lmt0705

iTrader: (7)

just wondering if there would be an advantage to using gapless top ring for my rebuild? Is anyone using them, good or bad expieriences?

stevieturbo

Ive used them a couple of times. They work just fine, and will be using them again

forgedlt4

I am currently using them. no issues so far with them.

lmt0705

iTrader: (7)

anything bad about them? why dont more people use them for FI? we should have better leakdown and make more power with them right?

mr_biscuitz

iTrader: (22)

I used them on my last rebuild but only got about 300 miles out of the rebuild ;( not the rings fault. Picked up some power def compared to my other rings. I think the only downfall is they will wear faster

stevieturbo

People probably dont use them as often as they are more expensive. And to say they will wear faster makes no sense at all.

mr_biscuitz

iTrader: (22)

Thats what total seal told me, they said they dont rec. them for cars that see alot of street time due to the fact of more miles and they will score your cylinder walls over time.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

I agree, why would they wear faster? They don't hold more tension than a standard ring.

stevieturbo

Ive used them and never had issue. Dont forget, the "gapless" aspect only applies to one ring in nearly all cases.

In mine it was the top ring. It's a stainless 2 piece affair to create the gapless effect.

But the 2nd and oil rings are just conventional

As long as they are used correctly, bore finish is good, then I see little reason why they would wear faster, and certainly no reason they would score the bores.

mr_biscuitz

iTrader: (22)

Simply what they said, pretty sure it even says it in there catalog.


I also use the top gapless ring set.

lmt0705

iTrader: (7)

What benifits do you think your seeing from them?

stevieturbo

Probably very little.

But I have had other plated top rings where the plating has come off the surface. This cannot happen with the stainless ring.

lmt0705

iTrader: (7)

As far as the gapless top ring goes what are the benifits

stevieturbo

What benefit could a full circle seal offer against a seal with a gap ?

I think the benefit is obvious, even if in reality it it is only very small.

Normal rings dont have a gap because they want a gap there, it's simply required by design.

Obviously gapless rings do still have a gap, but by design the 2 rings overlap so where the normal gap would be, there is still a solid piece of ring passing over it.

If there really is a measurable difference, it would be incredibly small. Most likely less blowby, and less crankcase pressure.
Power.....doubtful it will really make any difference

nubs4ck

I am using total seal rings on my setup. They are expensive as people said, around $420 a set for me. My engine builder definitely recommended using them.

mr_biscuitz

iTrader: (22)

I def seen less blow by and also picked up more power. Dont have a back to back dyno pull diff.

lmt0705

iTrader: (7)

Sounds like a good idea, would I want a nitrided iron ring,stainless or chrome

stevieturbo

AFAIK, gapless top ring comes only in stainless.

speedtigger

iTrader: (16)

I used Childs and Albert Z-Gap rings on my Grand National. Excellent product.