question about piston rings

[ssms5411]

Re: question about piston rings

I had a 123,000 miles on mine engine when it was rebuilt , 10,000 miles with the powerdyne supercharger, when they installed my Diamond 9:5.1 pistons and total seal rings and Clev. bearings all arouond they didn't have to do anything to my block or clyinders maybe clean them up and hone them and then install them. This was 45,000 miles ago and I have ran 300 wrhp / 330 TQ with the powerdyne blowing up a manual trans and then 125 wet shots of nitrous and even 150 shots of nitrous and it still runs like a champ. Getting ready for my double roller and 130lb springs with ported / polished heads for my turbo project, to run 10-15 PSI will decide depending on weather conditions in AZ. So if you have a good mechanic he should be able to tell weather your block need to be sent out or he can do the work himself. I just had the heads sent out and milled .010 just to make sure they were flat. I only give opinions on what I have experienced first hand on these 3800's and won't comment on things I don't know, or I'll say I think or maybe and say maybe someone else will chime in who knows more about it. Its the only way to keep someone from blowing up their car or paying too much to have something done they don't need.

[camarov696]

Re: question about piston rings

thanks for all the replies and the help. im not planning on building a monster lol. just a nice DD that i can have fun with on the weekends. my mechanic is very good and ill be right by his side with the build helping ( family friend). so whatever he says is needed will be done. if it needs new pistons then it does, i just wanna do it once and do it right lol. but im not knockin anyones opinions at all, you guys know more about these engines than i do thats why i asked lol

[Pewter02Camaro]

Re: question about piston rings

I only give opinions on what I have experienced first had on these 3800's and won't comment on things I don't know, or I'll say I think or maybe and say maybe someone else will chime in who knows more about it. Its the only way to keep someone from blowing up their car or paying too much to have something done they don't need.

Well put Steve.

[Choppers]

Re: question about piston rings

They make a tool you put in the cylinders that you run up and down and it has a digital set of numbers. You can see the bore if it is all the same throughout or wear it is worn more in some places. Forget th name of it but they are cheap insurance. But like others said you may be fine without have to get bored and maybe get by with the pistons you have.

[cam98aro]

Re: question about piston rings

They make a tool you put in the cylinders that you run up and down and it has a digital set of numbers. You can see the bore if it is all the same throughout or wear it is worn more in some places. Forget th name of it but they are cheap insurance. But like others said you may be fine without have to get bored and maybe get by with the pistons you have.

is called a dial bore gauge

[Choppers]

Re: question about piston rings

Yep thats it. Yea I would use one of those in the cylinders if everything checks out then cylinder hone and move to pistons. Check them and then move to next decision. Hope this helps you. I know I may have caused you to question everything now but thats what you asked for which was opinions. Best of luck to you.

[camarov696]

Re: question about piston rings

Yep thats it. Yea I would use one of those in the cylinders if everything checks out then cylinder hone and move to pistons. Check them and then move to next decision. Hope this helps you. I know I may have caused you to question everything now but thats what you asked for which was opinions. Best of luck to you.

trust me this has helped. it didnt make me question everything, just added 1 thing to my to do list lol.. thank you for the help i appreciate it

[cam98aro]

Re: question about piston rings

trust me this has helped. it didnt make me question everything, just added 1 thing to my to do list lol.. thank you for the help i appreciate it

if you're going to do that, i suggest buying a cheap one at harbor freight, it will be accurate enough for your needs, and not cost you a fortune since its probably going to be a one use tool for you

[Choppers]

Re: question about piston rings

yep i use the one at harbor freight and compared it to a professionals and they were almost dead on the same.

[Hib Halverson]

Re: question about piston rings

It was posted earlier that engines are more durable, today, then they were 20 years ago and that's true however, considering the plan is not only more camshaft but nitrous oxide as well, I'd definitely rebuild the motor. The brand of ring is not so important as they be made of premium materials and at least a single-moly set or, better, a double-moly set.

Also, if you're going to be using the nitrous a lot, you may want to consider 1) going to a better connecting rod (such as the Series III L3s "PM" rod) 2) opening up the ring gaps just a bit and 3) if you're really serious about a 150-shot, going to a forged piston.

[ssms5411]

Re: question about piston rings

If you go with a forged piston they will come with the piston rings, like my Diamond pistons came with total seal piston rings.

[flamingchicken]

Re: question about piston rings

i ran total seal on my mahale forged pistons in the beetle with the turbo and had no problems. even after i took the turbo off and pulled the head gaskets out (lowered compression) the cyl. still looked really good.

[camarov696]

Re: question about piston rings

i ran total seal on my mahale forged pistons in the beetle with the turbo and had no problems. even after i took the turbo off and pulled the head gaskets out (lowered compression) the cyl. still looked really good.

i can actually get the total seal rings from my job, ive heard good things. i think those are the rings im gunna grab.

[ssms5411]

Re: question about piston rings

I have had the total seal rings since 03' and they have lasted along time with alot of abuse so I'm a believer in them.