I'm about to install them and needed any opinions / pros / cons / do's / don'ts that anyone can help me with. I've installed many rings before but never the Total Seal brand gapless ones. Second ring is gapless. TIA :chevy

 

Just follow the instructions that came with them. Other than putting the two piece second ring together, they install the same as standard rings. I've been running them for several years and I'm still happy :).

 

And the reason you chose those over the gapless ring in the top groove is....

 

Since I'm supercharging 10-12 lbs of boost I really don't want the TOTAL burden of sealing placed on the top ring. That kind of boost might lift the ring-land area right off....I do have forged pistons with a generous amount of land area but you just never know. Top ring flutter is another concern as well as over heating.

 

??? You sure do!! The primary purpose of the second ring is for oil control. Ever hear of single ring pistons? Single rings are poular in motorcycling. Is it any accident their power to ci is so superior to most automotive? Ever wonder why SP suggests a larger SECOND ring gap compared to the top ring?

That kind of boost might lift the ring-land area right off....

Sure will, however, this happens IF you pressurize the area between the 1st and 2nd ring. When you have the second ring sealing more than the top ring or turning the second ring into a major/significant compression ring , that is what you end up with.

I do have forged pistons with a generous amount of land area...

So?

The gapless second ring is/was a flawed design. At the time of it's conception, the designers could not get their gapless ring to survive the heat generated at the top ring area. Fortunately, that has changed. Gee, wonder why they decided on the gapless top ring instead? Ever hear of some guys swearing by them, and some swearing at them? That's cuz those that had the good/effective sealing with the top ring, (where it belongs) experience a non issue with the gapless second ring. Those that had problems, (sealing and oil consumption problems) has inferior top ring sealing, and forced the gapless second to do the sealing. Result? Too much pressure between the top and second ring, thus aggravating an already poor scenario.

The choice is yours. :)



[Modified by arnold, 10:28 PM 5/30/2003]

 

Thank you for your comments!




[Modified by GRX, 8:35 PM 5/30/2003]

 

One other concideration, gapless rings generally do increase oil consumption. That little blow by helps clear the oil ring.

Phil
93 LT401
60ft - 1.45
1/8 - 6.74 @ 102.3 MPH
1/4 - 10.64 @ 125.34 MPH (BEST MPH 128.10)
500.4 RWHP, 456 RWTQ
Full weight, daily driver
All Motor. No Boost, No Juice

New Big block setup on the way!
Big Block pictures

 

I have problem with oil consumsion in my total seal rings engine. ~1 qt / 500 miles. Don't like it.

 

I use maybe 1/8th of a quart between changes about every 2,000 miles. I have the standard thickness and standard tension rings. I have heard that the thinner rings and lower tension oil rings do increase consumption but that applies to any type or brand.