GM or Sealed Power rings?

[ForcedFirebird]

GM rings are $167 for OEM replacement, but I can get Sealed Power chrome-molly rings for $145.

Opinions please? I'm thinking the chrome-molly.

Also what's your thoughts on re-using rings if I were to make a piston change with low miles? Once the N/A testing is finished, 3400 pistons and boost is going to happen.

[johnnymossville]

To me Sealed Power makes good stuff, I'm going to use them in my engine. They are a division of Federal Mogul, also good stuff. Sealed Power and Speed Pro are the same quality, same manufacturer -Federal Mogul. As far as using the same rings I don't know. If you keep the mileage low, don't run it hot, and get the tune right you would probably be ok to run them again.
Hell, you might have so much N/A power you'll forget about that turbo!

[SappySE107]

I know its ok if you keep them on the piston. I don't know of the piston design will change any patterns that the rings have already set into. I would use either ring set, so price alone would decide for me.

[ForcedFirebird]

Hell, you might have so much N/A power you'll forget about that turbo!

I doubt it.

Tha cam bearings are Sealed Power, the rest are Clevite 77's.

I'm probably going to put low boost with the 11:1 compression just to prove a point, and a full 3500 swap will go in when a tubular k-member is in the budget. I've even considered using the same stock rings, they are in really good shape for the mileage, but would rather side on the err of caution.

[Superdave]

I've re-used rings on several occasions, just hone the cyl's good and they'll be fine. Just make damn sure you ridge-ream it as well.. broken rings suck. lol

[34blazer]

are those chrome-moly rings or moly coated ductile iron rings?

[ForcedFirebird]

are those chrome-moly rings or moly coated ductile iron rings?

It only said "chrome moly", and "OEM replacement" at the parts store.

Actually, the Sealed Power OEM replacement rings are $20/set ($120 for the engine), GM has them for $167, and the Sealed Power chrome moly are $145 (all rounded up).

[Ortie666]

Remember that moly rings have to be used with a fresh bore, not just a hone.. Thats the diffrence, the regular ones will form to the cyl. wall The moly ones wont beause of there hardness. The regular ones will have a better seal for the first 1,000 or more km. The moly ones need more break-in time... The molly ones will last 300,000 km opposed to 150,000 km with the regular ones

[34blazer]

Remember that moly rings have to be used with a fresh bore, not just a hone.. Thats the diffrence, the regular ones will form to the cyl. wall The moly ones wont beause of there hardness. The regular ones will have a better seal for the first 1,000 or more km. The moly ones need more break-in time... The molly ones will last 300,000 km opposed to 150,000 km with the regular ones

thats pretty much what i was getting at

[ForcedFirebird]

Remember that moly rings have to be used with a fresh bore, not just a hone.. Thats the diffrence, the regular ones will form to the cyl. wall The moly ones wont beause of there hardness. The regular ones will have a better seal for the first 1,000 or more km. The moly ones need more break-in time... The molly ones will last 300,000 km opposed to 150,000 km with the regular ones

I haven't checked the bore yet for concentricity. I guess that will be the deciding factor then.

I'm half tempted to re-use the rings that are on the engine, they are in good shape, and to spend another $150+ on a motor that is only going to be in there for a few hundred miles is ratling my brain.

[JohnnyReb]

Ortie hit this on the head. Moly rings will not seal on a imperfect bore. Never use moly rings on anything except a fresh engine. When used on a fresh engine you can also expect a longer break in period. You will probably have blowby and oil consumption problems for a while. I have seen some take several thousand miles to seal right. You also need to tell your machine shop you will be using moly rings, there is a diffrent cross hatch angle recommende for moly's. I put together a cummins 400 with high tin cylinder liners and moly rings, the guy who owned the truck cried like a baby for about 10k before it stoped smoking and consuming oil.

[ForcedFirebird]

Thanks again everyone!

I am the machine shop I have a few CNC's as well.

Honing is already at 60*, and am going to use the OEM replacement rings.