Hi Justin, welcome to the Forum. First of all you should realize that you’re confusing the MEL 410 engine w. the FE 410. They are completely different although a few parts do interchange.
What you’re looking for is an FE family 410 cid engine. They are not very common these days but at least more commen than the MEL 410. So you might try to find one through your local adds or a salvage yard.
And yes you’re right. You can stuff a 3.98” stroke crank into the more commonly available 390 block. These cranks are hard to find but usually available over a few FE specialized speed shops. They’re pretty prizy. Check out Scat Cranks for their brand new forged steel 3,98” FE cranks. These command big $$$$.
As for pistons for a HP engine you might get yourself some custom forged pistons from one of the major piston companies like Ross or JE. They’ll send you a specification blank that you will have send in w. all your specs and your order. Be aware that in this case you’re the piston designer and that you’re the only one to take responsibility for their fit into your app.
You might consider non std. FE ring grooves for less friction on a HP engine too.
1/16 top
1/16 middle
3/16 bottom
I paid 750 $ incl. pins, locks and a pin fit job about 5 years ago (JE) Also take a long waiting into account.
If you decide to build a moderate street performer then cast pistons are a good and cheap choice IMO. In this case you need to purchase plain Jane
390 truck pistons (Silvolite # 1139 dished w. 4 valve relieves, available from .020"-.060" over std. 4.05") appx. 120 $ incl. pins and locks.
They are usually sold for a 390 car and truck engine making 8,2:1 compression w. 72-74 cc heads. They have a
1.66"-1.68" compression height
which is just right in combination w. a 3,98” stroke crank. You will end up at appx. 9,5 c/r in combination w. 74 cc cylinder head chambers and a 0.042 compr. gasket.
The ring grooves on these are made for
1-5/64, top
1-3/32, middle
1-3/16 oil ring
I do not recommend finding a set of 410 cid pistons. They are quite the same but much harder to find and a lot more expensive
The Silvolite #1131....360 piston 8,2 C/R dished w. 4 valve relieves interchanges with:
O.E.Assy #C8TZ6108R
O.E Assy #D1AZ6108G
O.E Assy #C8TE6110A
O.E Assy #C8TE6110H
BADGER/KSG #P173
DANA #1713
ERTEL/OHIO #957P
SERLING/FED.MOG.#304P
SEALED POWER #2221P
TRW #L1181F
ZOLLNER #3304CDE
ENGINE TECH #P1543
Hope there are no typos. Please double check when purchasing. To my best knowledge the dimensions should be identical but I won’t take any responsibility on that.
Please note that there is probably more up to date info on this issue. I haven’t been too active lately. Pistons can be ordered over Summit, Jegs, PAW or s. other distributors.
For more specific information call Silvolite @ United Engine & Machine Co (702) 882 7790
As for your balancing question be assured that on a std. 410 and 428 / CJ engine all you need is the corresponding flexplate or flywheel. Those have a small counterbalance welded on the edge.
In no case a balancer is used to balance. Its’ only purpose is to absorb harmonic vibrations.
Even in the 428 SCJ the balancer is not used for such a purpose. But on these SCJ engines it’s the crank spacer right behind the balancer that helps balancing. It is different to std. FE spacers. It incorporates a counterweight and is commonly named “hatchet”.
But you don’t need that one unless you go for a 428 SCJ.
Hope it helps to give you a few ideas. I'll be probably off the forum for a while but you will get excellent info from the other participants. They usually have great knowledge about MEL as well as the FE engines.
Hang around and good Luck w. your engine.
Theo
