BOTTLE ROCKET

iTrader: (4)

I also posted in the FI section, but since its internal..

Guys
Ive been trying to pull the trigger on my forged shortblock build for 2 weeks, and just can't get the answers I need. I have found 2 builders that offer a fair priced build for my motor
I am building a stock cube forged short block to handle 12-15lbs of boost and spend 90% of its time cruising (no track car).
Easy, right
The two builders are
Thompson Motorsports
Schwanke enignes

The issue is ring gaps;
One builder recommends a .031 top ring, which I believe would cause crazy blowby
The other builder recommends 17-18, which SEEMS, based on others builds, to be very tight

PLEASE give any feedback you have on the rings or builders. If negative on the builders, please PM me the info instead of posting
Help me get this build going

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I'd give Thompson the nod.

However, AES is also very good with blower motors.

And since you're in Georgia, I'd look at ProLine. They do a lot of work with Vengeance Racing.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

I bought my forged 370 LQ9 from TMS, and all i can say is that I am very plesed with it, and the service, price, and warranty are among the best IMO

BOTTLE ROCKET

iTrader: (4)

Thanks guys
I guess I just cant get past the .031 top ring gap and the recommendation for a "vacuum pump" for CV
From the feedback I've gotten from two forums, there are guys running 24+lbs of boost with .024-.026 and everyone that replied said the car would suffer damage at .031

conan

iTrader: (5)

I put together a 383ci with parts and balancing from Texas speed, and had the block machined with my local shop I like to use. Texas speed gave me their recommendation for bearing clearance, ring gap, Ect. Per there recommendation, I had my machine shop file fit my ring gap to .021 on the top ring and .023 on the bottom. I plan on the same boost level your shooting for, 12-15 #'s.

BOTTLE ROCKET

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Conan, that is exactly my point. Out of approx. 11 responses, the gaps you used are pretty much dead on what everyone else is using.
The issue is, the builder told me if I run anything other than the .031 he recommends, he will not stand behind it.
Dang if I do, and dang if I don't.

thompson

iTrader: (4)

I just want to jump in and clear the air if I could. I know there is a lot of confusion with what you are looking for in the motor you are looking to build. We have discussed what we recommend for gap and what you would like to see for gap. The confusion that I would like to clear up is in the warranty. We will not void any warranty by gaping the rings smaller. What I am saying is if you heat the rings to the point of butting them together we will not be able to cover that under warranty as we have discussed our concern for the smaller gap. The entire motor will still carry the 1 year unlimited mileage warranty against any defects or problems with product workmanship (something that to the best of my knowledge we are the only performance engine builder to offer). As always please feel free to call with any questions or concerns.

BOTTLE ROCKET

iTrader: (4)

Thanks Kyle
In all fairness, all I need is the piston style and ring material/part # and manufacturer and I will give them a call and get their recommendation. The Unanimous advice is to get the recommendation from the ring manufacturer.

Knight-Z06

im buying a buying a boost 370 from kyle monday , Kyle is a very cool guy and has great customer support , this will be my second tms motor

and im also going 15 poundsor so on a novi 1500 in a c5z

KCS

iTrader: (20)

Personally, I think .031" is WAY too much for the top ring on a 3.90x" bore, but I don't think it'll hurt the engine. I would run just a bit under .020".