Pistons are HERE!!!

Hey all. I know its been a while and not much has changed. My engine has been sitting at the machine shop for about four months now. I have been really busy working and the shop has been waiting on me to deliver the pistons. I spend a few months looking at different pistons and talking with the manufactures of each piston and really what the differences are between each. From all the information I found they are really about the same. I was going to use Mahle however they didn't offer a piston I wanted anymore. so I finally have purchased seal power pistons. I will be dropping them off to get started with this build at last. The first thing is to have them cc the heads. I need to drop the compression to 19.5 to 1.
These pistons are a direct replacement to Mahle and have the added benefit of skirts coated that Mahle did not offer. the part number is  H729CP. I will be listing all parts used Picture of all the process and videos of the install.

Now its time for the BUILD... Get-er DONE!!!!

Ok so reading everything I can on the Internet, Books, People and the Stars.. lol I have found some great ideas and not so great. I know a lot of people say I should have started with s different engine, well I am here to say if you build it right it should have surprising results. Here is the basic run down I have so far. All input is always welcome and encouraged.

I have had the heads rebuild with 7.3 rockers and quality valve parts and ARP head studs

The crank has been polished and waiting for balancing.

The block is ready to drop off at the machine shop; however I am not ready yet. Why, because I am not sure if I should just replace all the sleeves and leave it a 6.9, or bore it to a 7.3. I really have not found any answer to that question yet. Will I have a thin wall problem? What I have read is that my block is one to have if you want to rebuild for the 6.9, however what will happen if I cut them out? I did not see anything about doing this, does anyone know?

Mahle pistons and pins. I am sending the piston to Swain Tech coating for the best coating they have.

 All the engine bearings will be Hypermax.

The cam and lifters are still on the thinking block, if anyone has a recommendation please let me know and I will research it.

The machine shop is going to balance the engine, clean the deck, line bore cam and crank.

I am still looking for a GREAT oil Pump and if possible a baffled oil pan for Off-Road

This block will be Turbo Charge and Inner cooler setup.

Joined Oil Burners

Finding what I call performance parts is like looking for gold in the polar ice caps. Everyone asks what I mean by performance parts, well can I get an oil pump that flows better then stock? Can I find better valves then stock? Can I find a better oil pan with baffles in it for off-Roading? You know better than stock.

So searching on the Wild Wild West has really came up nothing in real good part. However a lot of great ideas in builds. A lot of people asked why I don't just dump the 6.9 and install a 7.3 or Bt Cummings, well two reasons 1. I don't want to major modify for the cumming 2. The 6.9 is a direct fit. I am not sure what the difference will be in the swap, but it sure will be better then what I had.

I really like Oil Burners http://www.oilburners.net/ if you want to find an answer and many different ideas go here and read.

With wrench in hand I started the tear down

The idea was to clean the engine up, buy some gaskets and be on the road.. LOL man was I ever wrong. Once the heads came off, let’s just say the quick check and add gasket idea fell flat on the ground.

Man looking at that mess. My buddy said just clean it up and slap the gaskets in and see what happens. I alread had a pretty good idea of what will happen. Lets not!!