I'm rebuilding a IRS 396 motor, and wanted some recomendations on what rings to go with, and why. I was going to just put the std JE file fit ring set taht comes with JE piston sets, but am open to some other ideas, pleas set me know.

They are std. 4.030+.005 x 1/16 first and second rings, and 4.030 x3/16 oil ring.

thanks

Patrick

 

Pat,

Use very good rings, the seal they give is awesome. These are some of my favortie.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...71&prmenbr=361

Bret

 

They are good rings from what i hear....

no power adders though....gappless.

 

Speed Pro... have never let me down. If they ever do... I may look at a gapless ring..... on second thought, I'll just go to a JE.

-Mindgame

 

since you use JE rings, tell me something

I've always heard that JE Rings are just re-labeled Total Seal rings, can you tell me if this is true or not

 

arent total seal gappless...??????

 

That's not true. JE designs, manufactures and inspects their own stuff. They even have proprietery equipment for their quality control department (been through their plant ).
Now... they do make a Gapless ring, the 'IPG' code rings but those aren't what most people buy when they buy JE rings. At least not the guys I race with.
Interestingly enough, as most of us know, many companies make Gapless rings now. The funny part of it is, they can't use the Gapless name because its a registered trademark of the Total Seal corporation. Well, they can but they have to denote the fact that it's a registered trademark of TS.

-Mindgame

 

I'm going to re-ring my 383 stroker with Total Seal Gapless rings. I've nothing but great things about this rings. I'm definitely going to get them this Winter.
The only negative I've heard about the TS Rings, is that they're a PITA to install. Is there a special ring compressor that allows easier installation. Or any other tricks I should be aware when handling the install?
Thanks in advance...
-Goose.

 

B4 you do, you may want to check out tech info Sealed Power has regarding ring sealing science. There is a reason oem AND SP recommend the second ring with LARGER rings gaps than the top ring.

The pitfall of the positive thinking from the gapless 'crowd', is not taking into account the static vs. dynamic question.

The gapless ring passes the static compression leakdown test with flying colors. But, what is the result of the dynamic leakdown test. I know, LOL, tough to check with the engine running. But anyway, the 'gapless' thinking flys in the face of the thinking/testing at SP.

 

I'd use the Sealed power technology advice with the new TS gapless top ring set.

The Gapless rings can be used with N02 and Blowers. Check their web site or the jegs link above............

They now have some that are top Gapless with standard 2nd ring pack.

They are said to create even more vacuum at idle and do not cause ring "flutter" at high rpm's. The standard 2nd ring allows the "trapped" combustion gasses to escape into the pan. This reduces the need for an accumulator groove in the piston also.

It's what I've read anyway. Who knows. Might do some studying.

 

I talked to TS about their then, (about a year and a half ago) new gapless top ring conventional second ring combo. At that time, (don't know if it has changed by now) TS recommended a rather 'rough' wall prep with their 'new' gapless ring material composition. Wasn't convinced, and didn't care to be a 'guinea' pig.

Although the 2nd ring is primarily a oil scraper, and not a compression ring as many think, wasn't convinced the rough wall prep would not adversly affect oil control. And, with the 'experimental' material they were using to withstand the (top ring area) heat that it would be exposed to, didn't care to find out if the ring would not hold up in that environment long term, i.e.. street engine.

 

The Max Seal top gapless ring is very good.

Kieth Dorton worked alot with Total Seal and Mahle to maximize ring seal. Randy Dorton's brother, who is head of engines at Hendrick and a very good engine builder himself.

The "rough" wall finish is a very good idea. The funny thing is that the finish is quite smooth, but the valleys in the finish are what does all the work and what makes it look rough.

BTW the top gapless ring puts up with a good amount of detination and heat.

Bret

 

I used TS one time and went back to plasma moly. I have friends in T/C and TA/FC who had the same expereince.

 

Care to elaborate?

 

Bret, have any idea as to life of ring? This ring may be better suited for circle track?