Hummmm... it looks like its starting to rain harder on my parade very minute...?
Yes I did notice the very light discoloration on the top of this one particular piston dome only, that appears it might have brushed contact with the head. I see no real damage other than that shadow. The top ring land is not distorted, and is equal uniform all the way around. That is the first thing I checked. The ring floats free with no bind whatsoever.
I assumed the original block the first owner had may have been cut to 9.005 or even flat deck of 9.00. When I installed these in my block I have at least .010 downhole piston top from deck surface, and would adjust gasket thickness after clay measuring head to valve pocket distance.
Yes, I did have to do extensive clearancing of the block, and even went further than I normally would, expecting I might have extra expansion movement of the aluminum rods. The entire assembly has extensive numbers and notes scribed all over each piece, but I forgot to write them down before I finalized the assembly and zipped it shut. I really don't want to tear it all back down just yet, but in light of everything revealed here I just might go ahead and part this assembly out to find some good steel rods instead so I can use this shortblock without worry something is not quite right...?
Anybody want to buy a good set of 5.7" aluminum rods...?
Thanks guys for all your advice and help... I appreciate it. Jim