Map63Vette
Well-Known Member
So I've read that the 5.7 is specific about what side of the block pistons and rods go into. There are quite clearly marked on the pistons with the arrow that is supposed to face the front of the block. Under closer inspection the rods are also asymmetric in that the caps are a little thicker on one side, so the two thicker sides of the caps on a common journal go opposite of each other (on the outside). Well, when I bought my engine it came with a damaged piston and a replacement for it. Unfortunately, the replacement piston is for the wrong side. I've also read in the service manual that you are not supposed to remove a piston from a rod (I'm guessing it has to do with the powdered metal rod thing), but my question is has anyone done this? Could I just pop the piston off the rod and flip it around or do I really need to go get another whole rod and piston assembly?
