8.0L V10 vs. 5.9L V8 Pistons and Connecting Rods
- Zach W
- Jul 3, 2019
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 27, 2024
Dodge V10 and V8 Magnum engines share the same pistons and connecting rods. Both pistons have the same 53006045 casting number. Compression height is 1.612" for either engine. Connecting rods are the same 53005798 casting number. Rods are 6.123" in length in either engine. This means there are many aftermarket options for upgraded connecting rods for performance V10 builds. Unfortunately many of the 360 pistons available have a compression height around 1.660" These protrude the deck too much. Even with the thicker Felpro head gaskets the quench distance is too small the pistons will hit the head at operating temperature. Custom pistons must be made to bump compression if desired.
That is NOT how you determine deck height. Deck height is determined by measuring the main cap bore less the bearings and dividing the measurement by 2. That is the main cap radius. Then measure from the edge of the main bore up to the top of the cylinder bore(head surface). Take that measurement and add the radius to it. That is your deck height.
Subtracting the dimension you obtaind from the deck height provides you with clearance to the deck or how far below the deck the piston is.
I have found the V10 truck motor as having a listed deck height of 9.735. A KB107 piston with a 1.675 compression height should be just about flush with …
I have been working on a game plan for my V10 build. The aftermarket has a bunch of pistons for the 5.9L and I was about to order 10 flat top with valve relives but then I figured out that they all have a higher compression height of 1.660 and that will be to much for the v10. My pistons measured .017 to .020 below block deck. Below is what my research shows.
Stock V10 - Stroke 3.88, rod length 6.123, compression height 1.612.
To figure block deck height I added 1/2 stroke 1.94 + rod 6.123 + comp height 1.612 + the smallest below deck piston 0.17 = Deck height 9.692
To figure the max piston compression height I…
...or a taller deck hight...
I live in the high country of Northern New Mexico elevation of 9732 ft. i would like to achieve at least 10:1 compression for my work truck that is a daily puller what would be my piston options?
The heads can be milled .030 without affecting the intake fit. This yields +- 73cc combustion chamber. The most common rebuild piston is a dished SpeedPro moly skirt hypereutectic. The -12cc dish helps flame propagation on burn, but spec any piston that fits. With a FelPro head gasket and a .030 overbore this adds to about 9.3:1 I believe.