stock sbc piston rpm?
 

i have an almost new 355 just sitting. the pistons are 'virgin' aluminum [which means new, not recycled metal] but still cast. std chevy rings and a new crank. do you think the pistons will go 5500 how about 6000?
everything else will be racy parts.

thanks rod in AZ

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

Most of it depends on the rest of the combination. In a stock class car Chevy 355's have run in excess of 6500 for years with cast pistons. A good idea?.... No, but it's been done.

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

I believe that Dennis Oliver had a 283 that we counted almost 3000 runs on the same pistons and rods when a rod bolt finally gave up. That motor ran over 7000 rpm on every run. A 350 would have more strain due to the longer stroke and faster piston speed, but 6500 should be no problem. I would spin my 283 stockers over 8000 on the starting line before clutch engagement with never a piston failure. A stock valve spring retainer split one day and put an intake valve into the piston. The valve was bent into an "S" shape and the piston was beat up, but an xray revealed no cracks in the piston. The same piston was run in the car until I sold all my 283 stuff. In all cases, those were cast GM pistons.

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

We have routinely run small block mopar for many years with cast factory or
badger pistons and 2300 grams rotating weight in Stock which I believe is higher than your small block......give me a call when you are in BC.

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

in case you are interested....someone sent me this link.
http://www.csgnetwork.com/pistonspeedcalc.html..

it shows a lot of neat info.

rod in AZ

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

In my stocker I used to run a cast piston. At one time that was the only piston available. I used to buzz it to 7500 rpm every run. In all my years never broke a piston. But always changed them after 150 runs. They would always crack in the pin boss.

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

i have a bone stock rebuilt 350 bottom end in my 79 wagon street car...stock rods, crank, and clevite pistons. It sees at least a 7200 rpm blast every time i drive it. Im waiting for the day when I change the oil and it wont come out because there is a piece of piston skit blocking the drain hole but it hasnt happened yet. LOL. Its amazing how much abuse something can take. Dont be scared....let her rip!!

Re: stock sbc piston rpm?
 

thanks to everyone who replied. i am in a small retirement town and no one to ask any questions of.
your help is much appreciated.
rod in AZ