396 Replacement Pistons

[James W.]

Does anyone have any information or the pros and cons of replacing the current .030 over OEM skirt design pistons with ones with a "slipper" skirt such as the pistons manufactured by Mahle? This is for a 396 with the original 962 cylinder block.


Thanks,

James

[Richard G.]

Re: 396 Replacement Pistons

James
I am going a little sideways with you post as I don't have any thing to add to the slipper debate.
The last pistons I purchased had a lower compression height than stock.
I only found this as I measured them before and after the build.
This is standard practice to keep builders from running into issues if the motor has been decked.
This information was in the fine print at the bottom of the included information not up front and center like it should have been.
In my case the top of the piston was .020 lower. Keep this in mind whatever piston you decide to purchase.
Rick

[Carl N.]

Re: 396 Replacement Pistons

Dropping compression and hard seats on valves may not be a bad idea on L78 if you are going to drive it much. Just hope a compression check is never included in ops check !