DeTomaso Mailing List: August 99, Message #309

Mary,  I just happen to have a set of 7 speed pro rings handy.  Dont ask
why there are 7.  But anyway, I can tell you how to install them.

The ring the no bevels on inside or outside is the top ring.  Put the dot
to the top. This ring is most likely chrome and if you compare it to the
second ring, it will look shiney as compared to the second ring.

The second ring usually has some type of bevel or notch.  If there is a
notch on the outside then it goes down,  If there is a dot then it goes up,
if there is a bevel on the inside then it goes up.

If the block is machined correctly, then the rings should work in any
cylinder.  If you did not bore the block then DO NOT USE CHROME RINGS!!
They will not seat properly and you will use oil.  Use plain cast iron rings.
The gaps should be .020-.022 for top ring and .016-.020 for second ring.
Oil ring is .010 to .030 gap.  The top ring is the widest because it gets
the hotest and expands the most.

Locate the gaps on the top two rings opposite each other.  I usually put
the top one at noon and the second ring at 6:00.  The gaps on the oil ring
expander should be at 6:00  the two oil scraper rings gaps should be at
10:00 and 2:00.  

Oil the rings very well before installing the pistons in the cylinders.
You can never have too much oil on an engine when assembling.

The most likely reason the shop did not label how to put the rings in is
because all rings are marked in the same way regardless of brand.

Dave "engine builder" D



At 12:13 AM 8/8/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Finally collected all the parts and began assembly of my monster Cleveland
>today.  Final block prep, installed the cam and crank.  Assembled Pistons,
>pins and rods and got stalled installing the rings.
>
>Unfortunately, the engine shop that I had fit the rings to the bores were
>careless.  While they had labeled which compression rings fit which bore,
>they must have been oblivious that the top compression ring was different
>than the second compression ring.  Two pistons had two of one type and two
>pistons had two of another.  Adding to the difficulty was that the kit (at
>least after it got to me) offered no identification as to which style ring
>was the top ring and which was the second.  While I'll give the shop heck on
>Monday. However, at least if I knew which ring was primary, I could check
>clearances of swapped rings myself and if within specs in the other bore
>make progress on Sunday.
>
>Is any one out there familiar with Speed Pro rings by Sealed Power (R-9771
>35).  One compression ring is unbeveled with a pip mark identifying the top
>side.  The second is beveled.  The bevel identifies the top side.  My hunch
>is that this is the second ring - but I'm not moving forward til I know
>positively.
>
>My goal today was to complete degreeing the cam.  Oh well, time to be
>patient.  I've already waited 13 months, needn't rush it.  I am getting
>pumped about driving the car again.
>
>John T
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