Straight Eight rebuild

[suntreemcanic]

I have a 52 super with a 263. I am going to rebuild it this fall. It runs great but it has tremendous blow-by. I would like to get some more power out of it by increasing the compression ratio a little. How much can I mill the head or block and not affect push rod length? Anybody have any ideas on pistons and piston suppliers? My stock pistons have 4 rings. I have read rings cause friction (horsepower loss). Newer engines have only three rings. What is everyone using now for pistons.

[Jenz38]

You has read this ? :
http://www.teambuick.com/reference/i...erformance.php

[LONG]

I took off .035" from the head this past winter and ran the metal shim gasket with CAT 4C-9505 sealant or Loctite 5923 or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket No.3 Sealant can be used as alternative
sealant. I have a 52 special 263 dflow that is pretty tired. runs great and you should have plenty of push tube. just make sure the oil slot on the rocker is lined up and the lifters are getting lubed. my dream is to build one with a hot mill and flat top pistons but I'm poor and want to find a spare block first.

[32special]

I took off .035" from the head this past winter and ran the metal shim gasket with CAT 4C-9505 sealant or Loctite 5923 or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket No.3 Sealant can be used as alternative
sealant. I have a 52 special 263 dflow that is pretty tired. runs great and you should have plenty of push tube. just make sure the oil slot on the rocker is lined up and the lifters are getting lubed. my dream is to build one with a hot mill and flat top pistons but I'm poor and want to find a spare block first.

Did any thing hit from doing so..like piston on valve?

[LONG]

put over 3000 miles on it this year. been to Vintage Torque Fest, Scrap Drive, VooDoo A GoGO, Bourbon Blitzkrieg Run, Beatersville, and tomorrow 350 mile one way to Symco Shakedown. and most local shows/ cruise ins. after that Bombs Away Bash with the Rev Horton Heat, and Iron Invasion.