I'm liking this theory...

I have a 2000 2.5L non-SVT short block sitting in my basement doing nothing... i'll pull a piston off it tonite or tomorrow and take some pics... no damage on it, but it should help to prove your theory...

also I can get a hold of a micrometer if you want to post measurements of the different ring land thickness and ring thickness themselves as well as piston pin height.... i just need to know the exact points you want me to measure

2000 Cougar V6 MTX 2001 3.0L Swap w/ PnP Heads - It ran, it boomed, it RUNS AGAIN Nearly all suspension mods Big ass stereo ...and more... See Her Here