Scott:

He has de-constructed one or more pistons in the prior engine - detonation was the culprit. 

Amazingly, probably not! We have watched many detonation events--some even heavy detonation events--some for extended periods-without any ill effects on the piston, cylinder or engine in general. The danger is these turning into pre-ignition, usually from a damaged spark plug from the detonation. That can destroy the engine in 30 seconds and while our observations are that detonation doesn't hole a piston, pre-ignition will do it in a heartbeat.

Detonation gets blamed for a lot for which it is completely innocent! <g>

Walter