30 years ago I used to bung new 1098 cranks rods and pistons into 850s...
I would preferably start with a 998 block, rods and crank.
Because-
1. All Oz 850s only had a front cam bearing, the 2 other cam journals ran direct in the cast iron block. This means use no high revs, big cams and heavy valve springs...
2. 850 rods have a split little end and a pinch bolt. Not near as strong as 998 ones.
3. You can fit a 998 crank into an 850 but the centre main web of the block needs to be machined each side, because the 998 and 1098 cranks are 1/8" narrower there. You then use 998 main bearings, but still can only fit the narrow 850 thrust washers.
4. An 850 crank may be short stroke but it's not real strong, as the webs are narrow. I broke one... and I wasn't trying hard.
Anyhow-
If boring the 850 block and using the 850 crank, the easiest piston choice now is use 998 ones, and deck the block by 4.0mm to suit.
My suggestion-
If you want a good revver I would just get a 998 and bore it to +.100" or +.120". Russell Engineering and
www.minis.com.au have flat top pistons to suit.
Balance it and build it properly with the right bits and it will be almost bulletproof.
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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.
