Too true, Ive gone though 8 head gaskets and 4 sets of rings this summer. Add to that all the base gaskets and pistons and your rattling up some moneys worth.

As Andy says, there is no point at all in slapping in a set of pistons in and not putting in the time to set the squish etc. 2 stokes might be pretty simple but they arent thaaat simple, you might lose more by putting "racing" pistons in than you would have done just by sorting out your stock motor.

I know Andy thinks I rebuild/check mine a little too often but when you're making real power and you have invested a lot of money and time into something best keep and eye on it.

I'm getting around 200 miles out of a set of rings, and around double that for the pistons. So, thats pretty much a rebuild every weekend. It is worth it though as the thing does go like hell.
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If I have to take the carbs off once more...