Drawbacks to Gapless Piston Rings

Joe Elias

From my racing experience, there is no gain in using the gapless rings. The gapless rings create their own unique problems too, such as increased blow-by pressure. In street applications you have to install a restrictor on the PCV hose; if you don't you will have blown valve cover and oil pan gaskets. Gapless rings will also fool you on your blow-by compression readings.

The best way to seal the engine is to mike the pistons, bore each cylinder in accordance to each mike reading. Also, use honing plates during the boring and honing; and for the final finish, use soft hone stones on the walls. We use honing plates during all the machine work of our blocks to simulate the cylinder head loading on the block. We also bolt the plates to the cylinder heads during all the valve work to simulate distortion.

Like I said before, it is your money; for your RPM applications, SS valves will suffice. Nevertheless, if you have the bucks, use Titanium.

Joe