So i have been pouring over the forums and haven't found an exacting answer. My problem, I ordered a wiesco piston kit years ago (7 to be exact) from shonutperformance and I am now finally able to start putting this car back together slowly. My issue is setting the ring gaps, as the wiseco gap sheet tells me I need to multiply the bore 3.622 X.040 to get my top ring gap, and .055 for the bottom. My ring gaps are all .016 top except for 2 came gapped at .019. Isn't that out of spec for the rings? All of my lower rings are at .022 exactly which according to my spec sheet is .003 over what they should be. The values do not change if you swap cylinders, the bore on the block was exceptional and uniform fortunately. Is there a standard gap range for a gap sheet, it doesn't show any variation on the ring gap (like +or-.003 for example), or should it be the exact gap you should get dependent on your application. I know the stock gap is a range of 012-.018, and the lower gap should be bigger than the top to eliminate flutter. I am thinking of putting some boost to this engine as well, but not immediately. Would a gap of .019 top and .022 be good to run N/A? Or should I get a new set of rings possibly? I am a little lost in what I should do. Thank you in advance for the help.
Ring gap issue
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msteiny
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Top gap is 12 to 18 thou and your at 19, oil ring is 8 to 20 thou and your at 22. Its your call, you could always buy new rings. But with those numbers so close Id run em. Try another set of feeler gauges and compare.
kevinspann
Don't take my advice.
Stock bore, or over bored engine? Honed? I would try and get an actually measurement on the bore (in several places to see if it tapers) and go from there.
The engine was originally a 1994 3.0, it is now bored out to 3.2 (92MM). I've checked the cylinders at multiple depths and I am right at 92mm. With his being a fresh bore it should not taper or anything right? I've shuffled the rings to different cylinders and they are all pretty much the same, I get the same readings there as the cylinder I decided to put it in. Being this is my first build I am very carefully doing everything and want to be as correct as possible. But I don't want to spend an additional $180 on rings when I have a new set that should be right for this application. If the consensus is I should have no issues with running .019 top ring and .022 bottom I will simple run that.
You'll get more power with smaller gaps. Up to you but at this point with all the work you put in, spending a few more dollars to get it right is something to think about. Look at the DNJ rings. They are the same as the Hastings and they'll get you into spec on the gaps.
if you are going to boost that engine, then .019" is the SMALLEST gap you should put in there. you need .019-.022" if you are going to run boost. that way, you don't have to worry about breaking the top piston land because the ring expanded past a zero gap.
even for a n/a motor, .019" is perfectly fine.
even for a n/a motor, .019" is perfectly fine.
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