Yeah, check the port timing numbers to see where they are at. Seems surprising someone did this much work to the engine and didn't do the "Pin the ring" mod. I imagine you have read about that. You send the piston to Frank Bowman, and he puts a pin in the ring land and makes a special piston ring for it. Then you grind the bridge out of the exhaust port. It is a worthwhile mod.

I am wondering why they cut the piston skirt. Lowering the cylinder raises the intake port timing. Cutting the piston skirt raises it even more. Not necessary usually for our applications. It is possible this engine was intended for very high rpm operation for a car or a boat. Checking the timing of the ports will tell more...

AV8TOR