Jerry,I know a lot of guys who run forged pistons on the street engines.Never heard any complaints about oil consumption for any piston noise once the engine is run for a minute.Proper engineered forged pistons run at .055 clearance,which tightens up some when they get warm.Now you're not going to get zero oil usage,but I hear about a quart every 2000 -2500 miles, not bad,most stock old 6's use more oil than that
There are the so called propane cast pistons available at stocker prices for 292's. They are advertised at 9-1 compression ,good for a street engine with a mild cam.
Raising compression adds maybe 10 percent power,better throttle response and better fuel mileage if you can avoid big domes, no problem in a 292,as flat top pistons at zero deck height gives over 10-1 compression.In return you will need high test fuel.
