I have a 74 Dodge Ramcharger I am turning into a daily driver. I am going to rebuild the original 5.9 2bbl with mild performance upgrades. What is the best way to boost compression on this motor without spending a ton of cash? The idea of using a set of 73 340 pistons maybe possible if the compression height isn't too tall. Maybe use a thicker gasket if it is at or over zero deck.

Question 1, does anyone know the compression height of the 73 340 piston?

Does anyone make a budget rebuilt kit with higher than stock compression? Something like this?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-CHRYSLER-MOPAR-360-5-9L-OHV-V8-1971-1979-ENGINE-REBUILD-OVERHAUL-KIT/302755246642?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160727114228%26meid%3D04ce5944beeb4b6584bf33bbe6354a67%26pid%3D100290%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D382757374416%26itm%3D302755246642&_trksid=p2060778.c100290.m3507

Thank you

slap on some magnum heads and get a thin head gasket, no need to swap pistons. you did say this is a daily driver, put a mild cam in it and go.

if buying pistons is the route you want to go I would get KB hypers for a 360 in a compression you want. Putting 340 pistons you would need the lower compression height (1.74) still put you out of the hole .020 and be a replacement type cast piston, for approximately the same cost. I'm assuming that you need new pistons, not just want higher comp. because there are better ways to just do that.

What Jerry said, some mag heads/thin gaskets (need flat decks) would be the easiest (decide how to deal with the intake bolt angle change/several options). If it needs to come out I would consider strokeing it. 4" cast cranks are cheap now & the KB stroker pistons ain't too bad, then just need to balance it. You need TORQUE cuz ramchargers are heavy heavy (I had one). 40 over on the block would let you use std 340 pistons if the CH can be handled & cometic has custom thicker gaskets but are $$$. As you know you want the SCR to match your fuel & adding some race gas to a DD is a pain for some people (how hardcore are you!) I think the highest C.H. 360 piston is the KB H405cp at 1.637. do see how far you are in the hole when the heads come off.

Sealed Power H405 have CH=1.576 and 4 valve reliefs
Sealed Power H116cp have CH=1.66, 2 valve reliefs and coated skirts
KB107 have CH=1.67, 2 valve reliefs require tight skirt clearances and wide ring gaps

Oh OK so there are pistons with more CH than the 1.637's