Are either the slugs cast, hypereutectic or forged.
I’d go with the better quality. I have forged in my 331.
The pistons and bores should be “miked” regardless for proper clearance, I think each type has different clearances.

Izit my old eyes or does the Explorer have narrower rings...a good thing, I think.  Also, I always thought that the stock HO had forged pistons.

Last edited by Bullet Bob (6/01/2023 7:06 AM)

Opinion – If these worked in a 90 GT HO, I don’t see any reason they wouldn’t be just fine for your cruiser.
Also, love the look of 3-2 setup.  I have seen a few setups that blocked of the end carbs just to avoid issues, and the car ran fine (they were cruisers like you indicate).

Hey Sal…

This is my favorite quote by “Al Newman.”

“I personally would not slow down if I saw a Holley setup lying in the road.”

6sally6 wrote:

I think....... when the two end carbs are blocked off of a 3 X 2's set-up the proper term is.....
CASTRATION !
You probably won't be making enough 'beans' (compression/cam/exhaust mods) to make the tri-power work right any who.
Jus say'in.....
6sally6
PS......Big Al Neuman would be proud though !

Al… Whose Mustang actually makes it down the highway and whose stays in the garage while they take a rent car to the bash?

MS wrote:

BobE wrote:

Opinion – If these worked in a 90 GT HO, I don’t see any reason they wouldn’t be just fine for your cruiser.
Also, love the look of 3-2 setup.  I have seen a few setups that blocked of the end carbs just to avoid issues, and the car ran fine (they were cruisers like you indicate).

Bob, the GT HO pistons are different than the Explder pistons. See pic.

I do see the difference in the two pistons.  My opinion is if one is building a cruiser, why get overly complicated with the engine build, it really doesn’t matter much which is used as long as it’s a matched set and you don’t have to deal with any balancing issues.  For a cruiser, my general thoughts are to keep it simple, and enjoy the ride.   
 

What is the difference in weight of each piston?   

I saw a video on you tube where the guy cerakoted the skirts at home.   Interesting idea.

The engine is low miles and still had clean oil in the pan.  No visible wear anywhere.  Since the pistons are flat top, that is what will go in.
I took block and heads to the machine shop.  Eight week lead time, so I have lots of time to think it over.  Probably the only things that will be changed are the valve springs, retainers and the cam will be HO version.

Side note. The 302 distributor I bought for $10 at the last swap meet has a Pertronix 2 and a steel gear on it already!   Deals are there once in a while.