ring gap chev pistons
 

have a motor .80 over 283 pistons big little valves stipe 340 cam hastings rings what would u guys suggest for ring gaps for all 3 rings comp 2nd ring and oil ring also this motor is inserted clearance on mains and rods I have 3 on mains haven't checked rods yet I am thinking 3 is a little big will work or should I do something different thanks for your time

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

What type of piston material,...cast, hypereutectic or forged Aluminum?

Yes,....003" is too much clearance..

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

dj yes there c ast got them from rich at antique what should the clerance be on rods and main for inserts whats your suggestion for ring gaps

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

Billy,
Follow whatever d.j. suggests, He DOES KNOW HIS STUFF! We've been friends for 45 YEARS!:D
Bill W.

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

The manufacturer of the rings usually includes this information with the rings.

I would think .016 for the top ring, .012-.014 for the second ring and the oil rings are usually around .012 min.

I have built a lot of engines with bores in the neighborhood of 4.000 in. and do not ever remembering seeing a top ring gap of .022 in.

Just my opinion.

Chris W.

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

For the rings, do what the manufacturer says. If you did not get directions in the packet, call them up. Also, it depends on the piston material per DJ. Google Piston Aluminum and research the issue. Trouble is, you will probably not ever find out what your pistons are made of if bought from some local supplier. (Using Chev and other stock pistons was fine back in the day but not necessary today. Check piston/crank offset, reversing piston offset, etc. The suppliers have the size you need without the problems of ring clearance and piston offset.)
Anyone getting oversize pistons today should get them from the usual suppliers who can supply the specs and about anything you need for rings, etc.
If you want something custom, light weight, small rings for racing, etc, go the Ross, J&E, etc so you know what you are getting. Different materials requires different clearances depending of use. Research this before you spend the money.
On the bearings, do what the insert machinist says so you can go back to him when they fail. Agree with DJ, .003 is too much bearing clearance. .0015-.002 on mains, .0015 on rods. Do you have full pressure to rods and mains?

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

I thank all that answered I also thought 22 was to high I was thinking maybe 16 I will take your advice from u guys probly go in middle gravity fed t bird what u recommend on rods

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

Rich at AER suggests .00175 as the proper rod clearance. Per my discussions with him.

Re: ring gap chev pistons
 

A spec sheet didn't come with the rings ?

https://www.hastingspistonrings.com/...sion-ring-gaps

Maybe this will help or at least give a phone number.




Forgot. Regarding bearing clearance.
.003" is enough to pull a cat through. I've seen [ well, actually, heard] them 'rattle' at that clearance. It doesn't make a difference whether they are insert or babbitt.
With inserts, you're probably going to have to replace them, and, maybe with undersize.
I think the clearance should be .0015" and thats what I strive for. [ rod and main]
But, its just my opinion. Its probably worth what you just paid for it.

ring end gap.
I'm old fashioned. I'm getting old, so, we match.
I tend to like the old adage. .004"/ inch of bore plus a couple for good measure for the fire/top ring. The second wiper ring I like to set a bit wider than the top. I know, thats different than most.