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LS2 piston ring gap question

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Old Mar 24, 2017 | 08:49 PM
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Default LS2 piston ring gap question

I've got a 07 TBSS with a spun rod bearing..decided to rebuild it back stock. Had the block cleaned, checked, and honed at a reputable machine shop. Going back together with it now with sealed power (federal mogul) piston rings. My top ring gap is .025in with the new sealed power. Old rings check out at .022. And the stock service limit shows to be .016. I have checked all my cylinder bores and they are all within spec. The second ring gap checks in spec also. I didn't have any noticeable blow by or piston slap before the rebuild and I hate to go through all this trouble and wind up with a problem.

Has anybody had any trouble like this with a large ring gap, with sealed power or any other brand?
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 10:24 AM
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Best to use file fit rings. Then you can set the end gaps where you want them and where the manufacture suggests they should be for the application. Using drop in rings, you're stuck with what you get if the if the gaps are too big.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by WhiteZ_02
I've got a 07 TBSS with a spun rod bearing..decided to rebuild it back stock. Had the block cleaned, checked, and honed at a reputable machine shop. Going back together with it now with sealed power (federal mogul) piston rings. My top ring gap is .025in with the new sealed power. Old rings check out at .022. And the stock service limit shows to be .016. I have checked all my cylinder bores and they are all within spec. The second ring gap checks in spec also. I didn't have any noticeable blow by or piston slap before the rebuild and I hate to go through all this trouble and wind up with a problem.

Has anybody had any trouble like this with a large ring gap, with sealed power or any other brand?
What do your bores measure? Remember that ring gap will increase about .003" for every .001" increase in bore size.

I have a stock standard bore 6.0L block and some Mahle replacement pistons rings I could check. At least have something for you to compare to.
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by KCS
What do your bores measure? Remember that ring gap will increase about .003" for every .001" increase in bore size.

I have a stock standard bore 6.0L block and some Mahle replacement pistons rings I could check. At least have something for you to compare to.
My bores are measuring 4.0007-4.0010

That would be great if you could check your rings for me. That would help me and other know what works for a stock replacement
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Old Mar 27, 2017 | 09:54 PM
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Factory LS3 I recently checked was .014" top .024" secondary
My LS2 is at .018"/.026" with fresh .5mm(.020") over bores and drop in rings
If you're at even .024"/.030" I'd say you're good for up to a 250 shot. I highly doubt it'll be an oil burner
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