Piston price do not bother me. I've had a HP 273 4 speed nearly all my life. I've also had 318s, 340s, 360s, and 383s. My favorite is a HP 273. If you never had one,it is hard to explain. Like 340's you can't go by the theoretical, or cost. Some things just work, and the money does not matter. Do it once and do it right.