Thread: 377 Stroker Noob Questions

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I just got the money to build the engine for my 74 nova and i wanted to put a 377 stroker in it and i bought a 509 casting 400 shortblock and a forged 350 crank and i was going to buy aftermarket rods anyway so i was wondering if i could buy special length rods instead of special pistons?

And would the stock 400 cast pistons work or would my compression be too low with fuelie heads (64cc combustion chambers)?

And if i HAD to buy pistons what are the cheapest forged ones?

I am looking for about 10.5:1 or 11:1 compression. Thanx

I would look at 5.7 inch SCAT or Eagle connecting rods and Speed-Pro pistons. The aftermarket rods are a lot stronger than stock rods and they have better bolts. Speed-Pro is a TRW product, and they are priced reasonably. They are heavier than the more pricey pistons like SRP, Wiseco, etc. Flat top pistons should give you the 11:1 compression ratio you are looking for. Those fuelie heads are going to restrict your power some as they do not flow enough air to let a hot 377 breathe well at high rpms. What are you planning to use this engine for? Street cruiser, occasional trip to the strip, or what?

I would use a set of 6" rods. Might as well get piston weight down as well as increase dwell time. Just my 2 cents.