Jay's Tech Tips #47: Piston Ring Filing - Real Street Performance

Your first time filing piston rings can be tricky until you get the hang of it. Today, Jay walks us through the process of how he files the rings in our race engines. If you find this kind of content valuable please drop a comment with what you would like to see in the next video.

[@Spudstrodamus]

Tec tips are the best dont stop them ever

[@WestcoastWrenchin]

The best thing about this video is getting to see the procedure done multiple times, thanks for this! I feel confident doing my rings tonight

[@declanburke4146]

Some people are just smart and logical, this guy is one ☝🏽

[@karlx-1]

Every time I think I've acquired the knowledge I need with engines, I always learn more when watching this channel.

[@Ethernet480]

i like these extended cut versions...very cool and thank you for your time

[@RLDigital]

Thanks realstreet and jay I was about to start my filing of the rings today really informative for my build 😎

[@Limeayy]

Im so happy Jay's back at it again and longer video too!

[@projecthonda]

I watch your videos over and over again Your material is absolutely digestible and Helps us all gain knowledge 👽

[@ttzfer]

Great video, I've watched it a few times before I start to file my rings, the detail is very much appreciated.

[@rogerturley]

Best ring filing video I've watched. Well done. Thanks!

[@RudyG0007]

Thanks for the tech videos Jay,many know the proscess. Here we all get that extra Jay's experience lol.👌👌👌

[@302hobronco]

Thank you I'm about to use the same ring filer your using on some total seal rings. I was unaware of the "ring fluter" thing so I learned something. Thank you.

[@mac7949]

This is the best tutorial I've seen so far, thank you.

[@IntegraDIY]

Such a tedious job, but the reward is slamming gears problem free 🤩

[@frontspring1]

Fuckin a

[@rickybobby0314]

Love to see you do the tech tips again!!!!

[@elonmust7470]

I worked for a logger who built all of his own 855 big cam engines. He swore by loose tolerances. Those things could smoke out a square mile on a cold morning, but after they got up to temp, the only smoke was diesel. Lots of power, too.

[@jamieK111]

Excellent video! Appreciate you going beyond the basics with all of the tips and gotchas is super helpful! Have watched other vids on this same topic, but learned a ton about how to do this successfully.

[@xAnotherNigX]

Thanks for another awesome video guys, I'm sure your shop stays very busy so taking time out of your schedule to share knowledge that youve had to earn is much appreciated!

[@turbogarage4889]

Thanks Jay and Real st. Ordered Cp and eagle combo for my mr2 3sgte. Excellent prices and customer service. Cant wait till they get here. Cheers

[@otogolubovic9707]

Very detailed and informative. Some info about ring gap in relation to fuel, cyl pressures, EGTs, compression height, antilag use, how mutch gap will give you non torque plated block after break-in and so on..., would be good material for next vid, since there is rarely trustworthy people you can rely on, like you. Tnx Jay.

[@dsmcraig]

Tech tips are awesome, we watch every episode

[@michaelwhelan564]

Just discovered the channel today....fantastic....thankyou from the uk

[@LC-fl3zm]

thank you so much for showing you filer rings i learned alot im gapping my pistons on this ls and i got that manual ring filer now i understand witch way to turn the wheel as i glide over and deburr the edges

[@wwilliams1358]

Not sure when this video was done, but it's still teaching people...well at least me in 3/2022. Great info and detail, I'm only getting interested in building a motor, never did one before, and I'm no Technician...just a diyer learning as I go and now I'm ready for the next step since I have been retired and have more time now.

[@Anthony-ub1df]

That's awesome detail keep the vid's coming

[@alanc.8167]

Perfect tutorial, thanks for your time man.

[@caslone88]

Thanks for your video. Trying to learn as much as I can before I get going

[@dankrzanowski7449]

Very informative and detailed information. Great videos 👍

[@psbassett]

Very useful and much appreciated. Thanks!

[@RoNDI10]

Jay ist the men! I wished real street performance had a branch in europe and i would bring my supra there for the engine build.

[@turbo.yota.]

You guys are awesome thanks so much for the tips 🤙🤙🤙

[@dumyjobby]

Your videos are the best. Really clear and fantastic explanation

[@realstreetperformance]

Thanks so much for your support.

