Well I am almost set to do a rebuild on the engine for my '55 Fairlane Club Sedan.. Here is what I have:

1955 ECK block with ECK-C heads (not original to the car but probably out of a Mercury or Canadian Monarch)(I have done a search on this site and can find no discussions regarding the ECK block). As the motor came to me it is extremely clean but has not (in my opinion) been rebuilt. I have the heads off but have not yet turned the block over and pulled out the pistons,crank, cam and lifters.

It is the standard (3.75") bore but has (what appears to me) a significant ridge at the top of the bore. A friend suggested that I bore it out to 3.80" (312 standard bore). Alternatively 3.75 +.060 gives 3.81". Given that 292 pistons seem to be less expensive, is there a reason to use 312 pistons? All things being equal, can a block that was offered only as a 292 in 1955 be bored out to 3.80 or 3.81"? Is there a significant cost in going from the minimum necessary to a larger bore? I have checked the prices on Egge, Silvolite and Sealed Power pistons and the price range is only about $75. Egge cost the most - are they the better option? Is it important that the machine shop have the pistons and rings on hand before doing the work or can I wait to acquire them after the work is done? For cash flow reasons I have to phase my machining costs and parts purchases over 2 or 3 months. Your opinions are most welcome.


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia