Getting ready to install my pistons. I need to file the rings. I'm using the Mahle forged pistons. Does anyone know the proper ring gaps? I do spray it at the track but it is still a street car.

 

What brand rings are you running ?, there will need to be additional ring gap for the nitrous .The ring manufacture and the type of alloy the ring are made of determines the ring gap.

 

The new ring should have a file chart with them , if there file to fit rings

 

There was no chart with them. They're Mahle rings that came with the pistons. I've tried looking online but no luck yet. That's all I'm waiting to find so I can put the motor together.

 

Call Mahle

 

Update:
Just got off the phone with Mahle Tech Support
This is with the n2o figured in
Top ring gap .020
Second ring gap .018-.022
3rd and 4th between .015 -.025

 

I would take it to the high side(.022) on the second ring, but that's just me. Did you tell them the max nitrous you will be running on the engine ? The reason im asking is if you ever want to step up your nitrous, you need to take in account for it on the rings now while you have it down . Once you file fit to the nitrous there no turning back . If you up your nitrous without the proper ring gap the ring will expand and close the gap to a point where they will touch and then big problems. So make sure you have decided what you will be spraying over the lifespan of your engine. Just trying to help.

 

Yeah I told him at some point a 200 shot will be what I'll run. I'm going to run the car mostly in a hard street tire class and getting anything more than that to hook up is pretty tough to do with our tire rules. I was thinking the top ring gap should be a tad more than .020 too but.....he works there. I don't.

 

Has anyone actually had to file the 3rd and 4th (Oil ring rails) rings?

Gord.

 

Ive build a few of these engine and the oil rings never had to be filed

 

He said they should be fine. But did give me a gap size. I have no idea why though. Gonna finally build it this weekend and try to get it back in the car since it's a 4 day weekend for me. Of course 2 days of it will be getting the damn balancer back on. LOL

 

To put the balancer on , I used a piece of all thread that fit the crank , cant remember the thread pitch. and cut it about 8" long and threaded into the crank and put a little anti seize on the crank and inside the balancer to help stop the galling and added a few flat washers and tightened the nut down pushing the balancer on. Works grate and easy and fast.

 

I guess what he telling you , is don't take it for granted and check them any way.