Seriously though, anyone know if there is a best option for this? The ring ends looks to be shaped in a way that it would hold the locating pin in the case it become loose, but still, if there is a better option, I would pay the extra $ for it.
I have only read of this happening one other time over on Thumpertalk many many many years ago. If you do an internet search, I don't think you are going to come up with many examples of this. If it were a prevalent issue, I'd think there were be more internet "evidence." That's just my opinion based on anecdotal evidence.
I would tend to agree with you, once installed, it would be pretty tough for one to come loose unless the rings failed. But I am not a pro mechanic or engineer.
As for options, the Wossner piston is generally accepted as the higher quality piston. That said, even after reading about your experience, I'll probably continue to use the Wiseco piston in my two strokes without loosing too much sleep. Sucks that it extended your rebuild down time, but I wouldn't hesitate to use another one... with both pins of course.
There are folks that will bag on Wiseco pistons and or their much maligned crank and only use XXX. But it's probably the most common non OEM replacement used, most folks have zero issues, myself included. I even have one of the maligned cranks in a motor with a couple hundred hours.
Not saying its right for everyone or every application, just been my experience.
Bottom line, I wouldn't fret installing the replacement.
