Sorry for bringing V8 matters to this honorable forum, but internet is filled with opinionated bench racers and I prefer real-life opinions, so I thought guys could share some track earned wisdom.

I am slowly building an alky-injected SBC 400 for my FED. The measured piston-to-bore clearances are:

#1) 0.0071"
#2) 0.0064"
#3) 0.0082"
#4) 0.0072"
#5) 0.0080"
#6) 0.0081"
#7) 0.0072"
#8) 0.0072"

Is it too tight to run without radiator, just recirculating water?

I am ready for final assembly and would prefer to not send the block to machine shop, unless piston scuffing is in the forecast for my setup. Block 'tall filled' w/ HardBlok and pistons are ROSS (forged).

Thanks,
ROC

Keep it INLINE!
Early 173" FED (still motorless)
Ricardo
I.I.# 4784