Hello sho pros! I am moving right along in my 3.2 build for my 93MTX and I'm at the point where I need to order some rings. Here is my concern: I measured all of the bores with a telescoping gauge at 3 depths taking 2 perpendicular measurements (3 in each direction then wrote down the average) and everything is golden, it's even toward the bottom end of the spec. when I took the pistons out the rings were seized in the lands and it has been that way for years as this motor has been sitting a while. When I measured the ring gap it was huge! Bore #1's top ring was at .025 when the spec is .012-.018. MY QUESTION: Does ring end gap of the old rings dictate which new rings I need? The bores are well within spec so I would guess STD rings would be just fine, but this is my first build. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Piston ring end gap question
- Thread starter waffles
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Phoenix
SHOHOLIC
if the block is ok, slap on hastings rings and call it a day , just a very very light honing of the block would be nice though.
Thanks man, I was just going to tell the machine shop to very lightly hone it when I get the decks checked anyway. So STD it is?
Also is there a significant performance gain to getting larger rings and filing them?
Also is there a significant performance gain to getting larger rings and filing them?
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Phoenix
SHOHOLIC
yes , what rcm sells , I think hes the only one selling hastings
standard ones will work fine. the larger gap on the old rings is due to the fact that the outside edges of the old rings have been worn away some due to usage, and that wearing of the outside of the rings results in a larger gap.
I would check the new rings and gap them at the high end of the factory range. That way you don't have to worry about having the gap close up when you are running the engine hard. If you are planning on any boost ever in the future, gap them at .020-.025"
I would check the new rings and gap them at the high end of the factory range. That way you don't have to worry about having the gap close up when you are running the engine hard. If you are planning on any boost ever in the future, gap them at .020-.025"
Your answer has flipped the "duh" light on in my brain, thank you! So I was at the ,machine shop today and the guy told me the same thing, and that I had a few bad ridges that the hone might help with, he didn't want to ridge ream it, but he also told me to get moly rings. Why would he say that? I don't even think there is moly rings for the SHO? Anyone want to shine a light on this?
http://www.rcmautomotive.com/id20.html these are the only rings I have found for a 3.2. If anyone can find a better set at a similar price I would love that.
DNJ Piston Rings consist of Chrome, Steel, and Cast piston rings
which will withstand the new model engines with computer advancement and older engines. DNJ Rings are designed and manufactured for a quick seat and a long life.
http://www.enginecomponents.com/piston rings/piston_rings.html
They are the exact same as Hastings. Even the 2nd ring uses the same wiper design. And they are chromed on the outside.
which will withstand the new model engines with computer advancement and older engines. DNJ Rings are designed and manufactured for a quick seat and a long life.
http://www.enginecomponents.com/piston rings/piston_rings.html
They are the exact same as Hastings. Even the 2nd ring uses the same wiper design. And they are chromed on the outside.
Here's the results of my gap check on the set of DNJ I bought for the 3.2.
Been running the motor since to help the rings seat so don't have much feedback yet. Had good compression on all cylinders, though one was at the low end of acceptable. I suspect the rings gaps may have rotated some when I installed that cylinder. I'll check it all again after 25-30 hours of running it.
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