How to Rebuild a Small Block Part 7: Install Pistons in Block

When you are pushing the pistons down into the bore with a tapping motion of the mallet (I use the heavy end as a handle and the grip end as the ram) , pay attention to the sound. If it goes from a tick tick sound to a hollow thud and progress stops, DON'T PROCEEED..you popped a ring: back it out and start over. I broke a stroker piston compression ring land during install and I wasnt even tapping them hard! By a stroke of luck, I remembered an old post of a guy who had a set that was the wrong size and he gave me a replacement out of production stroker piston! Thanks again!