i just picked up a set of pr3 pistons
the old rings are all out except for a piece of ring that broke off
it is about 1/4 inch worth of ring and i cant get it out
i really dont want to pry at it iwth anything for
fear of messing the piston up, how would you suggest i get
the piece of ring out

 

maybe put some heat onto the piston?

are you sure the piece of the ring isn't "welded" to the piston? I had this happen to a 914 engine of mine because of hot spots caused by valve guide failure. Not saying that's the case for you, but make sure the piece of the ring isn't fused to the piston.

 

naw it isn't fused
it looks like the piston was hit with something and distorted the ring slot just enough to make it a PITA to get out

 

nevermind
i got it out thanks to my trusty Batmobile keychain

"holy unstuck piston rings Batman"