the machine shop guy said the old pistons were fine and will work but is am i worrying aboutnothing? my goals for the motor will be around 350 to maybe 400hp?

my suspension question is about the stock lower control arms on the rear end. i have a 7.5 rear with 3.42 gears with a trutrac posi and wanted to support my diff to the frame. so i decided to find out how guys box the control arms to save some money. has somehere here done it themselves to save money than pay these high price aftermarket parts?
 
the bores do have to be set to the actual piston size. so does the ring gap. plus you'd have to completely disassemble the motor to do it. it's really not worth it. the stock pistons will be fine as long as you don't run nitrous or forced induction.
 
the bores do have to be set to the actual piston size. so does the ring gap. plus you'd have to completely disassemble the motor to do it. it's really not worth it. the stock pistons will be fine as long as you don't run nitrous or forced induction.

you will be fine with the stock pistons. as fat as the control arms. yes you can box them. you have to be extremely care full not to warp them, only tack that at first, then lay a nice bead. also for your uppers, you can weld washers on where the bolts go through, this will keep these strong too. good luck with this.
 
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