How to Install Spirolox Retaining Rings - Engine Building 101

Spirolox--something referred to as spiral retaining rings--are used to secure pistons and wrist pins to connecting rods. Using Spirolox on each side of the wrist pins is a popular method on high performance and racing engines.
Unfortunately, installing Spirolox can be a challenge--at least initially.
Spirolox have sharp edges, and it can be a time-consuming, and even painful, task to get them installed properly without the right approach. In this video, we'll take you through the process for installing spiral retaining rings and share some helpful tips and tricks. Once the job is done, you'll have peace of mind as Spriolox retaining rings are one of the most effective (and cost-effective, too) ways to keep your wrist pins in place.
For our Summit Gen. III LS engine build, we used Summit Pro LS pistons, which utilize the Gen. III's full floating pin design. That's why we opted for a double Spirolox to compete the piston and rod assembly. Using a rod vise, along with the small screwdriver, we're able get our Spirolox in place. However, there are a few techniques to make the job just a little bit easier.
Watch the video to learn more!

[@arthurcgans8198]

Thanks! The reason I am rebuilding this motor is whoever last had it apart did not install the clips properly and one failed causing the necessity of new pistons and cylinders (Harley FLH). This video will help me immensely as I have never used the spiral lock type before.

[@SummitRacing]

Thanks for watching Arthur ! Good luck with your Rebuild !

[@trueamerican1576]

Cracks me up when he says the hardest part is the beginning then the middle than the end. Where's the easy part LOL

[@TheGeonam]

You can take the spiroox and pull it apart like a Slinky to where it is about two inches stretched from end to end. Take one end and begin to push it in place with a small screwdriver and just keep feeding the spirolox into the groove that locks it in place. Don't call me crazy because the Spirolox instructions say to do it this way. I have put them together using this method and never had one fail. I'm 80 years old been doing this stuff for 50 years.

[@michaelpigott6056]

Thanks for your video

[@SummitRacing]

Thank you for watching, Michael!

[@jasonstrester]

Get to the point. We dont need a story

[@thegobblerproject2363]

Just got past my first one got a feeling the second one is going to go faster

[@AndyGeesGarage]

KB instructions state to stretch the spirolocks out 1/2-3/4 of an inch then push them in as you have shown here. Not sure what would be easier?

[@marvinreyes6270]

Hi sir just asking my b20b vtec head type r how about if i using wiseco piston

[@shadowopsairman1583]

LR4, LM7, LQ4 2004+ are full float, instead of a screwdriver use a Nailset with a rounded end

[@binsaud5187]

We need more of those “HOW TO” vidoes

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Oh ribbon clips

[@Limeayy]

These are the most superior designed retaining rings for wrist pins? Just curious!

[@ohsnap3065]

It’s way easier to stretch them out. I build BAE drag racing engines that produce 3,000 hp and you have to be super careful with every step. But definitely stretching them out has been a life saver!

[@thegobblerproject2363]

It’s funny how common the snap ring style is on Diesel engines but I never see them in gasoline applications

[@Airman..]

​@@thegobblerproject2363 snap ring is used by MAHLE and Diamond Pistons It's a manufacturer's preference

[@ezcondition]

i learned in about 10 minutes it's easier to do those with your fingers in your hands.

[@petejoseph8257]

I hate spiral locks. Give me round wire locks every time.

[@thatsdaniellelol]

Can’t really get thru much of anything that you’re new to doing on a car without swearing lol

[@gediegengegonnt31]

Even when you know what youre doin swearing is inevitable

[@thatsdaniellelol]

@@gediegengegonnt31 lol facts💯💯

[@n2339l]

We’re gonna go ahead and…

[@sonnyboy1618]

Good thing I'm paid by the hour. These things suck. But I guess when you stroke out a 454 and put a blower on it, you might as well take your time now not later.

[@wisdomSP]

Ok, but where is the @Cleetus McFarland certified ripper van? You guys gonna let "R" rip tater chip, or what???

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

everybody makes a big deal out of these spiral locks, I made a video installing them with one hand, it's not hard

[@ezcondition]

it's waay easier with your fingers, i agree!

[@tonyjohnson8205]

I just watched it before this video. And its great

[@direct998]

I would give you 50. 00 bucks to see you do that with mine . one hand right? . you'll swear the pistons were made wrong .

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

@@direct998 bring them to the shop, and I charge 60 an hour 1 hour min

[@mback12000]

Why would you add loud music when you're trying to explain something? 15 year old video editors are cheaper?

[@rinin16]

Installing is a no brainer try removing the little bastards....without a starter notch. I'll stick with wiseco from now on, no time for that bs at the track.

[@kyleallen3857]

Install Tool. $15

[@kyleallen3857]

Greg Borno Summit Racing sells several versions, most have a YT video review by somebody

[@Cultofpersonality09129]

Or pay the $30 and get the tool that’ll do it in 20 seconds.

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

lol you don't need a tool

[@Cultofpersonality09129]

@@MattsMadnessOfficialtime is important to me. If you want to spend an hour screwing around and cutting the crap out of your thumbs go ahead. If you don’t have $30 I’d be focusing on other things in life…. Not building $hit you can’t afford.

[@MattsMadnessOfficial]

@@Cultofpersonality09129 look up ""one handed spiral lock install with no tools""...

[@mik823]

I could hardly hear anything because of the music.