Achieving 9+:1 C/R

[Dan Gerber]

Does anyone know of a cost-effective, not-too-exotic method of achieving 9:1 or 9 1/2:1 compression ratio when building a Buick 350 with forged pistons? The TA-Performance catalog only lists 8.5:1 and 10.2:1 forged pistons for this engine.

I understand that, in theory anyway, one could probably mill the head and block enough to get there when installing the 8.5:1 pistons. Another
possible option, if the 10.2:1 pistons are used, is to hog out the combustion chambers, or mill a certain amount of material off the crowns of the pistons, or maybe even use extra thick head gaskets (if they're even available).

These may all be great methods on paper, but what's the best way to go with the Buick 350?

By "best way", I mean the most cost effective method that YOU, or someone who built you're engine, used to build a reliable 9-or-9 1/2:1
350 engine.

Thanks again for the help, folks.

[GSXMEN]

Dan,

I think it would be fairly easy to wind up with 9:1. With the stock 8.5:1 pistons and a zero deck-.005", you should be quite close. Shaving the heads a little would get you right where you want to be.

Have the shortblock done first, cc the heads, and figure out which way you need to go.

Scott

[Dan Gerber]

Thanks for the response, Scott. I don't know if it makes any difference, but I was referring to the TA Performance 8.5:1 forged pistons when I asked the question.

Actually, I'm trying to get this information for a E-mail-less friend who is in the planning stages of building a just-purchased '73 Apollo 350 engine. I'm definately not an expert in the field, so I'm depending on you-all to feed me the information so I can pass it on to him. I'll probably end up just sending him to the two most knowledgeable 350 guys I know of (Mike T. at TA Performance and Jim Burek at PAE) to get the info, parts and machine work.

If anyone elso has something to add, though, please do.

Thanks again,

[LARRY70GS]

Dan,
I would use the 10.2:1 pistons, with 73 heads your compression will be under 10:1. Use the thicker head gasket and notched pistons and you should be right where you need to be.