Pistons and cam?

[MtDewd]

I've just got an engine out of a 93 SC with brand new heads from ford but a bad bottom end. I want to build a killer motor that I can drive daily and since I just rebuilt my current motor to stock, I'll have a spare engine in case this bad boy blows. My question is what compression ratio should I go on the pistons and what size cam should I go with as well? I'll be putting a steel crank in and plan on going 30 over on the bore with forged pistons. I'll be putting a 10% pully on and have the heads ported and matched. Exhaust of course will be 2.5 to 3 to 2.5. All the other bolt on's will be added soon such as MAF, injectors, fuel pump. So, any suggestions on compression ratio and dur/lift?

[fast Ed]

Well, the SC motors have a steel crank from the factory, except some early 89 models, so you're OK there already. Some guys are running a bit less static compression so they can use more boost without detonation, and your camshaft duration and overlap will affect that as well.

I would suggest posting this question again on the Technical Board, you should get a few answers there.


cheers
Ed Nicholson
SCCoO

[Bill McNeil]

This is not really a newbie question, but anyway.

Stock compression on an early style motor is 8.5:1. My motor is speced at 8.3:1, like Ed mentioned, to run bigger boost numbers without detonation. Drivablilty will be a cam issue, not a compression issue. You should definetly decide what size cam you intend to run before starting to dish the pistons to comression specs. You could go as low as 7.5:1, or as high as 9.0:1 and still be able to find a nice median between boost and compression to keep the car drivable and relatively fuel efficient.

Try posting this on the tech board for further input.