I've had this problem in the past, that the end gaps on file fit rings are too big before any filing is done. Is there a company that makes rings pretty tight pre filing so that smaller gaps can be achieved? Or are you just ordering the next size up and filing them back down. This gets annoying especially when u are doing the work for other people and have to tell them the rings wont work

 

Is the p2w really loose? Of the two times I've used file to fit rings, they were from Arias and I had no problems with the engines running a 0.003" p2w. Just out of curiousity, how far off are you from where you really want to be?

 

Bore is probably too big. What did you measure the bore to be and what did you measure the piston to be.

 

I have had the same issue, even on all new parts that spec out. Even building my 700hp big block N/A car. It just happens some times, the machine shop i use just called and ordered a ring pack that was like 20 thous bigger, longer? I have been building motors for about 15 years, and yes it just happens, even with name brand guys.

 

all measured at the machine shop. bore is 81.5mm. this particular case is a non forged internal build to see small amounts of abuse, ptw is at .0015. ring end gap measured with a feeler gauge as ive always done. out of the box im looking at .018 top and .022 second, so only off by like .002 or so, but im really ocd when it comes to this stuff

i should add its happened more with hastings rings that come with off the shelf pistons as compared to when i order a ring set like the je pro seal rings

 

I've used Nippon rings and had no problems of end gaps too wide just tight wher I can file them down to specs. Ill vouch for Nippon

 

i think im just going to run the rings. i check the rest of them, they are all about .0175 top, and .022 second. imo worst case is it bleeds a tad bit of compression out, but the static on this engine is into the 12's so its not an issue. i dont expect it to have blowby issues