Reply to "Piston/Cam selection"

David, from one rookie to another�the counsel from both Jack and Tai is terrific. JE pistons will build you a part that is .010 over in a style that is consistent with your change to 4V closed chamber heads. After much advice, I found I could achieve approximately 10.0:1 CR with a slightly dished piston and the closed chamber heads. So, I dumped my open chamber heads and my 8.0:1 CR and bought a set of the stock closed chamber variety. Mike Drew went the open chamber, pop up piston route. Before you make the decision to do that, talk to him. It is true, cam selection depends partly on your components but also your driving requirements. A cam that does not build additional cylinder pressure and allows for reasonable vacuum at idle seems key for a street motor. The problem I encountered with cam selection was that four separate cam grinders provided me four vastly different cam profiles and configurations. Very frustrating. Most of the cams they seemed to want to spec for me would have worked fine in a Mustang with its associated transmission and rear end, but not in my Pantera. Finally, I did find a cam grinder with specific Pantera experience. I agree with Tai, leave the ports alone. If you look back in the archives of this site just a month or so ago, you will find some excellent advice on other important components for a street rebuild. For instance, roller rockers were a must for me and using the Crane conversion kit made the installation very easy. Good luck.