I won't know until I pull the engine and take a close forensic look, but my instincts tell me that the problem was caused by either a tired/insufficient fuel pump and/or the diameter of the crossover pipe on the fuel rail. I called 3SX in NC the other day and talked with one of their guys for a long time. He said they routinely see 3.0Ls with blown #6 pistons (same as what I "think" I have)... and their solution is a larger 255 l/hr pump + a larger diameter crossover..... HELLO?? That said, I think a dual feed would be better if I can fit it to my fuel rail, which won't be as easy as modifying a 3000GT rail.

I AM thinking about MS - I'm a little concerned about idle quality, though, and need to read some more. I'm not leaning toward EDIS... yet. The optical distributor trigger should work with less modification - but again, I'm still reading and learning.

I still think that the FMU + maybe an MSD timing retard would work at 6psi, but I don't want to blow another engine - particularly if the next one has $600-800 forged pistons and $200 head gaskets.... and I can't say definitely that if the fuel rail/pump situation was corrected that I wouldn't run into another problem.... so I'm looking for the cheapest solution that I feel confident will do the job. I'm also hard-headed enough to still think that the stock 8.9:1 CR pistons and OE ECU will work with 6psi if I can solve the fuel rail balance/supply issues, but I want to see the internal parts before going down the same road again.

I'm not considering the aftercooler as seriously as the other stuff..... it'd be nice to have, but I'll have to do a lot more machine work to make it fit in a worthwhile size.... maybe, maybe not.

Frank