[Barry_R]

First off is that we can likely get a Diamond "non-stocking" but catalog piston for the 406 for somewhere near the lower end of your price range. They're pretty nice parts to boot. And they are available in a 4.155 bore without needing to alter your rods.

I much prefer the aftermarket rods for exactly the reason the other gent mentioned - - 30 years of fatigue will take a toll that you cannot see or measure. There's no way to know if or when they're gonna "sign off". Cheap insurance.

On a sleeved engine I'd really want to use a torque plate and at least check the line hone. The sleeving process disturbs a lot of metal and adds a press fit into an area previously not stressed in that fashion. Things are bound to move as a result. Sleeved engines work perfectly fine (I ran one for years with five sleeves), but you do need to check that stuff after doing it.

Barry R.
Survival Motorsports