whee wrote:I put a set of custom forged pistons with a sorta modern rising pack in my Continental.....
Unfortunately the pistons didn’t last long so now I’m back to stock......

Pistons "didn't last long"?

If you are going experimental, I'd with a Superior cold air induction, coupled with EFII fuel injection and ignition. Should be good for about 205hp on the stock parallel valve. I would avoid increases in compression ratio unless you are ok with reduced cylinder life, I think you are at 8.7:1 right now, which could be bumpped a little, but hardly worth changing out if you only have 500hrs on it.