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Old 08-16-2016, 10:43 PM   #1
Mike/Nebraska
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Default Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

I thought I read somewhere that you could use 327 chevy Pistons on the Model A rods. It also said 351 ford pistons. Can anyone verify that?
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Old 08-17-2016, 12:53 AM   #2
DougVieyra
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

I doubt that it is so. Although I believe that my Model A's Ron Kelley built 'Touring' 4-cylinder engine has inserted bearings that are Chevrolet inserts.
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Old 08-17-2016, 03:16 AM   #3
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

I have used Chevy 283 pistons
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Old 08-17-2016, 06:02 AM   #4
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

Yes, you can use 283 Pistons with a little machine work, ...however there is not a real advantage IMO. The wrist pin size is different, the Chev. pistons are heavier, and you lose a little compression into the piston's valve reliefs. The only gain was the narrower ring. If you are looking for a performance piston on a budget (less $$ than custom made), then ask Rich Falluca about his new piston.
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Old 08-17-2016, 06:28 AM   #5
George Miller
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

Yes it is the 283 piston not 327. I have used them many times. They are heaver but they are cam ground. Model A pistons have slot in the skirt. Chev pistons are better made. But for most engines the Model A pistons are OK.

The chev pistons work well with the special made rods that use inserts and are made to use the chev pistons with the smaller chev wrist pins.

Last edited by George Miller; 08-17-2016 at 07:25 AM.
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Old 08-17-2016, 06:58 AM   #6
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

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I have thought about cutting away some of the skirt material on a set of Model A pistons to reduce their weight. Has anyone done this?
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Old 08-17-2016, 07:47 AM   #7
kenparker
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

I have a set of pistons (and rods) tthat came out of a Model A engine. I believe they are Ford 351 pistons. The engine was built about 15 years ago. Block being rebuilt.
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Old 08-17-2016, 08:53 AM   #8
Juggler
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

This is a set I bought used.



I was thinking of using them in a diamond A block with a slimmed down (English) c/w B crank. I was also thinking of adding a little stroke (motor will be for hillclimbing/sprints and won't see much road use if any) but remember somebody (Jim B?) saying on here that they wouldn't be suitable for that mod. Is that because you can't take too much off the top of the Chev piston because of the valve relief, or because it would take the top ring too close to the top of the bore?

They are not in front of me to look at right now (I'm back in UK)

Many thanks

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Old 08-17-2016, 09:41 AM   #9
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

I believe the 'newer' Ford pistons used are from the venerable old 352.
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Old 08-17-2016, 10:01 AM   #10
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

Both 351 and 352 Ford pistons are 4" diameter so you have to overbore 1/8" to use them.
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Old 08-17-2016, 11:16 AM   #11
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

You can use 283 Chevy, 302 Chevy, 352 ford fe, and ford 351M pistons they all need some modifications to work.
Silvolite used to make Model A Pistons that used modern rings, but not enough people bought them so they stopped making them. Egge makes them with the modern rings.
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Old 08-17-2016, 11:26 AM   #12
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Chevy Pistons in a Model A engine.

I've used 283 Chev, 351, 332 & 352 Ford and others. I made steel bushings on the 283, and pressed the pins in like Chev does. 332 Ford stick out of the bore about .015" so are better than 352 which are low. The right 351 (not Cleveland) are almost perfect but are also 4". A little can be taken off the top of all but I wouldn't take off enough for a stroker. The ARP nuts shown by juggler are the ones I recommend, they will even work on a B engine using an A pan, without dimpling the pan. Part #300-8333. Have fun!
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