question on rings ?
 

I do not post often but I read everything on here. I read on a post where someone liked to use inexpensive rebuider cast rings and someone who used Moly . Would anyone like to inform me as why and when either would be used. ? Would the bore fiinsh be done any differently? Thanks for the help .

Re: question on rings ?
 

Rebuilder cast rings are not as particular about cylinder finish and typically break in is fast. I believe Billy Nees posted recently that sometimes he has used rebuilder rings with decent results. IIRC

Re: question on rings ?
 

I have used Cast Ring in many bracket cars the last 50 years
with good results where optimal seal and performance are really
not that vital. The cast piston and rings have been in my
high 10/low11 Pro Class 440 Valiant for the last 13 years.

Re: question on rings ?
 

Hmmmmmm .................... These give me an idea. :)

Re: question on rings ?
 

thanks, fellas, would the finish on the bore be different for the cast rings?

Re: question on rings ?
 

Cast rings are so soft that they don't much care about wall finish. If your combo has a 4" bore, look into "claimer rings".
Understand that there's all sorts of ring packages that will pick your combo up but to get started you can't beat them. And these ain't no "50 runs and done" rings either. If you're just starting on a combo or just building a car that will need a lot of testing laps OR if you're going to (heaven forbid) Bracket Race the car also then check them out.

Re: question on rings ?
 

The coating is much different on grey cast iron top rings versus Ductile iron top rings.
First of all the Ductile iron (or steel) top rings are much stronger and will provide much more service life than the grey iron rings will. Grey iron and Ductile iron top rings are both available with Moly face material, but the difference is that the gray iron ring has a groove machined in the face and then this groove and surrounding ring face is filled with molten Moly and then finished to size.
Good quality high performance top rings will be Ductile iron with plasma-sprayed Moly, then the ring faces are finished to size and barrel-faced in a manderal. The moly material on the top ring adds some lubricity and will allow the ring to conform more closely to the cylinder finish, but the moly applied to the grey iron ring is prone to being hammered out under severe usage, especially the slightest hint of detonation or pre-ignition.
Save yourself some frustration and purchase good quality rings with sprayed plasma Moly top rings for any high performance application.

Re: question on rings ?
 

Once again I thank everyone for the help. I have a 57 Chevy that is being assembled to appear like a 1960s Jr. Stocker . I do not have the Talent or Money to field any competitive car so I attend the $10 test and tune night at the local track. I guess being a bracket racer would be a step UP for me.
I read everything I can find on the old days, I am living in the past. It suits me fine ,Thanks again for the help

Re: question on rings ?
 

Cool, after awhile you'll be hooked and then the fun starts, big time!
Mike

Re: question on rings ?
 

If you do use a stock ring you might try doing some back cut work to make them lower tension. remember the second ring is there to wipe oil... Just how much oil will be there, esp. if you use tight wall clearances and low viscosity oil. You might also do some work on the oil rail expander and cut drag way back. there are all sorts of ways to make stock rings work well. You can spend the big bucks for the trick rings or do some work and build your own set. Drag out the old fish scales to check drag... Let the fun begin...

Re: question on rings ?
 

I had been told about the back cutting the second ring. I am not sure how to do it ,I would hate to just take a grinder to it .I understand tweeking the oil ring expander, not sure when to stop though. Thanks

Re: question on rings ?
 

You will need a fixture to back-cut the second ring.
You will need the "fish scale" to tweek the oil ring. ;-)

Re: question on rings ?
 

Tri City Competition in California does it.

Re: question on rings ?
 

I just bought a set from Gregg@Tri City, after looking at the back cut, you will destroy every ring you touch. Looks like a delicate process.

Re: question on rings ?
 

We have been lowering the Oil ring Tension for 50+ years and
it not difficult.

We run Gregg's Rings in all our Stock and Super Stock
racers.

I would not DREAM of doing the second ring myself!

Re: question on rings ?
 

If you want pictures of a fixture and a little info, let me know. You need an accurate lathe.
BTW: I have made low drag Napier rings for applications they were not available for.

Re: question on rings ?
 

Adger, please send ring and fixture info to igrinditshrp@aol.com.

Re: question on rings ?
 

Thanks but I do not have a lathe. And yes , I can screw up things pretty quiclly . Suppose just a standard rebuild is in order. Thanks for all the advice fellas.

Re: question on rings ?
 

I think I've thought up plans for one but would rather see something that would sure work. Would appreciate it if you would put me on the list. Sent you a pm.
Thanks.
Pete

Re: question on rings ?
 

I used to do it all the time. Made a jig to set up in a lathe. Back cut it too much and it will crack though. I could take 15 lb/ft off of the shortblock rotating assembly doing this. Back in the 80's... Rings are much better now, but a better ring and a back cut??? sure why not.

Re: question on rings ?
 

Napier style second rings help with oil control, and require less oil ring tension. Using a fish scale to measure drag, I've been down to 4.5lb drag, but got some blue smoke at times. 6 lbs seems to run just as fast, with no blue smoke. 4" bore.

Re: question on rings ?
 

Adger, I'm interested too. maxwedgejohn@aol.com

Re: question on rings ?
 

If you're trying to get by cheap, just use correct size moly filled top ring with shim stock behind it to space ring close to edge fo ring land on piston. Use next undersize plain iron 2nd ring as is. Use next undersize oil ring expander with correct size oil rails. This works pretty good for cheap ring package on sbc.

Re: question on rings ?
 

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