perplexing situation

**Tommy** · #1 04-08-2008, 08:05 AM

I have my engine being built at a reputable shop and things are a bit slow but still allright. The man building the thing has mentioned a couple of times to me about ditching the big domes and lowering the comp ratio for so I can run pump gas... the engine is a L78 with L89 (842's) heads. It has been decked but was still standard bore with the original pistons. It ran fine and yes I had to run a real nice mix of high test and race fuel to make it talk to me but I didn't really mind much .... I don't know if I am going to be happy with the flat tops vs the high comp pistons.. I plan on driving it quite a bit again like I used to.. I got to tell him something in the next few days

Tommy

**SuperNovaSS** · #2 04-08-2008, 08:10 AM

Keep the originals. The aluminum heads should help to dissapate combustion chamber heat to reduce detination.

Jason

**427king** · #3 04-08-2008, 08:11 AM

You have ONLY two choices 1] Tell him you want the 11 to 1s 2] tell him you DONT want the flattops. Either choice is a winner

**TXSS** · #4 04-08-2008, 08:32 AM

"Keep the originals" ditto

92646 · #5 04-08-2008, 09:31 AM

I built a 350 LT1 WITH 10 to 1 flat top pistons in place of the 11 to 1 pistons but the rest of the motor was left stock with the solid lifter cam. I was never happy with the motor because it lacked the snap that you would get from a higher compression motor when you rolled into the throttle. You will be happier with the higher compression pistons and the aluminum heads will help with the detonation. Now if you want to make some real horsepower go to open chamber heads and pistons while you still can.
Mark Sheppard

**SuperNovaSS** · #6 04-08-2008, 09:34 AM

Looks to me that this is not a perplexing situation at all. Pretty cut and dry so far.

Jason

RamAirDave · #7 04-08-2008, 09:42 AM

Although it can get pricey if you drive your car several times a week as I do, there really shouldnt be any issue since you stated that you dont mind running a mix of hi-test and race fuel.

**TDW** · #8 04-08-2008, 02:54 PM

When I had the LT1 in my old 70 Z28 rebuilt, I looked for a long time to find original, NOS, Trw GM pistons for it. The engine builder wanted to cut the domes to lower the comp. I said no. Very glad I didn't let him. I had a 55 gallon drum of Torco dropped off at my shop. When it needed fuel, it was rite here. I also say don't lower the comp.

**Tommy** · #9 04-08-2008, 03:22 PM

I think I have my answer, thanks guys. The local speed shop has 116 in the pump and it's not far from the house at all. If it's only the gas price, I think I can justify keeping the good stuff in the engine.

Tommy

ORIGLS6 · #10 04-08-2008, 06:20 PM

Ditto on all the comments above. I just picked up ten gallon of 110 fuel at $4.99/gal at the pump. Not bad considering I filled the truck at that same time for $3.54/gal!

I just got home from VetteFest and unloaded the car yesterday afternoon. I let the car sit in the driveway and idle for a while to dissipate any moisture in the exhaust system. (Just makes you grin to hear the rumble, pop and crackle of an 11:1 solid lifter engine.)

The toys are worth the extra money, and the sounds and smell from the REAL compression and GOOD fuel..........Ahhhhhhhh yes!