[Boss 351]

Well turns out I have way too much ring end gap, also have too much piston to cylinder wall clearence. I will measure everything this afternoon but my ring end gap is almost 1/32 of an inch

The "good job" would be oversize pistons and get the block machined. But I want to wait until next winter to get a nice stroker kit and whatnot done. Because if I get pissed off I will buy a new short block 351W and start from there.

I just need to get the thing running this summer so I can have a Mustang to drive around. I was told to just change the rings which will provide my engine with a "band-aid" until I get things sorted out. So the engine builder which is helping me is telling me to measure EVERYTHING and he'll order the correct set of rings to help the engine a little.

Anyone get stuck in this situation? I don't want to go with the real build up this spring because I don't have the cash for it anymore.

[Ranchero5.0]

The problem is the bore isn't worn evenly and with the pistons rocking you're just pissing into the wind and not accomplishing anything by swapping a new set of rings. Just close you eyes and put it back together, or pony up for a rebuild. It took me three years to build my motor to where I wanted it starting three months after buying the car by getting the block bored .030" over and putting new TRW pistons and cheap rings on. I Still had almost $500 invested in that.

Jamie