Well I have the heads off and am looking at the bores. I have never seen bores with cross hatch in places and not in others!
It is obvious that the rings could not possibly seal. This was a new,,never run Siamese block, new Diamond pistons and Seal Power Molly rings.
So, it looks like I need to go to 4.375” with a proper bore/hone. Perhaps the block “seasoned” itself in the 8,000 miles of street driving and is now settled down.
I am looking at JE pistons with the high silicone for tight fitting. That will allow the new Edelbrock heads, and etc. So more power? If I am going to go through the whole engine, I might as well end up with more power!