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hello guys! I need your help!! I'm installing a new engine in a 95 S10, Its a Gen 4 5.3 all stock and new, with a big turbo. I need to know what piston ring gap is recomended. Here in Chile dont have E85 so i install a meth injection kit to try keep the pistons inside the block.
please, i need help from the experts, this Type of set Up is new for me. thanks a lot!!
The "rule of thumb" we use around here is something like, .0045" of ring end gap per 1.00" of bore. For a turbo or blower setup, somewhat more; up to .006" or so per inch.
So for a stock-ish 5.3, that would put your ring gap in the .018" neighborhood. A bit more on the 2nd ring than the top ring, maybe .020".
Generally, a little extra gap is harmless; a little on the "not enough" side however, is CATASTROPHIC. Few things tear up a motor worse than piston ring ends butting together during high RPM, high power, high temp, high excitement moments. Parts tend to come out of the side of the block.
Keep in mind though, that's only a "rule of thumb", not some kind of "law". Just a quick guideline to keep us from veering too far off the known correct path. Different situations, such as the exact details of the intended fuel, require (and offer the opportunity for) different adjustments.
Why do you ask? Your photo shows a motor assembled up to the valve covers. It's too late to change that, without tearing it all back down to the very beginning.
Me personally I'd run them larger then that. Large ring gap doesn't seem to have much negative effect but to tight and you pop a piston. Id do 24 top 26 bottom
04-06-2019, 09:29 AM
5.3 ring gap help! 
