In 1996, Ford switched over to thinner metric piston rings 1.50mm x 1.50mm x 4.00mm (for lower friction?) for all 5.0 including F150 & my 1996 Explorer 5.0 which is going in my 64 Falcon. All 302 up to 1995 used the 5/64" x 5/64" x 3/16" piston rings. The only difference that I can find is the compression distance. The metric piston with 1.5mm piston ring has compression distance of 1.595. The standard piston with 5/64" piston ring has Compression Distance of 1.599.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed-Pro Hypereutectic Piston and Ring Kits (5/64" x 5/64" x 3/16") $170:
Speed-Pro Piston and Ring Kits Z8KH273CP30 - SummitRacing.com
Speed-Pro Hypereutectic Pistons (1.50mm x 1.50mm x 4.00mm) $118:
Speed-Pro Hypereutectic Pistons ZH816CP30 - SummitRacing.com
+
Sealed Power Plasma-Moly Piston Ring Sets ZE458K30 $71:
Sealed Power Plasma-Moly Piston Ring Sets ZE458K30 - SummitRacing.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it going to make any difference if I use the pistons with the 5/64" or the 1.5mm piston rings ?
Is it safe to assume that the rotating assembly with 1.5mm x 1.5mm x 4.0mm rings is "lighter" than the 5/64" ?
I would think it would balance out better with 1.5mm rings & pistons which is what my motor came with originally.
Once I go 0.030” over, do I need to have my rotating assembly re-balanced ?
The old 302 pistons & rings kit is $170. For 96+ 302’s with 1.5mm rings, there is no kit and must purchase pistons and rings separate but he cost is only $20 more at $190.
My Mustang book lists the piston-to-bore clearance for a 1979-1987 to be 0.0018"-0.0026" and for 1988 on, the book lists 0.003" to 0.0038" (forged pistons ?). For the 96+ 303, the piston-to-bore clearance is tighter at 0.0012"-0.002".
Thanks
Waid
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed-Pro Hypereutectic Piston and Ring Kits (5/64" x 5/64" x 3/16") $170:
Speed-Pro Piston and Ring Kits Z8KH273CP30 - SummitRacing.com
Speed-Pro Hypereutectic Pistons (1.50mm x 1.50mm x 4.00mm) $118:
Speed-Pro Hypereutectic Pistons ZH816CP30 - SummitRacing.com
+
Sealed Power Plasma-Moly Piston Ring Sets ZE458K30 $71:
Sealed Power Plasma-Moly Piston Ring Sets ZE458K30 - SummitRacing.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is it going to make any difference if I use the pistons with the 5/64" or the 1.5mm piston rings ?
Is it safe to assume that the rotating assembly with 1.5mm x 1.5mm x 4.0mm rings is "lighter" than the 5/64" ?
I would think it would balance out better with 1.5mm rings & pistons which is what my motor came with originally.
Once I go 0.030” over, do I need to have my rotating assembly re-balanced ?
The old 302 pistons & rings kit is $170. For 96+ 302’s with 1.5mm rings, there is no kit and must purchase pistons and rings separate but he cost is only $20 more at $190.
My Mustang book lists the piston-to-bore clearance for a 1979-1987 to be 0.0018"-0.0026" and for 1988 on, the book lists 0.003" to 0.0038" (forged pistons ?). For the 96+ 303, the piston-to-bore clearance is tighter at 0.0012"-0.002".
Thanks
Waid
