ok i know this is one of those noob kind-a questions, but i got know this stuff.

should i use ctr or itr pistons in my b18a, and what rods should i use?
i'm using the stock crank and am wanting a little more comp. than stock ls.
my head will be built w/ crower streat or strip cams, crower dual valve springsand retainers,and valves.

 

Well if you are going to beef up your valvetrain....why not beef up the internals. I would go with some je pistons....11.2:1 still can use pump gas...and run a mean setup!!

 

what the highest compression i can go to on 93 octane...my brother said it was 10.5:1

 

you can safely fun 12:1 with 93 octane if you tune it correctly.

 

thanks for all the info
heres my decission: stock crank, ls rod w/ itr pistons, miled head.
i decided to go itr instead ctr because of my cam has a high lift and i don't want to smack my valves.
any more input would be appricated
thanks again,
Clay

 

your crankshaft will be ok, though I suggesting the balance weights and journals by a professional. same with the rods unless you plan on nos and/or boost you need some better rods and definately have it cut to fit HP berrings for rods/crank. you need better rod bolts, i beleive small block chevy rod bolts fit. so any hp in that line will probally work and torque them to their spec not your book or they will fall off.

if you want more comp get a valve job on the head and use gapless top rings and if you want to spend another 1000$ on it then bore it 50 and used some high comp polished pistons with deep valve valleys on them so you can deck the head. I could go on, but that will run you about 4k if you go to the right places.

 

ok i just got done buying a set of ctr pistons... i saw another b18a w ctrs and had no problem w/ clearence...besides 175.00 for all 4 and rings, how could i pass that up?
my brother said sumthen about "fly cutting" the valves...have you ever heard of this?
oh and by the why the way i am having everything machined: balence and magnaflux the crank, balence and mag the rods, deck the block and balence the pistons,clutch,and flywheel....anything i'm missing???
Thanks again,
Clay