The rings are supposed to be 180 from each other. On a blown car especially there was a lot of blow by if thats how they were. This could pop the valve stem seal. Are the seals rubber or a white plastic. The rubber ones are junk. That would also cause the valves to have deposites and the plug to be oil soaked. Sounds like your engine builder overlooked that piston. I dont know who built the short block but I would be wondering what else was overlooked.
I would suggest a Vortec, you'll gain serious power with an s trim/ power pipe set up over what you have. I have that set up ,and now that its getting cooler out I see 11-12 psi.
MGW shifter looks like its just the handle. Being adjustable means to me just another piece to move under hard shhifting. Kind of like a universal knob. I could be wrong but if its just a handle I dont see the point to buying it. I have the old tried and true Hurst and it works fine. Clutch adjustment is just as important for power shifting as the shifter.
BTW did you ever get a good run w the car? Slicks or street tires?
I would suggest a Vortec, you'll gain serious power with an s trim/ power pipe set up over what you have. I have that set up ,and now that its getting cooler out I see 11-12 psi.
MGW shifter looks like its just the handle. Being adjustable means to me just another piece to move under hard shhifting. Kind of like a universal knob. I could be wrong but if its just a handle I dont see the point to buying it. I have the old tried and true Hurst and it works fine. Clutch adjustment is just as important for power shifting as the shifter.
BTW did you ever get a good run w the car? Slicks or street tires?