Thread: 400 SBC build - Ring gap ???

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Hey guys i got a 400 bored .060 over currently. I just got it back from the machine shop. I slapped down the $175 to get it balanced, hehe. but anyways what I'm here to ask is what do you guys think I should set my ring gap at??
Its a street driven truck, and my combo should produce at least 425 HP and 525 TQ
Thanks!

Follow the piston manufacturers recommendations to the letter. It all depends on the construction of the piston. If you didn't get instructions with the pistons/rings, call or email the manufacturer.

Stick with "tech"s answer. The bigger the bore, thickness and material the rings are made of will control greatly how mauch expansion and sealing control you will experience. You definitely don't want end gap "butt" or undo ring movement during piston speeds under operation.

Originally Posted by facemelter

Hey guys i got a 400 bored .060 over currently. I just got it back from the machine shop. I slapped down the $175 to get it balanced, hehe. but anyways what I'm here to ask is what do you guys think I should set my ring gap at??
Its a street driven truck, and my combo should produce at least 425 HP and 525 TQ
Thanks!

A .060 over 400?
Make sure you have good head gaskets,make sure the block and heads are square,have a good cooling system and say about twenty "Hail Mary's."

Originally Posted by erik erikson

A .060 over 400?
Make sure you have good head gaskets,make sure the block and heads are square,have a good cooling system and say about twenty "Hail Mary's."

haha alright, that sounds good. Its .060 over for sure, good ole 413 lol probably about the limit id presume. the block is standard deck, I cant cut it any otherwise ill go over 10:1 c/r with my 64cc vortecs. but It should cool fine, i got the heads drilled for the steam holes. I dont have the gaskets for the heads, but im tryin to decide what thickness I should be going with for good quench. Ill be running a new aluminum radiator as well.
do you guys think it would be having any cooling problems?
thanks

Originally Posted by facemelter

haha alright, that sounds good. Its .060 over for sure, good ole 413 lol probably about the limit id presume. the block is standard deck, I cant cut it any otherwise ill go over 10:1 c/r with my 64cc vortecs. but It should cool fine, i got the heads drilled for the steam holes. I dont have the gaskets for the heads, but im tryin to decide what thickness I should be going with for good quench. Ill be running a new aluminum radiator as well.
do you guys think it would be having any cooling problems?
thanks

The thickness of gaskets you use to set the quench will be determined by the piston deck height.