The thought process is since I have to spend a billion dollars on a set of rods, to get a set that takes off-the-shelf pistons so that I can use the rods for more than one engine build. While the valve pockets aren't correct I agree, for this engine build I should need flattops so the valve pocket issue should be moot. LS1 pistons weigh in the low 400's, have modern a modern ring pack (1.5 1.5 3mm) and are 2618 for $76 apiece from Wiseco. That's tough to match, valve pockets or no valve pockets.
