That was one of my suspected problems. I checked the oil pressure before I tore it down. Cold: 40PSI @ idle, 60PSI @ 2,000 RPM. Hot: 20PSI @ idle, upper 50's at 2,000 RPM.

I don't think oil pressure or lack of splash lubrication on the cylinder walls caused the loose pin. The rest of the pistons are great looking. They better be; they only have 1,000 miles on them.

However, the cylinders seem worn. Almost no evidence of crosshatch, which I figured there would be. My 83 Camaro 305 was torn down at 150,000 miles to re gasket it. Could still see crosshatch. Still have the original pistons and rings. Didn't remove them from the block.

I have never tore down a newly rebuilt engine, so I'm not too sure how much wear I should be seeing.

I'll have another post concerning the wear I have seen on the bearings and cylinders.