71 440HP short block piston choice.

Looks like I'll be pulling the #'s 440 out of my 71 GTX for a potential rebuild. I was wondering what we be the best piston choice to move to a flat top. I was considering the KB version. But was also considering the FM2355 sixpack piston. Thought its a heavy [censored], but same gram weight as current stock piston.

Need I say that its a budget shortblock build...

Thanks
Chris

What are looking to do with the engine, cruiser, street/strip, etc. ?

90% cruiser, but might attend a few pure stock drags. Currently factory 4v, but will be adding 6-pack in future.

Another thought was a 440source/440-440, non-stroker kit.

I'm sure my original harmonic balancer will need reconditioned and it seems the heavy-rod balancer is also expensive to replace. Which adds to the cost. So, was considering a zero-balance motor.

For a cruiser I would go with the KBs, find a good shop to do the machine work and balance. That would probably be your least expensive route.

Have you committed to what cylinder head? And if so, which one?

If you're committed to both factory original iron head, and decent performance, I cannot overstate the need for really good cylinder head work, which is usually not real budget friendly. Consider someone like Dwayne at Porter Racing Heads (PRH).

Also, piston choice should only be finalized after you've committed to the head, IMO.

I sent you an email. I have a set of JE forged flat tops for a really good price. J.Rob

The KB pistons are nice. There is one that has a step on the top so you can set your Quench with the open chamber your heads feature. Having said that, it takes a bit more work to get the Quench set. ( Milling your heads and possibly decking the block).
I built one years ago for my late boss, it turned out at 9.4-1 with .035 Quench, it would run on almost anything you put in the tank. Also with the KB's you MUST be sure to follow the directions on top ring gap.

That'd save you rebalancing

I agree, if you have a good machinist (born before 1970) KB is great.