[@ChaseRacebox]

Great info. I built my motor a few months ago but I watched this out of curiosity of what you set your gaps to. Seems like we think alike because I have the same guidelines lol

[@Hbn182]

Thanks for this knowledge J👍🏽🔧

[@jamesd7700]

High Performance Academy got me here. Subscribed

[@mandlazuma373]

incredible and its a great eye opener

[@lawrencedeaninvestments2171]

this is the best video by far there’s a lot of mistakes on other videos of people trying to do the same thing and I just want people to know check this video out first

[@Eglehalo4]

Thank you so much I’m staring a Yamaha r6 build but these basics are going to help me greatly

[@tptrsn]

Thank you for this Jay!!

[@qballz69]

Great vid!

[@Oldvelocette]

Great video - thanks for posting

[@angry408w7]

Thanks for a great video

[@obsessivegarage921]

Awesome video! Super well explained. Lol although the guys expressions does look like he is either extremely tired or depressed as hell. But still a GREAT job thank you so much for the video!

[@nismofreak33]

awesome video.

[@stevehammel2939]

I like to go over procedures again to pick up any details before building a new engine---thanks

[@calebsand5276]

Thank you for your expertise.

[@kieculpitt407]

Very nicely explained.....!

[@highcompressionmotorsports6391]

Awesome video

[@traeheck3614]

Nice video. Though most everyone else, Mahle included recommends filing both sides as equally as possible.

[@edesantiago526]

You guys are awesome

[@lawrencedeaninvestments2171]

Number one video to watch for gapping rings please listen to the knowledge because you could mess up your engine easily

[@realstreetperformance]

Thank you for the support!

[@MichiganTrailRider]

I failed my first cylinder ring gap that for sure live and learn and keep forward

[@marklowe7431]

Most of this i'm across but gee it would have been a lot easier watching these videos first. No waffle, very clear explanation and demo. You really deserve the sub's and likes.

[@realstreetperformance]

Thanks again mark

[@alextreme093]

Thank you 👍

[@rafaelbustos4758]

You are right😊good info God speed

[@austinsjapp1ndukwe486]

Thanks Jay for your help thanks

[@BillsandBongs]

These are amazing

[@Topsecret32]

1st view, 1st comment. Keep it up Jay!

[@jakethesnake1503]

1st one im gonna call gayyyy

[@rk54780]

Can you make a video of how to clean the carbon ridge of the cylinder top the right way/ right tools? Ridge reamer I think, but is there any other tool /solvent or tip can work it when the ridge is just thin? Also the carbon build up on the cylinder head side clean way will be good too. Thanks! Your video help me so much!

[@kelvinvw1]

That’s a good one📌

[@fuzzywoz]

excellent !

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

New subscriber🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@husainzaidi1527]

Thanks for such a informative video. I intend to rebuild engine of my Vauxhall Victor FB 1964 model, I am having difficulty in deciding which scrapper rings should I install, there is one piece cast iron rings and then there is thin steel rail type rings with expander and helper, which one would be better for a durable and longer service life? The engine is low rev., max five thousand rpm and 8.5:1 compression ratio. Your guidance in this regard would be highly appreciated. Thanks

[@joshhanneman499]

I noticed you were cutting the right side and turning the cutter counter clockwise, would it be better to turn it clockwise to use the flat part of the cutters table to stabilize the ring to get a truer cut?

[@silverroku]

In general, how does someone know which side of the piston rings faces upwards towards the cylinder head?

[@dalebonner9453]

This teaches me alot

[@robinsongguitars]

Nice video. What are your thoughts on filing the gap on over size piston rings? I have an air cooled motorcycle, a Honda XR650L single that comes stock with a 100mm bore. I rebuilt the top end a couple of years ago, which included a .5mm oversize bore and new piston set at .002" clearance at the skirt. Performed slow break-in and heat cycles. I checked the ring end gap with the Honda factory manual spec and to my surprise the new rings were almost at the service limit before assembly. That is, the gaps were already at the high end of the tolerance. I noticed this same trend on a few other XR650Ls I rebuilt for friends. Is there any draw back from buying 1.00mm oversize rings and precisely file the gap down to my current .5mm bore to the lower end of the gap tolerance? Any concerns about the extra ring tension against the cylinder walls? I am not worried about my skill as I am a retired machinist and have been working on engines for a long time. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@adamcarroll2366]

Some ring filers have various grits of filing wheels that come with. Is there an ideal grit size for this type of application?

