I did! My first engine blew because I underestimated the gap. It’s amazing how much power loss can be traced back to something so seemingly small.
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That’s a real eye-opener! I guess we tend to overlook the small stuff too often. What did you eventually set your new gap to?
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After digging deep into research, I settled on 0.025 inches, and it made a world of difference! No more blow-by or struggling for power.
Awesome! Just goes to show that those little adjustments can really pay off. What about oil consumption though? Any issues there?
Surprisingly, no! Everything has been running smoothly. My oil consumption is actually down a bit. It’s like my engine finally breathes right! Although it does require a bit of monitoring.
Great to hear! If only we’d known the right settings from the beginning! But hey, at least now we can share and help others avoid the same mistakes!
Could be worse! Just think, some folks have been known to use duct tape for gapping…don’t be that guy! Seriously though, ring gaps count for a LOT in boosted builds.
When setting ring gaps for boosted applications, consider starting with 0.004" for every inch of cylinder bore. For example, if you have a 3.5" bore, your gap should be around 0.014".
That’s a solid rule of thumb! I’ve had good success with 0.020" on my turbocharged setup for higher boost levels.
Great advice, but I feel like it’s subjective based on the engine type and use. A high-revving engine might need tighter gaps to avoid overheating.
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That’s true, the application definitely plays a big role. If you’re going for longevity versus performance, adjust accordingly!
Exactly! It’s like choosing between sprinting and a marathon. What’s your engine setup?
I’ve got an LS engine running 10 psi. Should I stick with 0.018" to 0.020" on the top ring? Anyone done this?
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For 10 psi, 0.018" is a good starting point, but keep an eye on the temps. Tighter gaps can minimize blowby but risk more heat.
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True, but too loose and you’ll end up with oil in places you don’t want it!
That’s one way to put it! I stuffed a turbo and had to clean up oil everywhere. Gaps were too wide. Lesson learned.
Sometimes experience is the best teacher! Have you found a better setup since?
I’ve settled on a 0.016" gap since then. It’s not perfect, but it’s been leak-free even under boost.
Awesome! I think getting the right balance is key. You don’t want to run the risk of too much oil, but you also want power!
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