E-clips for piston pins?
 

Has anyone tried using an e-clip for piston pin retention in place of the circlips?

Not tried it...but why risk it ? The consequences may be severe !!!
The circlips are designed for the job, and I doubt they are the critical line in the budget.

If you are looking for the ultimate retention of wrist pins...I think Spiral-locks are probable the best.
Be advised...they are a total b**ch to install....which probably means they are the hardest to get back out....either by you or the engine.
I have used them is many engines...and never had a failure.
I have seen Nitro burning engines disintegrate and still have the locks in the remains of the pistons...even though the pistons were in several pieces.
Bob

e-clips
 

Thanks, I was just curious since they are such a pain to remove and install.

There are some tools available that make the install the easiest step of engine rebuilding. My guess is our host sells them, as well. There was a guy with a demonstration display setup at hershey this year. They are not overly cheap, but IMO if you are not comfortable installing the clips it's probably worth it. Whatever you do, seal up all the openings to the crankcase while you are messing with piston install... You don't want to have to strip the case to find missing pieces, and those suckers can FLY if they get rejected.