piston and engine rebuild sources

[edbud]

I have my 1983 F54 block recently bored .20 over.

Who would be the best source for new pistons, head gasket,main bearings,oil seals etc..

Black Dragon has a good price on a set of pistons and piston rings but I am

wondering if these are chinese crap or not.

[Jeff G 78]

I have the BD parts in my engine, but I got mine about ten years ago. The chances of their piston supplier being the same after ten years is slim. I wasn't overly impressed with the parts I got, but they were way less expensive than anywhere else.

[edbud]

I was thinking of going with them or MSA.

Anyone have any opinions.

Also I need to rebuild my 71 su's.

Should I get a rebuild kit from Z Therapy or let them do it?

[Arne]

Well, I normally would not have the block bored until I had the pistons in hand, so that the machinist could verify the exact size and bore/hone accordingly.

That said, if BD's pistons are significantly cheaper than others, it's a safe bet that there's a reason. Since the machining is already done, I'd recommend finding a set of name brand pistons, in hopes that .020 over is truly .020 and not .018 or .023.

As for the carbs, the rebuild kit does not address the biggest problem these days - the extreme probability that your throttle shaft bushings are worn and leak un-metered air. I'd recommend letting ZTherapy do the whole job.