Thread: Piston ring installation??

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Hey,
I am putting a sbc 283 back together and have a question installing the new ring set. They are made by HI-TECH engine components. The box is laid out in three compartments...top rings, second rings and oil rings. There is no documentation as to what ring is the top and which is the second. The only information provided is a generic description of what side goes up (no dots and no bevel -either way, dots face up, bevel down etc).
One compartment of rings has a dot on them so I know the dot goes up but in which groove? The other ring does not appear to have any dots or bevels.
On the box they mention (in a marketing way... not a technical way) that the top (compression ring) has a convex face and the second ring has a trailing taper. I can't distinguish these attributes on either set of rings. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Kevin

Wow! I figured with the experiance and knowledge in this Forum, someone would be able to help me out.
Oh well...I will call HI-TECH tomorrow and speak to their tech department. I just thought I'd give this group a shot so I could get the bottom end built over the weekend.

Thanks,
Kevin

Originally Posted by 59belaircopcar

Hey,
I am putting a sbc 283 back together and have a question installing the new ring set. They are made by HI-TECH engine components. The box is laid out in three compartments...top rings, second rings and oil rings. There is no documentation as to what ring is the top and which is the second. The only information provided is a generic description of what side goes up (no dots and no bevel -either way, dots face up, bevel down etc).
One compartment of rings has a dot on them so I know the dot goes up but in which groove? The other ring does not appear to have any dots or bevels.
On the box they mention (in a marketing way... not a technical way) that the top (compression ring) has a convex face and the second ring has a trailing taper. I can't distinguish these attributes on either set of rings. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Kevin

Buy name brand parts next time.
Build it right the first time.Why take chances?

I ran into this when I put the 394 Olds together for my '39 Dodge. Finally figured out both top and 2nd rings were identical, so it didn't matter. Don't know specifically if that is what you have, but look at them very closely and you should be able to tell.

Directions on these things are very vague anymore, I agree.


Don

From what you said I would have put the ring with dots on the first groove with dots up and the second ring on second groove which ever way you want if there is no bevel or dot.

Originally Posted by erik erikson

Buy name brand parts next time.
Build it right the first time.Why take chances?

Hmmmm...looks like a fairly reputable "name brand" to me.
Thanks for the help.

"Hi-Tech engine components is home based in Salt Lake City Utah and has been established for over 30 years, Hi-Tech Engine produces award winning high quality automotive aftermarket engine parts, cylinder heads, engine kits, crankshaft kits and nearly 17,000 engine overhaul kits for gas and diesel engines. Component coverage includes all of the internal engine parts, cam & lifter kits, plus unique Torklink™ intake racing manifolds and patented Swirl/Quench™ piston technology. And our line of quality stock replacement and high performance crate engines are available for auto, truck and marine applications. Hi-Tech Engine components have won the honorary supplier of the year award from J.D. power associates three years in a row. We don't strive to compete, we strive to BEAT."

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I ran into this when I put the 394 Olds together for my '39 Dodge. Finally figured out both top and 2nd rings were identical, so it didn't matter. Don't know specifically if that is what you have, but look at them very closely and you should be able to tell.

Directions on these things are very vague anymore, I agree.


Don

Hi Don,
They are identical thickness and circumference but the one set has a dot and a bevel. The other ring does not have any markings.

Kevin

Originally Posted by chevydrivin

From what you said I would have put the ring with dots on the first groove with dots up and the second ring on second groove which ever way you want if there is no bevel or dot.

I was thinking the same thing. Just wanted to confirm. I'll give the tech department a holler tomorrow morning. I'll post what they tell me so if someone else runs into this predicament they will have an answer.
Thanks,
Kevin

Originally Posted by Skeeter

Hmmmm...looks like a fairly reputable "name brand" to me.
Thanks for the help.

"Hi-Tech engine components is home based in Salt Lake City Utah and has been established for over 30 years, Hi-Tech Engine produces award winning high quality automotive aftermarket engine parts, cylinder heads, engine kits, crankshaft kits and nearly 17,000 engine overhaul kits for gas and diesel engines. Component coverage includes all of the internal engine parts, cam & lifter kits, plus unique Torklink™ intake racing manifolds and patented Swirl/Quench™ piston technology. And our line of quality stock replacement and high performance crate engines are available for auto, truck and marine applications. Hi-Tech Engine components have won the honorary supplier of the year award from J.D. power associates three years in a row. We don't strive to compete, we strive to BEAT."

Does J.D. power and associates build engines?The answer is no.
I have built engines for over 20 yrs. and I would never run crap like that.
One more question when was the last time they where in the winners circle?
The next USMTS engine I build I will make sure I ask for HI-Tech engine components.I think not.
Please don't always believe what you read.Anyone can market crap.
Why do they call you Skeeter?Hmmmm

Originally Posted by Skeeter

Hmmmm...looks like a fairly reputable "name brand" to me.
Thanks for the help.

"Hi-Tech engine components is home based in Salt Lake City Utah and has been established for over 30 years, Hi-Tech Engine produces award winning high quality automotive aftermarket engine parts, cylinder heads, engine kits, crankshaft kits and nearly 17,000 engine overhaul kits for gas and diesel engines. Component coverage includes all of the internal engine parts, cam & lifter kits, plus unique Torklink™ intake racing manifolds and patented Swirl/Quench™ piston technology. And our line of quality stock replacement and high performance crate engines are available for auto, truck and marine applications. Hi-Tech Engine components have won the honorary supplier of the year award from J.D. power associates three years in a row. We don't strive to compete, we strive to BEAT."

Very well written ad copy. JC Whitney probably been in business twice that long, but it doesn't ensure high quality, just cheap prices. You usually get what you pay for....... Do the generic direction address the issue of end gap at all??????

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Very well written ad copy. JC Whitney probably been in business twice that long, but it doesn't ensure high quality, just cheap prices. You usually get what you pay for....... Do the generic direction address the issue of end gap at all??????

Dave,do you have the cars ready for nationals?

Originally Posted by erik erikson

Buy name brand parts next time.
Build it right the first time.Why take chances?

Eric,
I've been around only a few engine rebuilds (litterally...just a few...4 or 5) So I have to admit I don't know what the best name brands are. I will say, I rebuilt a 6.9 diesel two years ago and got a "CRANE" cam that was missing the #4 cylinder exhaust lobe! Yep, just a nice shiny lobe less circle. Of course they took it back and said it was a defect but so much for name brand that day
I picked up the rings from NAPA. I have not installed them yet...do you recommend I return them and if so what should I get?

Thanks,
Kevin

Looks like we'll be spectating, bought a different car, will email you the details later...... But still plan on being in Boone!!!!!

Originally Posted by 59belaircopcar

Eric,
I've been around only a few engine rebuilds (litterally...just a few...4 or 5) So I have to admit I don't know what the best name brands are. I will say, I rebuilt a 6.9 diesel two years ago and got a "CRANE" cam that was missing the #4 cylinder exhaust lobe! Yep, just a nice shiny lobe less circle. Of course they took it back and said it was a defect but so much for name brand that day
I picked up the rings from NAPA. I have not installed them yet...do you recommend I return them and if so what should I get?

Thanks,
Kevin

First, I need to say I am sorry for being a smart ass.I would try a Sealed Power moly ring for what you are doing.If you look around you should be able to find them for $45-50 a set.
Make sure you tell your machinist that you are planning on running moly rings that way he can put the correct finish on the cylinder walls.

Many of the generic ring sets also come with an end gap you could measure with a yard stick as compared to the quality sets........ The generic stuff is great for rebuilders, when doing a performance engine the extra bucks are usually worth it...