2024 11 12 Hidden Horsepower Q&A with Total Seals Keith Jones

[@Scubasteve22]

I wanna thank you Keith.. We switched to gas port rings a couple years ago, and put hem in everything! Very happy...

[@RussellCompton-fh3gr]

great stuff,,, interested in ring spacers to use thinner rings on a budget overhaul

[@psychoholicslag4801]

If you're stuck with 5/64" ring grooves in pistons, is there a thinner ring solution for street/strip V-8 with 4" bore and stroke?

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

,,, stuff with that old of a groove spec , frequently has room above the top ring to machine a modern combination above the old groove .

[@psychoholicslag4801]

@rolandtamaccio3285 they're Cleveland's with the intake valve relief.

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

50 years ago I put .046 rings in Sealed Power / TRW's , Cleveland intake notch , with a Sealed Power spacer .

[@psychoholicslag4801]

@rolandtamaccio3285 🤔 interesting. Something to think about. Thanks.

[@rolandtamaccio3285]

​@psychoholicslag4801 ,,, you don't wanna get into a special order or machine work , ( well you do but if you don't wanna spend a bunch of money ) , soooo , .043 ring , and .038 spacer , pressure holes from the top . Sand a little off the ring if it's tooo tight . Problem is : an .038 spacer will be hard to find . Maybe Total Seal will have a snug combo . He will make the ring ( in any thickness ) but it will cost you .

[@scottosborne8735]

Ben Alameda suggests EXCESSIVE (0.125") end gaps for second rings, if you use them.

[@drcolster]

Sounds Crazy... The Norm is .002 to .004" bigger than top ring..

[@fascistpedant758]

Are OEMs using thinner rings and plateau honing. How would you judge what they're doing?

[@drcolster]

Yes, they are at the front of many changes.. but also to a cost... Us Race Guys are usually using the best...Steel top rings, coated.. Napier second...

[@scottosborne8735]

I believe end gaps being too large is a good thing. Is there data that describes the effect of greatly overground end gaps?

[@scottosborne8735]

0.032" is blowing the valve covers off????

[@davidreed6070]

No mine are 0.30 with no noticable blowby.​@@scottosborne8735