The 383 kit I bought has floating pins, instead of press in ones. I don't recall specifying that, although it does make the engine assembly easier. What's the advantage of the floating pins? Do the retaining clips ever fail?

Yes, easier to put together!

AND yes, they do fail at times and cause a heck of a mess!

Generally not worth the trouble for a street motor, imho..

pdq67

Most pistons for floating pins take spiro-locks these days (little metal coils that sit in a groove in the piston). If installed correctly they rarely fail. If you've never installed them before you might want to post another thread becuase you'll pull your hair out the first time!

I got some good info from a few machine shops about floating pins. They will NEVER fall out if installed correctly. The advantages is quick disassembly thats about it... Use what you have just make sure its done right. If I recall the old LS6 engines had floating pins. Ever hear of one falling out? I havent....

Allowing the pin to float distributes the wear evenly around the circumference instead of beating on the top and bottom only. This either A) lengthens the useful life, or B) allows more surface pressure for a given lifespan.

If the pins are to be replaced before they wear out, then this aspect is no longer an advantage.

I was joked around by a machine shop when I asked that same Qs... They said "Yes a floating pin will save wear on the motor and will last longer! " Floating pins will wear out at 2 million miles but the press will only last 1.5 million miles. I got a kick out of it

I'll probably use them now, since I already have them. If they tear up my block, its just the 2 bolt main block from my '74 Camaro, nothing special. Not somthing I would have sought out. Let's see, 2 million miles divided by the 3000 miles/year I put on my 'vette is, oh, about 666.6 years. Heck, lately I've been wondering if I'm going to make to 50.

I remember now you posted about your difficulties with the locks, Damon, but that post didn't turn up in the searches I tried. There's probably some instructions online somewhere. I probably don't need to put the locks in to clearance the block for the 3.75 stroke crank, which is where I'm at now.

I know personally of two Ford Motors that had them in them, a 361 and a 391. Both FE motors and both came loose and scored the cylinders big-time such that they had to be sleeved!!

pdq67

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by pdq67:
I know personally of two Ford Motors that had them in them, a 361 and a 391. Both FE motors and both came loose and scored the cylinders big-time such that they had to be sleeved!!

pdq67</font>


Where they the older style? All the machine shops I talked to never seen it before. Possibilty improperly installed??

Many people do use them...
http://www.superchevy-web.com/tech/0403sc_fairground/
http://www.superchevy-web.com/tech/0307sc_490rat_copy/

[This message has been edited by badazz81z28 (edited May 24, 2005).]

I doubt they were spiro locks. Spiros are bulletproof. Most all of us run them in our high dollar motors.

I'll tell you what, the only thing less likely than me hooking up with a 21 year old babe on Power Tour is one of my spiro locks coming out. In other words, I have a better chance of getting the babe and I assure you, that won't happen either. That is unless she finds the case of vodka we are bringing attractive.

Yes, I looked last night, they're Wiesco spiral locks. The directions said to separate them by hand, then use a small flat blade to rotate them counter clockwise into place. I'd be more worried if I was putting them into the 'vette's original motor, but my '74 Camaro is far from original, and it probably only has significant value to me.

Uh, good luck Rick with that vodka plan for the 21 year old. Sex with a 21 year old - that for sure would kill me these days, but what a great way to go!

Stock, Ford FE, 361" and 391" V-8 F600 and F750 truck motors!

pdq67