How To Notch Pistons?!?!?

86GT · 04-22-2003, 03:05 PM

I've got my engine on a stand, and I'm not taking it apart. I don't have money for new bearings, etc. How do I notch my pistons to make my valves clear. (TFS Stage 2 cam, 1.90/1.60 valves with 1.6RRs). I've heard of using a Dremel, but what bit? I've also heard of using a grinder with a small grinding wheel, but I can't find anything smaller 3 1/2". Any other suggestions? I don't have access to an old set of heads, so getting the tool that sits in it is out of the question.

RPM427 · 04-22-2003, 05:23 PM

I am not sure of the company, but they do sell a bit, that you install in place of one of your valves, and put the other end in the chuck of a drill, and install the heads. It is the same size as the valves you are using and makes a perfect notch, as long as you don't cut too much. I saw it in one of the MM&FF articles.

86GT · 04-22-2003, 06:13 PM

RPM427, I appreciate that. But I don't have access to an old cylinder head to get the tool, not to mention to rent it the cost is quite high.

What I'd like to know is, what bit for a Dremel or a grinder do I need? And how should I use it?

V8Mustang · 04-22-2003, 06:51 PM

I remember reading about that in MM&FF as well but don't remember who makes that tool. Call trick flow, crane and everyone else until you find this thing.

Shaggy · 04-22-2003, 07:14 PM

I never knew anybody made that tool. but that is the way we have done it for years except all we do is take an old valve epoxy a grinding stone to it. Making sure the stone is a little larger diameter mark a spot on the valve for a stop point (hose clamps work good if you don't put so much muscle behind them that the slide) an old head is a must because it is hard on the guides though. as far as trying to cut some with a drememl good luck i wouldn't do it. just make sure that you use a bit designed for aluminum.

Jeff Chambers · 04-23-2003, 06:58 AM

Isky sells the tool, as does Manley. I believe you can also get it from BHJ Products.

04-22-2003, 03:05 PM	#1
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	How To Notch Pistons?!?!? I've got my engine on a stand, and I'm not taking it apart. I don't have money for new bearings, etc. How do I notch my pistons to make my valves clear. (TFS Stage 2 cam, 1.90/1.60 valves with 1.6RRs). I've heard of using a Dremel, but what bit? I've also heard of using a grinder with a small grinding wheel, but I can't find anything smaller 3 1/2". Any other suggestions? I don't have access to an old set of heads, so getting the tool that sits in it is out of the question.

04-22-2003, 05:23 PM	#2
RPM427 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Huntington NY Posts: 573	I am not sure of the company, but they do sell a bit, that you install in place of one of your valves, and put the other end in the chuck of a drill, and install the heads. It is the same size as the valves you are using and makes a perfect notch, as long as you don't cut too much. I saw it in one of the MM&FF articles. __________________ -1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out!

04-22-2003, 06:51 PM	#4
V8Mustang Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NC Posts: 64	I remember reading about that in MM&FF as well but don't remember who makes that tool. Call trick flow, crane and everyone else until you find this thing. __________________ www.CRmotorsports.com Ford Performance Parts

04-22-2003, 07:14 PM	#5
Shaggy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Houston,TX Posts: 466	I never knew anybody made that tool. but that is the way we have done it for years except all we do is take an old valve epoxy a grinding stone to it. Making sure the stone is a little larger diameter mark a spot on the valve for a stop point (hose clamps work good if you don't put so much muscle behind them that the slide) an old head is a must because it is hard on the guides though. as far as trying to cut some with a drememl good luck i wouldn't do it. just make sure that you use a bit designed for aluminum. __________________ A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week. George S. Patton, General (1885-1945)

04-23-2003, 06:58 AM	#6
Jeff Chambers Moderator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Milan, OH Posts: 2,699	Isky sells the tool, as does Manley. I believe you can also get it from BHJ Products. __________________ Jeff Chambers 1990 Mustang GT 10.032 Seconds / 137.5 MPH 14-time Street Warrior World Record Setter CRT Performance 2001 Tropic Green Mustang GT - 12.181 / 113.2 MPH 2002 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 7.3l Power Stroke - 17.41@77.2 "There's nothing boring about a small block automatic shifting gears at 9400 rpm!"

04-22-2003, 06:13 PM	#3
86GT Sniffed too much n20 Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 1,018	RPM427, I appreciate that. But I don't have access to an old cylinder head to get the tool, not to mention to rent it the cost is quite high. What I'd like to know is, what bit for a Dremel or a grinder do I need? And how should I use it?

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