Torque302

Is it worth it to put new rings in an engine with 135k on it without boring it out and going oversized on both the rings and the pistons? Currently the plugs look great and there is no smoke, but i have the engine out to clean it up and paint it as well as do a few upgrades/preventive maintenance (cam/lifters, headers, timing set, main rod and cam bearings, oil pump) so i figure maybe it could used honed and a new set of rings too.

Next, what rings are better? Iron, Moly, or Chrome? I am thinking Moly as opposed to iron, but have heard they do not seat as quickly and iron rings do but do last longer. What is the downside to them not seating quickly? And what about chrome rings? They are the most expensive it seems. Do they seat quicker AND last longer or what?

ma94xlt

Not worth it, if thats all you plan to do. If going that far MIC cylinders and check wear. If not bad, then a fresh hone and rings isnt bad idea. But might as well do bearing to. MIC crank make sure it wont nee cut for a good seal on bearings..


But if all your gonna do is put new rings in motor, BAD Idea.....

Torque302

Re-read my first post. Its pretty much getting a complete overhaul. Cam, lifters, all bearings, oil pump, timing set, gaskets and seals, and maybe GT40 heads. Thats why I figure I might as well hone it and throw in new rings too. Id rather not spend the money to bore it out and buy new pistons on top of everything else, especially when its not smoking or burning any oil at this point and the spark plugs look fantastic. Vacuum gauge shows steady 20" vacuum too so the heads and pistons/rings are in good shape. It does have some bearing issues and oil leaks, hence the overhaul and the rings are surely worn some. Figure if i'm in this far I might as well replace them.

dr_bowtie

if you're doing all that just have it bored and get oversized pistons... they are cheap

Aktech

I would do a compression test. That will tell weather you need new rings or not.

ma94xlt

Have cylinder MIC'd and see how close they are, or if they have a ridge, then bore it. If they are within in specs, then nothing wrong with a fresh hone and new rings.