Piston Rings - What to choose?

[patmckinneyracing]

I'm confused when it comes to the specs of pistons rings. There are multiple thickness's and multiple different brands.

From what I understand TRW is a good brand but I don't know for sure. I want a standard ring as I don't want to file my rings, just snap on the piston and go. Most of the rings I've seen on summit are 3/16 inch thickness. Looking for opinions and input as this topic doesn't seem to be brought up much on this site or in a google search, just how to put the rings on.

The motor is a sbc 350 and is a performance setup. The pistons are KB flat tops with 4cc valve reliefs and the cam is a Lunati 60103 (.489/.504 lift). Compression is right around 9.2:1. Hope this helps

 

[HILTON]

I thank it was hot rod magazine did a thing on piston rings a few months ago might of been last year I would check their site out for any info or maybe look up keith black on the web they should have the best idea for their pistons

 

[pontiacgp]

keith black's kits come with hastings moly rings

 

[patmckinneyracing]

I remember now that I have speed pro hypereutectic pistons. The old piston rings I have are sealed power.

 

[pontiacgp]

sealed power makes good rings, did you have any problem with them?

 

[patmckinneyracing]

It seemed like the rings never seated right. But what may have cause that was the first cam we used, which was an Isky Mega cam, that we didn't know the specs on. Once I pulled the heads off recently, the valve springs were in pretty bad shape which may be why I had such a hard time timing the motor because the valvetrain was not consistent.

 

[megaladon6]

for thickness you have to see what is called for by your piston manufacturer for those pistons. usually it's the 3/16. but there are no "snap in and drive" rings. No matter what you have to file the rings as they are matched to the bore. since the bore size will vary from one engine to another based on who did the bore, how worn their reamer was, and the mileage on the motor you are pretty much screwed.
for a type of ring, plasma coated are very good, but you have to be careful. certain ones need a very specific finish to break in quickly and properly.

 

[patmckinneyracing]

What I did was I found the pistons on summit and then looked under " suggested parts " at what rings they suggested. They have both Sealed Power and Summit brand rings that are cast material and both have the same specs.

 

[jrm81bu]

Go to Advance and grab a set of Sealed Power cast rings and throw them in. Or better yet order them through Northern Auto Parts, or have your local parts place price match Northen Auto. Wouldn't hurt to check the gap, but it will prolly be in spec. I consider this the cheap way out though.

If you want a better option go with the Moly rings, and make sure you check the gap. Like stated as far as thickness goes, that is up to the piston, gotta use what it was made for.

 

[larryo454]

The best ring i found is the total seal ring but the cost is high.On my bbc i lost about 2% in a leak down after 7years of use.