If you expect a nik motor to get the same service as a 225 ProMax then you are plowing with thoroughbreds.
And that's why I'm going back with the stock titanium rings on the pistons above. They're $350 a set now, so I'll just plan on them being a regular maintenance item like rear tires on my mustang, but rings are cheaper than tires (I got 10k miles out of this set). When I started calling some of the really high end racers, I started getting the same answers. Run the titanium rings. I did not get the same feedback from the general public on the internet, it was 50/50 on cast vs forged pistons, but there was nothing but anecdotal evidence to back it up. Ignore what I wrote earlier - I woke up at 4am.
Engine is going back together this season as-is, new gaskets & seals everywhere, new rings, new rod bearings, etc. I've mic'd EVERYTHING and recorded it. I'll tear it down, if it makes it
, at the end of the season or sooner, and check it. I'll follow up and let you know what it looks like, with pictures.
I got the best feedback from the folks on this site, both on the forum and via phone calls. Thanks everyone.