[Cliff R]

Most I've checked before taking them apart have been closer to .015-.018" unless they were using aftermarket pistons. Most 400 replacement pistons with the eight valve reliefs were in the .035-.050" range below the deck at TDC. They also lower the compression ratio over half a point. I've NEVER had a good experience with one of these engines with that much quench in them, especially if the "short" pistons were teamed up with later heads with huge combustion chambers in them, and why NOTHING goes together here with more than .040" quench distance for any reason.

I've been following this thread and trying to help, but my suggestions have been ignored for some reason. It appears the OP talks himself into alternate methods of repair to keep as much money in the wallet as possible. I certainly get that. WAY back when I installed 8 pistons backwards I had to fart in my pocket to have a cent. It was very difficult to accept the fact that I messed up the build and had to remove the engine and spend more money on it. I was raising my kids and pretty much check to check at that time. Even so I bit the bullet and did it the right way, then was nicely rewarded with a PERFECT end result, even though it was pretty painful on the bank account at that time........FWIW......