if i use oem p30 pistons with oem rings, do the rings need to be gapped? I saw that being done here http://forums.evans-tuning.com/viewt...r+engine+build

but then noticed he is using aftermarket forged pistons...

input?
thanks!

 

No, you don't need to gap them if you bought the OEM stock honda parts.

 

Yes, you do.

 

so you have to go through all the crap with the feeler gauges and filer and whatnot? all tools i dont have...

 

If you want to avoid problems, I suggest you buy those tools. A feeler gauge is like $6 at any autoparts store and you can file down the rings using a $30 grinder or the ghetto way with a file.

Here is a good site: http://www.laskeyracing.com/shop/ringgap.htm

 

Not every ring, piston, and cylinder is the same. You absolutely should check the ring gap.

 

yeah thanks for the info schmoo...the next question is...

i see that they use a formula for finding the gap needed, but they use one for boosted cars...where can i find one for non boosted?

 

The OEM specs are as follows:

First ring: .20-.35 mm
Second ring: .40-.55 mm
Oil ring: .20-.50 mm

 

Maybe I'm confused on what you mean by "gapping"
To me, gapping is the process of filing the piston rings down, so the ends do not contact each other in the hot motor.
I did not gap my rings, I merely checked the oem parts to see if there was an adequate gap between the ends of the ring inside the cylinder.
I recently put new piston rings in along with LS pistons, and I did not gap them, as I used OEM parts. Haynes manual says it must be done on non-oem parts, but I followed the procedure, which states:
put the ring into the cylinder and push it down, so it compresses together. Then measure the gap of the rings inside the cylinder. If it's within tolerance, no gapping is necessary.
As for me, no gapping was necessary. And, now it runs perfect,
that is except for my misfiring problem

 

yup thats exactly what im loking for. I just wasnt sure how consistent the rings came from honda. but i guess i should check them just to be safe. Now i jut need to find feeler gauges