455 Pistons?

[ElectraFying]

I have a 76' Electra with a 455 in it. I am trying to get the compresion up to a point of some power (around 10.1 would be nice) I have already purchesed a set of 71' heads to replace the 76' which should help but i have been unable to find somewhere to buy the pistons to get it the rest of the way up. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

[bob k. mando]

well, www.TAPerformance.com is always a great place to start. they've got cast, forged and, i think, hypers.

http://www.postonbuick.com/

http://www.kb-silvolite.com/performance.php?action=search&mfg=BUICK&EngSize=45 5&RodLen=6.6 : hypers

pretty much any of the Buick engine shops will also be willing to sell you piston and ring sets. try and get the 1970 spec shallow dish pistons if you want to get compression.

[ElectraFying]

That was a lot of help unfortantly it seems that TAPerformance is down but i think i have found a set that will work. I was also wondering if you had any other ideas on how to get performance without killing the gas millage so far i am plaing on headers, dual exaust, new pistons, 71 heads, edelbrock intake, and a mild cam.

[bob k. mando]

i believe that headers/less restrictive exhaust and raised compression (both of which you're already doing ) are the only generally accepted engine mods that will raise both power and fuel mileage. everything else (head work, cam, bigger carb, etc) trades one for the other.

installing a 200r4 for the overdrive gear, getting a taller ring/pinion set or fitting taller tires are about the only other things you can do to the car for mileage purposes. and the 200r4 is the only thing that wouldn't cost you time at the drag strip.

[bobc455]

airflow > compression

-Bob C.