Changing from mini stroker to 4.6?

[GASnBRASS]

I built a 4.1 mini stroker and it's been run 20 minutes to break in the cam, but I've had numerous issues throughout this project (machine shop assembly, poor quench height, etc). The specs are:

'98 block
'72-'79 232 crank ground .010"
677cp pistons .020" over
4.0 rods with ARP bolts
mopar 229 cam and lifters
edelbrock head and HS roller rockers

I'm still trying to sort out problems found after the fact, and have learned so much more about proper assembly and checks to make along the way, and frankly I'm ready to just start over clean slate. So I'm looking at finding a new reputable machine shop for just cylinder boring and milling the deck for quench. I can assemble everything else. So questions are:

1) Is the Scat crank/forged rods/ICON forged piston set a viable way to go for a 4.6?

2) Can the cam and lifters be removed, new cam bearings installed, and lifters put back in exact same positions without issue?

3) Can the main cap girdle be retained if I use spacers?

4) Will a static CR 9.8 and a dynamic CR 8.55 run on premium pump gas?

[Cheromaniac]

I built a 4.1 mini stroker and it's been run 20 minutes to break in the cam, but I've had numerous issues throughout this project (machine shop assembly, poor quench height, etc). The specs are:

'98 block
'72-'79 232 crank ground .010"
677cp pistons .020" over
4.0 rods with ARP bolts
mopar 229 cam and lifters
edelbrock head and HS roller rockers

I'm still trying to sort out problems found after the fact, and have learned so much more about proper assembly and checks to make along the way, and frankly I'm ready to just start over clean slate. So I'm looking at finding a new reputable machine shop for just cylinder boring and milling the deck for quench. I can assemble everything else. So questions are:

1) Is the Scat crank/forged rods/ICON forged piston set a viable way to go for a 4.6?

2) Can the cam and lifters be removed, new cam bearings installed, and lifters put back in exact same positions without issue?

3) Can the main cap girdle be retained if I use spacers?

4) Will a static CR 9.8 and a dynamic CR 8.55 run on premium pump gas?

The answer is yes to all four questions, but I'd suggest Russ' custom pistons rather than the IC944s because they're the correct height and won't require the block to be decked.

[GASnBRASS]

How much does the deck need to be milled to fit the ICONs?

The deck needs to be milled a few thousands regardless to square it up. I should've cut it .010" last time since my quench ended up over .050" but it was completely assembled by the shop and I didn't want to do a complete teardown again. This time I will do a piston test fit before decking.

I'll contact Russ about his pistons. Is it best to message him here or by his email?

And any option between the new Scat crank vs milling an old used 258 crank?

[Cheromaniac]

The IC944 pistons are only 1.353" tall and require the block deck to be milled about 0.020". I believe Russ' pistons are 1.388" tall and leave the quench at 0.035" when using a 0.043" head gasket. You can send him a PM for further information.

As for the crank, a new Scat crank will be ready to install with standard size bearings whereas a used 258 crank will almost certainly need to be machined for undersize bearings. By the time you add up the cost of buying and machining an old used crank, a new one begins to make more sense.