Excluding file-fit, what's your preference for rings?

[barronj]

Not to overthink it, but in the past, I've just used whatever was most affordable at the parts store.

Just like I will never use a fram filter, I'm wondering if there's a ring I should avoid, or if there's one mfr that's substantially better than the rest of the group.

I bought a balanced rotating assembly with 2K miles on it, and the machinist/engine builder who sold it to me said he would re-use the rings (the ones already on the pistons, with 2K miles on them) in a fresh block... that seems a little crazy, but he does it for a living, I do it once every 5 years as a hobby.

[racrguy]

Rings are cheap, but for my application file fit is where it's at, so I don't know shit about the other ones.

[JC316]

I just use whatever is at the local parts house, never had an issue.

[Blackpony]

File fit or not, ring gap needs to be checked and verified. The one time I used a set of non file fit I ended up having to file them anyways. I like Hastings or total seal personally.

[Sleeper]

For some reason ive always used total seal.

[greenbullitt]

just use a good plasma-moly ring. Ive used spped pro, hastings and others. If its a high output build, obviously we can look at other options

and as far as re using, thats not that crazy. You can see wear and check for good tension of course...

[Grape]

You guys named only 2 of the 3 ring manufacturers in the world. The 3rd being nippon ring in japan. Everything else is re-packaged and sold as something else.

That being said, total seal is in my quick dial as they can produce odd ball .5mm sizes that are common in bike junk.

[jyro]

ring makers have a chart for the gaps for different uses, not following it causes failure when the gap is too small and the rings butt ends.

I've used speed-pro plasma. I used Mahle plasma the last build. I ordered them 4.030 and the gap was fine for both. It's a lot worse problem if the gap is too small rather than being slightly too large.

[svauto-erotic855]

I tend to mix and match rings from different manufactures to get the ring package that I want. I like Speed Pros oil rings and want ductile iron one on the top two with a molly or chrome face on the top one.