How do you know what type of pistons it has?

[68fastback]

I am looking to buy an engine from a guy but he does not know what type of pistons it has in it. He had a shop build him the short block a couple of years ago and he does not remember what pistons they used. He told me it was either KB or Speed Pro. I can tell the difference from dish dome or flat but how can I tell what brand so I can figure out the compression height of the piston?

 

[68fastback]

The engine is assembled but I can have him take the heads off and see the top of the pistons, or do I need to take the pistons all the way out to tell?

 

[swinger 367]

if you can get a head off there should be a part number and overbore size on the top of the piston. if you are really good/lucky you might be able to see it with the head on through the spark plug hole using a flashlight. (long shot)

 

[68fastback]

So even the KB's have a part number or brand name on the face of the piston?

 

[71DartGuy]

The KB's in my 383 didnt have anything on the top. The part number was between the pin and the skirt. "162"

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

if there are #' on the head/face/top of piston it's sealed power/federal mogul.

 

[moper]

Best bet is pull the head and measuer where they are in the block...