So the 430 rebuild goes on...and on...

So I am running into dead ends on the pistons that I need (the cylinders are 030 over now). I was able to get a set out of Florida (the Lincoln old parts store) but of course they are the same bore as the ones that were taken out of my block.

My options are to get a set custom built by Ross or buy the flat top piston from Egge.

In talking to my builder he stated that with the 10.5 to 1 compression ratio I will have to use racing fuel to keep the heads from melting (need the higher octane).

It is getting so that I just want to drive the car so I am leaning towards the Egge pistons.

Question #1: Has anybody experienced the flat pistons in their MEL? Is it a huge difference in performance?

Question #2: Would you agree or disagree with the melt down theory?

Oh, the joy and pain of having a rare MEL that needs a rebuild.

Thanks in advance

My stock '63 Lincoln survives on 93 octane gas.
What I have done is install a 6A MSD ignition module and a variable timing control. The control has a small dash mounted knob which allows you to adjust timing +/- 15 degrees on the fly. When the engine starts to ping (hills, heat, etc.) I can back off the advance a few degrees to stop the ping and then readvance for light load cruising.
I recently tore the engine down for other reasons after about 7,000 miles and the heads, valves, etc. look fine. This solution costs money and may not be for everybody but I like the idea of being able to control timing to suit conditions. It beats carring around a small end wrench to jump out and fiddle with timing at the bottom of each California mountain grade!
I am having a rebuilder in Houston build a short block and he is suppling OEM style 10 to 1 ratio pistons at my insistance (which he says are available)

pinermel, I guess your engine builder ment that you would crack the piston due to pre ignition. The term melt down is usually used when pistons get literally melt down during an excessive shot of nitro.
The MSD variable ignition un it is a nice device that I'm sure will ease a lot. The flip side is that you're dependent on electronics that can fail. I am using a non variable MSD since 12 years w/o any problems though.
An other idea you might think of is to retard your camshaft a few degree.
Take in account that even w. the low compression flat top pistons you'll have to be careful w. preignition due to a bad squish area situation. It's the result of inferior flame propagandation and build up.
The flat tops might be a way to go though but I think I would prefer a var. timing MSD unit and or retarding the cam.
Good luck