When in doubt, stay close to stock I'd say. And don't 'give up' on an
older
high mileage engine as long as it works well. There's no reason they'll
quit
if you take care of them and service them as if they're new.
I agree Brent,
Cast pistons forever! About the only thing that kills these is
detonation & if you have that problem, back off on your timing or check
for lean burn problems. They're quiet and don't rattle against the
cylinder walls until they heat up and expand. Sure they're heavier but
look at the rpm operating ranges of our GMC's. Jasper engines have
production parts in them, just like the factory ones did. This means
cast pistons, iron rings, short camshafts and production tolerances. I
have been building big block & small block Chevy engines for a second
job for the past 13 years so I have some background in this. Those
"stockers" kept Mom & Pop driving back & forth under every conceivable
condition for many years so why mess with a good thing.
Having said all that (dhiarrea of the mouth) I will say that a Cloyes
true roller and top end oil restricters are a good addition to these
engines and I do prefer file to fit rings and FelPro gaskets.
In San Diego, the best machine shop is Ed Hale's. He is second to none
though others might tie him for best.
He delivers assembled engines, or you can assemble it yourself. The
most finicky and one of the best engine builders is GES engineering, you
get what you pay for here, very personalized service.
Just had to say something.
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII San Diego
older
high mileage engine as long as it works well. There's no reason they'll
quit
if you take care of them and service them as if they're new.
I agree Brent,
Cast pistons forever! About the only thing that kills these is
detonation & if you have that problem, back off on your timing or check
for lean burn problems. They're quiet and don't rattle against the
cylinder walls until they heat up and expand. Sure they're heavier but
look at the rpm operating ranges of our GMC's. Jasper engines have
production parts in them, just like the factory ones did. This means
cast pistons, iron rings, short camshafts and production tolerances. I
have been building big block & small block Chevy engines for a second
job for the past 13 years so I have some background in this. Those
"stockers" kept Mom & Pop driving back & forth under every conceivable
condition for many years so why mess with a good thing.
Having said all that (dhiarrea of the mouth) I will say that a Cloyes
true roller and top end oil restricters are a good addition to these
engines and I do prefer file to fit rings and FelPro gaskets.
In San Diego, the best machine shop is Ed Hale's. He is second to none
though others might tie him for best.
He delivers assembled engines, or you can assemble it yourself. The
most finicky and one of the best engine builders is GES engineering, you
get what you pay for here, very personalized service.
Just had to say something.
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII San Diego
