Piston Ring Questions for a 302...

[POWER302]

I want to put a new set of rings in my motor while its apart. Its a standard bore 87 5.0 HO with the factory forged pistons.. What are my factory rings sizes? 1/16 or 5/64? Also what is a good set of rings for a HCI 302 w/ a wet shot that has future plans for boost "I was looking at speed pros"? I want them to be file fits also.. What is a good ring gap that will be decent for nitrous or boost? And Last what is the difference between low and high tension rings I have heard about?

Thanks
Eric

 

[2002BLGT]

I want to put a new set of rings in my motor while its apart. Its a standard bore 87 5.0 HO with the factory forged pistons.. What are my factory rings sizes? 1/16 or 5/64? Also what is a good set of rings for a HCI 302 w/ a wet shot that has future plans for boost "I was looking at speed pros"? I want them to be file fits also.. What is a good ring gap that will be decent for nitrous or boost? And Last what is the difference between low and high tension rings I have heard about?

Thanks
Eric

should be metric rings sizes I think should have 4 rings instead of the older engines only had 3 if I am remembering correctly

 

[Rick 91GT]

The Speed-Pro's will be fine, plasma moly tops is what I would look for.

I would go .022 top and .024-.026 second ring...this will help the rings stay stable and prevent flutter, it will also help get the heat out inbetween the rings.

3 rings total top, second and oil ring (oil ring is 3 pcs) I can't remember the ring size off the top of my head I do more aftermarket pistons then stock.

 

[2002BLGT]

speed pro number on factory piston I think is E458K

1.5mm rings and 4.0mm oil ring

 

[POWER302]

Well. Im wanting to order a set of rings asap.. Where can I find out what my stock rings thicknesses are.

 

[Rick 91GT]

Well. Im wanting to order a set of rings asap.. Where can I find out what my stock rings thicknesses are.

I'll look when I get to my shop in a bit

 

[POWER302]

I'll look when I get to my shop in a bit

Thanks

 

[Rick 91GT]

I just grabbed a stock piston and it was a 1.5mm top and second and a 4mm oil ring.

 

[BlackBaer5.0]

the problem is !some! cars with Hypueretic (sp?) pistons and other earlier models are standard sized ring widths and the forged pistons in the 91 on up cars were metric ..


just my $0.02

 

[Rick 91GT]

the problem is !some! cars with Hypueretic (sp?) pistons and other earlier models are standard sized ring widths and the forged pistons in the 91 on up cars were metric ..


just my $0.02

Yeah I've had 5/64, 5/64, 3/16 ring combos as well... the forged piston I pulled was from a 88 302 Mustang, it would be best to check yours with a pair of calipers though.

 

[POWER302]

Yeah I've had 5/64, 5/64, 3/16 ring combos as well... the forged piston I pulled was from a 88 302 Mustang, it would be best to check yours with a pair of calipers though.

So we really have no idea what my ring thicknesses are.. I would like to order some rings before I pulled the rods and pistons out.

 

[Rick 91GT]

Most parts stores can get the rings next day or even same, it will take you atleast that long to get the old pistons and everything else clean.

Are you having the block honed?

Make sure the ring grooves are very clean before re-installing.