I've removed the piston from the cylinder and this is what I found.

I have not yet found this missing piece.

This is what it should look like.

So...  I'm going to need new pistons.  I would like to keep forged pistons but flat tops seem to be unobtanium off of the shelf.  It seems that the pistons will have to be custom.  I am now considering throwing in a 312 crank.  I have C2AE rods prepped.  So I can have the pin height set to work with the 292 rods and 312 crank.  We'll see.  It's more than I was hoping to have to spend but it would be pretty cool.