[@joeynelson4091]

Is that a boost only build or is there nitrous involved? Thank you

[@joecostu1571]

Were can I find the ring filler y thank you you got a new subscriber

[@shionnsr8684]

If I dont have a jeweler's filer can I use 1000 grit sand paper as a alternative?

[@kilimanjarodood]

Hi i have a bore size of 87.5 im hoping for 900hp or more range using cp pistons and rods your billet main caps and a holset hx55 what ring gap should I be running please any advice would be appreciated

[@kariymchristopher6986]

Can I use the old rings gap to gap my new rings? I have a 72mm bore and I can't get any rings but 73mm bore rings are available and I haven't find any information as yet to what my gap should be

[@michaelglenn2106]

Can you run your engine N/A if you've set it up for boost?

[@abubakarisadiqueibrahim481]

Hello. When after fitting the ring, i realized a butt what should i do? and does the butt come from the cylinder walls or the ring?

[@paulwilloughby3666]

Hi jst wondering if you could help. I've a subaru ej257 2.5 sti. Jst been bored to 100mm. I have cp pistons and the bottom rings oil ring there is only 1 of them on each piston packet with 1 tang, is this correct as I thought there should be 2 tangs. 1 on each oil ring. Also could you suggest ring gap for all rings thanks paul

[@LC-fl3zm]

i have a 6.0 ls1 i am going to run twin gt45 turbos whats a good gap i was thinking 26 on the top ring and 30 thousands on the second ring i know you said you keep at least 4 to 5 thousands apart on the second ring

[@adriansamuel1474]

Thank you good info but is all engine ring has the same gap

[@jonathanduke8295]

Thanks

[@Shroommduke]

This was well done, but can you do a Continental IO-470E cylinder ring set now? Better yet, stop by and show me how it's done.

[@BjornFSE]

Awesome video. is the target always going to be 0.0025? of an Inch? or does it vary per piston or cylinder wall ?

[@meetthecarolinas9638]

Ring gap will depend on application and cylinder bore size.

[@moerealst2752]

Every application will be different. The document that come with the pistons will help you calculate 👍🏼

[@denniscampbell9954]

None of the video go into detail about the Oilers ring should they overlap when compressed to slide the piston in?

[@Chancho66]

does it matter which direction the wheel turns while filing? and if so why? Thanks

[@dav6913]

Hi How much end gap is too much please Specs gave 2nd ring. 016 rings out the packet 2nd ring. 023 Is this a bore problem or a ring problem as top ring is ok Kind regards Dave

[@yellowrice1453]

Can you do a video on measuring piston to deck and valve to piston clearances for selecting the proper head gasket?

[@jaymeagher1510]

We can add it to the list. Very few engines have the pistons above the deck, most however can have piston to valve clearance issues with aftermarket cams. You could correct piston to head with a gasket thickness change just keep in mind thick steel gaskets are harder for the deck and head to seal and IF you need to go to a thicker gasket I'd use a 5 layer before a 3 layer. You generally correct piston to valve with deeper/larger valve reliefs. Thank you.

[@yellowrice1453]

Jay Meagher ohh cool man. Thanks for replying. I wasn’t even sure my comment would be seen Hahaha. I guess my main concern was the piston to valve clearance as I’m having a block and head in the process of being built and both will be resurfaced so I want to make sure I take the proper steps to measuring for the correct head gasket. I will be running an aftermarket cam. A GSC cam for a stroker 4g63 . I actually recently ordered a few parts from you guys. And definitely going to be placing a decent size order this week (Black Friday lol) Thanks for the consideration on making those videos too.

[@jaymeagher1510]

@@yellowrice1453 Most of the aftermarket pistons have ample valve reliefs for aftermarket cams. It's best to use some clay and check it during mock up. Thanks for your support, we have a killer sale this year and I hope you save some money and get what you need.

[@handyishrandyish334]

I was supposed to hit 24 on mine two are at 25 is that ok and if so my second ring also called for 24 should I take it to 25 to match the mess up

[@Bobby4v]

Thank you for this video. I recently purchased a freshly built shortblock sbf 363. The ring gaps are .019 according to the sheet. I know these were gapped for a N/A set up. I plan on running 10 psi boost at first then maybe 15 later on. Do you have a recommendation of what I should gap them at?

