Different pistons for V-12

[atomman]

OK, fellow cast members, here is the question: What other piston could be used in the V-12 instead of the four ring. Is the top steel ring required? With the scarcity of the original pistons, at $1000-$1800 for a set, what could be used? What have you used? Yes pistons can be custom made, but whats available outside the box?
Atomman in South Carolina.
dlmarx at bellsouth dot net

[bigblockv6]

351 piston sets have been showing up lately on ebay which are the same for the V12 other than the fact that you'll need 2 sets. There was one set that just sold for $350, so I don't think you'll necessarily be spending $1000- $1800 for 12 NOS pistons. Some early 1966 351E engines did use 3 ring pistons but later went to the 4 ring, so 3 ring pistons are long obsolete for these engines. If you want 3 ring pistons then Custom ones will be the way to go.

[atomman]

What about a flat top 3 ring piston?
atomman

[bigblockv6]

Flat top 3 ring pistons would be great but they will have to e custom made.