If you are already .030" over and had a hydro lock issue, I would absolutely find new block. For antique motors there are things you can do like bore it a little more and coat the pistons, but Gen 3 LS's are plentiful. Go get another block.

Gas ported piston rings seem like a race/very few miles type of deal when I briefly looked into them. If your truck fits in that category, why not. I'm not sure how many miles you can expect out of gas ported rings. Unless you plan to boost over 15psi, a 4032 forged piston will act like a hypereutectic for cold starts, but give you more strength. JE and Mahle are the two big manufactures of 4032 pistons. I used Mahle because of their thinner piston rings. If your truck is more race/low miles per year/high boost, there are also tons of non gas ported 2618 piston options as well.

 

Ok so I have an aluminum block 5.3/ 799 heads that I’m considering building for boost. I already have ARP rod bolt and head studs. What is a good piston height/dome/dish to run safely? Could I get away with stock pistons that are in it or upgrade while I’m in there?