[@jaymeagher1510]

When I raced my Mustang (SBF) I tried different ring gaps to see if it would make a difference. I ran from .022 to .030 with 15-16psi of non intercooler boost and it didn't amount to any measurable difference. IF you overheat the ring and it butts the ring bends and the engine loses seal. I'd suggest this is an area of the engine that being on the loose side is better as "larger" ring gaps don't hurt your program. I'd start with .023 on the top and .027 on the second. That's a safe place to be. Good luck with your build and if it's high compression run some good Ethanol!

[@Bobby4v]

@@jaymeagher1510 thanks for the reply and info. Yes I don't want the ring.ends to touch. I'll be using my Strim vortech with a 4 inch on3 intercooler to start with because that's my current set up on my car now. I know the Strim is small for the new engine and will upgrade blowers hopefully next year. I havent bought the heads for it yet.but I'm trying to be around 9.5:1 to 10.1 compression. My charge temps normally stay below 100 degrees even on hot days.

[@jaymeagher1510]

@@Bobby4v I've been low 9's with the S trim so it's not exactly a "small" blower. As you increase blower size along with the intercooler you fight belt slip. If you're using pump fuel lower the compression more. It will live longer. The IAT sensors are pretty slow, be careful with trusting that information. Thanks

[@CMgraffix]

informative

[@jodz_89]

Hi Jay how do i determine what my ring gap should be i bought a set of Wossner pistons for my 2014 Ford fiesta ST180 1.6 and there are no instructions on what the ring end gap should be? Any advice?

[@realstreetperformance]

jodin coetzee hey Jodin have you tried asking Wossner? I usually recommend to stick to the manufacturer specs. If you didn’t get any then I would start by getting the instructions from them

[@kellyjensen9425]

So you would go .001 larger when not using a torque plate right? So in the example chart you display it says .0055 for top ring if blown. So you go .0065? Just checking. Also, what about bore or honing the cylinders, do you think using a torque plate isn’t necessary with big HP? I want to put forged pistons in my Viper but don’t love the expense of the torque plate.

[@MotorSwapDan]

Just go for it no torque plate needed

[@RocketRaspeed]

I have noticed that CP pistons call for tighter gaps than Manley pistons. CP also calls for a larger gap on the 2nd ring and Manley does not. Do you happed to know the reason for this?

[@MrMajood1994]

What should be my gap clearance if I am using both 95 octane pump gas for low boost and c16 when I turn high boost ? (2JZ 9.5:1CR)

[@brentonk461]

Ring Gaps are one of many steps in Engine Blueprinting. Many factors must be taken into consideration when building an engine. This includes the Ring Gap in Combination with everything else. Your dual purpose car will be compromised with the amount of Ring Gap.

[@mr.brettstar9071]

How do I know what my ring gap should be on my h22

[@speeddemons1126]

Excellent video but , time for JAY to start builds on Subaru engines and teach us that knowledge !!!

[@jaymeagher1510]

I started building EJ engines in 2007. I have quite a few of them under my belt. It's how Real St gained the trust from the guys at TRC. I built them an engine not knowing who they were and they beat the crap out of it and it lived well. After that they were good customers! I'm currently tuning a Motec in the first Subaru I ever built an engine for.

[@Califormula]

👍🏾

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

With no instructions on how to install the rings, how does a person know what way the marks on the rings go towards top of the cylinder? I am talking about a 14 hp Kohler engine. Thanks

[@danielcarter6498]

I have a problem 😢 i dont konw, i have 84mm p30 piston for allmotor b16a2, what size all the rings i need to do? Thx 🙏

[@danielcarter6498]

Top ring- 0.43mm Second ring- 0.43mm Oil ring's- 0.75mm Is this correct? Thx for the help

[@helenibu7965]

I want to ask for a diesel engine such as the Isuzu C 190 Gap Gap piston ring in the cylinder is the minimum and the maximum is how many m.m when measured using a feler I am amazed by your explanation but I do not understand your language. Subtitles should be given for several languages. so there is a language text. Thank you. Darmawan- Indonesia

[@theedge5584]

DAMN 2JZ GUYS N THEIR CLOSED DECK BLOCKS LOL

[@fairenough4979]

REALSTREETPERFTV, How do I know when to replace the piston rings of my engine?

[@magicsadan6515]

How do i know when to replace pistons?