Some of Tom’s reputation is based on just how detail-oriented he is. Every single piece of the race engine is scrutinized and if it isn’t what he wants he will not use it. The results are engines that both live long under racing conditions and make big horsepower and torque.  In this day of mass-produced, big cubic inch engines and so-called crate motors, Tom and Lynn’s shop is like a breath of fresh air. Each engine and customer get special attention and their very best effort.

The precision workmanship on the finished pistons is pretty remarkable. Diamond did a great job on the pistons for the Olds.

The pistons are a “special case” as Diamond Pistons did not have a dome profile designed for the Rocket Racing Heads this 425-inch engine has. Getting this piston required first making an epoxy mold in the shape of the combustion chamber. That mold was then sent to Diamond Racing Pistons where it was digitized for the CNC machine and valve depths were determined. It seems like a lot of trouble for pistons but remember this is NOT a Chevy engine. Other features on the pistons include top ring gas ports, plunge cut valve reliefs, coated skirts, tool steel pins and a piston lightened to 425 grams.

The piston ring package was a decision made by Tom at R&S Racing and Keith at Total Seal Rings. The result was .043” top, .043 second and a 3mm oil ring. The top ring was back-cut, second ring was a Napier-style and the oil ring is an ultra-light tension assembly.