So it’s time to put together a new engine for your project, and you’ve decided you want to tackle the task yourself – with assistance from your local machine shop, of course. But how do you know what parts to pick, and what dimensions you need to use to achieve your desired performance level?

You could outsource the whole build and just sign the check at the end, or you could take advantage of the situation and figure out what you need with the help of this wide assortment of engine dimension calculators from United Engine & Machine – the makers of ICON Pistons, KB Performance Automotive Pistons, and Silv-O-Lite Pistons for the automotive market. They also offer V-Twin pistons and Powersports pistons through their KB Performance line.

On their website, the company has all of the resources you’ll need to design that perfect bullet – a compression ratio calculator, ring end gap calculator, piston compression height calculator, displacement calculator, and more.

Building an engine can be a challenging task, especially if it’s your first one, but companies like UEM make the process simple – and more enjoyable – with the resources they share.

There are many critical dimensions that come into play during the process, and if any one is calculated incorrectly, or left out of the equation, disaster is waiting to strike, especially in the area of piston-to-valve (or worse, piston-to-head) contact. Taking the time to plan each step of the build and select the proper products is a much easier process when the critical dimensions are specified correctly.

For example, when calculating static compression ratio there are no less than seven measurements that need to be determined in order for the piston to provide the desired performance. Two more data points are required when calculating dynamic compression ratio, which takes cam timing into account and provides a true measure of the engine’s operating capabilities. Check out the assortment of calculators on this page, and get started on building your next bullet!

For more information on the complete line of United Engine & Machine products, check out their website.