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ring end gap....

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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 02:38 PM
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ring end gap....

Curious what everyone is running on there's for the gap mine comes in about .018 on the top and .020 on the second using moly rings.
Also just out of curiousity what do you consider max. Thinking bout buying a file set and gapping it at .016 for top and .018 second. Keep in mind I have l2291f pistons at
30 over.
Is my clearance to much?
 
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 02:51 PM
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I just did mine and my feable memory says 18 and 20 was about right. They were file fit(and it was two weeks ago).

I would follow the sheet given with rings. You don't want them to close tightly and break. I think if you want to keep them tight, then just look at gaples type.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 03:48 PM
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I ordered slp e-180k030 rings from summit the only spec they had it in the package was how to properly put them on the piston.

I contacted both summit and federal on what the specs are supposed to be and they have both told me anything from .016 to .020 for the gap specs.
Just want some opinions before I hang the pistons, because I dont want an oil burner, or any other mess.
 

Last edited by pacer88220; Feb 4, 2005 at 04:18 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 04:31 PM
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For street engines the usual performance recommendation is .016 for the top ring and .010 for the second ring. This is what it says in the Ford Performance manual and that cam from a street buildup of a 351 Cleveland.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 06:28 PM
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The usual recommendation is .004" per inch of bore. 4.08 bore=.016 for the top ring. The second ring can be tighter by a couple .001" because it doesn't get as hot and therefore won't expand as much.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2005 | 12:38 AM
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Well that's my problem I have a variance on the ring gap they are between .017 and .018 but my second ring gaps at .020 to .022. The oil control ring has a gap of .035.
Been considering file fitting a set of rings but wondering how many of you would?
That in mind summit has been real good on parts return, and said they will refund both set's I have already purchased and reimburse me for half the total of the shipping if I didnt feel comfortable using these rings.
Though they would have to special order the file fits and I would need to buy the necessary hardware to cut the rings down to size. Which wouldn't be that great of expense, BUT is it necessary?
 
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Old Feb 5, 2005 | 10:07 AM
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That gap is pretty normal for non-file to fit rings. I would just use them ...or get some Total Seal gapless rings.:-)
 
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Old Feb 5, 2005 | 10:08 AM
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Or should I just build it and forget it?
 
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Old Feb 5, 2005 | 01:25 PM
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If you're driving this thing every day, I'd do file fit or something other than "slap 'em in and go." It is certainly personal preference, but when I first had my motor going, I had some blow-by/burning issues thanks to the "slap-and-go" method. In short, I would personally feel more comfortable with filed rings - and its a fun learning experience.


-Patrick
 
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Old Feb 5, 2005 | 01:26 PM
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All mine were non-file fit except the top (machine shop ordered them for the bore job). I'm running I believe .032 for the top because I'm using KB Hyper pistons, which place the top ring higher on the piston which makes it run hotter. For street it was .026, but for towing they recommended .32 for my bore (or close around there, can't remember exactly).
 
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