Hello everyone.

I am rebuilding an engine for a low budget track car.
The car is an 86.
I have a 88 parts car and recently learned the 88 had higher compression pistons, which bump up the HP a fair amount.

I decided to rebuild the 88 engine but noticed the cylinders all have some scoring in them. I can easily feel the scoring with my fingernail. The pistons all seem to be fine.

The block from the 86 has no scoring. Can I use the 86 block, crank, girdle and put the used 88 pistons in the 86 block? I'll be doing new rings and bearings.
Also, if I can, what rods should I use? The 86 rods that are matched to the crank? Or 88 rods that are matched to the pistons?

I know new pistons are the best option, but that is out of the budget.

Thanks

 

Yes, 88 pistons can be installed in an 86 block. Most important is what size (tolerance group) the block and pistons are. There are three possible sizes for each, they are notated as 0,1 or 2. The block will be stamped on the deck surface, and the pistons will be marked on the crowns.

 

Yes