A blown head gasket & a holed piston.. So, you'll need to pull the engine down in any case. For your use, cast aluminum pistons are fine, but while apart everything should be checked including the condition of the cam bearings etc. Unless those important parts are like new (unlikely) you should replace the  bearings & seals etc. Due to the blown gasket, the block & heads need to be checked for trueness. And likely some milling will be a good idea.  It's also likely that the existing cam is the mildest that Ford & rebuilders usually installed. (milder than the 1957 cam)  So a cam like Mummert's (Clay Smith co.) 265S would likely work well in a F100 truck. Unfortunately, there's no way to do what you probably need on the real cheap!. Good luck.        


Paul

Change only one piston if others are good.
But usually opening the engine costs.
When its open, you change gaskets, bearings and stuff...
Stock pistons are aluminum and are good if you dont rev too high.

Yes, you should change the cam and lifters. Problem is low comp ratio.
Hotter cam needs higher comp ratio and stock comp ratio is low for everything.

Clean engine(inside) dont need oiling mods.


Hyvinkää, FI

Folks, I'm looking for some advise. I am learning alot about my 59' 292 in my f100. Original engine seemed to be running good when I go it and i blew a head gasket. I got the heads off. Ordered a new aluminum intake from John Mummert and the new head gaskets. When I took the heads off I found that there was a small hole in the drivers side front piston. So it looks like i'll need new pistons. Heres where I need advise. Whats the average cost to install these? Do I really need aluminum pistons and why? Or just get the stock ones for cheaper. Should I upgrade the cam? I have pertronix elec ignition with a street demon 625 4bbl carb with 2.25 exhaust and headers and glasspacks. Ideally I want to build a really strong daily driver with a bit more power than stock. I don't have tons of money but I can put a bit into it. Well I have to actually now at this point. Is this the point where I need to make mods for the old oil issues? what mods are those if i do need them?  ALSO if anyone can recommend a shop or mechanic in the Longmont CO area ( north of Denver 45 min ). i just cant wait to get my truck back on the road. I'm in love with it. thanks a ton. I am ready to make my check list.